A brand new rallycross track greets Dumfries team Albatec Racing this weekend, when the FIA World Rallycross Championship presented by Monster Energy heads to Barcelona, Spain for the penultimate round of Euro RX. After three rounds Jérôme Grosset-Janin is placed second following victory, second and fourth places in Belgium, Germany and Norway, with the Frenchmen keen to get back to the top step of the podium aboard his Poujoulat-backed Peugeot 208 RX Supercar.
In round three, the former French champion was joined in the semis by his young British team-mate James Grint, marking the former rallyman’s second appearance in the finals in three events. The Hertfordshire driver was comfortable and consistently quick at the wheel of his Up&Go-backed 208 last time out, and determined to capitalise on that as he looks for another strong result in Spain.
The new Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, home to the Formula One and MotoGP events, is unusual in featuring an uphill start leading into a long, sweeping left hander at turn one, traditionally used as the right-handed penultimate corner of the MotoGP lap. The 1.133m track also utilises the penultimate corner of the F1 track, where the chicane will provide a thrilling last corner joker lap. Always a great leveller, the new circuit promises plenty of action, with the wide, smooth, fast tarmac coupled to two gravel sections and numerous elevation changes, amid a stadium section offering fantastic viewing for the crowd.
Track action in Spain gets underway with practice at 09.30am on Saturday 19 September, with the first heats starting at 12.30 and the second at 14.45. Sunday warm-up starts at 08.30 with heat three at 10.00, and the fourth at 11.15. The semi-finals and Final start at 13.40. Live timing, live streaming in certain territories, and additional information can be found on the official website at www.rallycrossrx.com.
Andy Scott, Albatec Racing Team Principal :
“It’s always exciting to go to a new circuit, so I’m looking forward to going to Barcelona. A new track means we’re all starting from the same point, but naturally it also means you have no idea what to expect. But I’m confident the organisers and IMG will deliver another great new event.
“Albatec had a good result last time out in the European series in Norway with both Jérôme and James reaching the semi finals again and in France with Jérôme and Yvan Muller we were consistently in the top ten across three of the heats, so we head to Spain optimistic of another strong result.”
Jérôme Grosset-Janin, Albatec Racing driver #74 :
“Barcelona is a new discovery for us and it is exciting to have this feeling of the unknown! There is a strong battle in the European RX championship and everything could go well, or indeed the wrong way.
“But as usual, I will do my best, to get the best out of the car, and work with the team to be on top!”
James Grint, Albatec Racing driver #27 :
“It's been quite a while since Norway, but I'm pretty focused and as ready as I can be. I usually manage to get a test in the car before a race but that's not been possible this time so Norway was the last time in the car. But I'm sure we will be quick!
“I think the new track will be a bit of a leveller as the experienced guys won't have any data for the new track. The pace will still be insane but I'd expect a smaller gap between teams and drivers here. I'm pretty happy to have made the semi finals twice in three races. In Estering I just about made the cut but in Norway I feel I really deserved my place in the semi finals, so I will be looking to improve on that performance. I think the pace is good enough for the finals so I will be pushing to get in there!!
“Jerome is a great teammate. He pushes me and helps me find a few extra tenths with my lap times so I’m really glad to have him around. The team is fantastic, I’ve got two great mechanics and one of the best engineers I’ve ever known behind me and of course Andy up in the spotters tower!! All these guys are pushing to unlock even more potential from our 208s and you can feel the car improving each time I sit in it. So well done to the guys they’re doing a great job.”
