Hell, Norway. Albatec Racing showed its potential against the established opposition with a strong pace on the opening day of the FIA European Rallycross Championship at Lnke, Hell today (Saturday 15). The fledgling outfit continues to develop the brand new Peugeot 208 for Andy Scott, and has worked hard to overcome the technical issues it suffered in Finland last weekend, turning the two-litre, 16v, four-wheel-drive car into a front-runner in just under a week.
Running for the first time since Kouvola, Team Principal Scott took to the Norwegian circuit for free practice this afternoon and was immediately on the pace and with five cars on track at any one time, was regularly matching the times of his competitors. Heavy overnight rain had soaked the circuit, offering conditions that suit the Dumfries, Scotsman, and after four runs around the 1.2km track, Scott posted the eighth fastest time of the 24 drivers.
Following the morning draw, the 2011 MSA British Rallycross Vice-Champion took up his place in the middle of the grid, joining three Norwegians, and the reigning European champion Timur Timerzyanov. Making the choice to take his joker early in an attempt to gain positions, Scott was however unable to capitalise on the decision, when two other drivers did the same, leaving Scott to take fourth.
The second heat saw him start from pole, but a poor getaway dropped him down the order. Unable to find a way past his rivals over the course of the four laps, Scott eventually finished fifth, to place 16th overall after the two heats. Scott now looks to tomorrows third and fourth heats knowing that a strong result is necessary to allow him to progress to the semi-finals, but remains confident of a return to the form that allowed him to net heat victory in the season-opener in April.
Tomorrows RallycrossRX track activity kicks off with the first of two heats from 10.30, with the Semi Finals and Finals from 15.00. (All times are local and remain subject to change).
Andy Scott, Team Principal and driver Albatec Racing #26 :
Overall Im very happy with the day. With how the team has pulled together this week, the whole set-up of the car, its better than weve had all season, and I really enjoyed it. There is still a lot more to come, so Im hoping for even better things tomorrow.
Im a little disappointed with the starts though as Im sure we have the potential speed to get a good position. And for sure starting in the earlier heats would have helped as the track conditions definitely improved over the course of the day. But without question the starts are now the priority. With those sorted, Im sure we can get a top ten time.
Marc Laboulle, Team Manager Albatec Racing :
Im really happy with todays performance because we had a massive challenge after Finland. It was our objective to promise to Andy that he would have reliability, so Im very pleased that we were able to deliver that. When Andy is happy and has confidence in the car he can go fast, and eighth in practice was proof of that. Now we just need to sort out the small details like the starts, but we are definitely moving in the right direction.
The whole team worked really hard this week, and Id like to say a big thank you to them all, including our technical partners, for providing a reliable, fast car today, and lets continue to work towards a good result for tomorrow.
