Albatec Racing overcame difficult track conditions on the opening day of round one of the French Rallycross Championship at Essay this weekend, to take sixth place and the third fastest lap in Sunday’s Final. Former motocross racer Philippe Maloigne, starting only his third Supercar race and tenth event on four wheels, powered the #21 Peugeot 208 RX Supercar to the third fastest time in Saturday’s free practice.
In the opening four lap qualifying race the Frenchman had to contend with his first race in wet weather, and despite suffering a spin on the second lap, recovered to finish 14th. In the second race held in drying conditions, Philippe progressed to finish 11th, and finished the day 13th in the overnight standings.
Sunday morning warm-up offered additional dry track running ahead of the final two qualifying races, which again saw Philippe improve his results to post the ninth fastest overall race time. In the all-important final qualifier, he finished tenth to put him 12th overall in the intermediate standings and guarantee a place in the semi finals.
Lining up on row three, against a strong French RX contingent, Philippe finished fourth, a performance good enough to qualify for the seven lap final. Joining seven of the some of the best rallycross racers in France, Philippe drove a measured race to take sixth place, claim the third fastest lap, and finish as top Peugeot driver.
Round two of the French Rallycross Championship gets underway at Chateauroux over the weekend of 21 & 22 May.
Andy Scott, Team Principal Albatec Racing :
“I’m very satisfied with the results in Essay, the competition again was incredibly strong and Philippe drove very well across the whole event. It was a very impressive performance particularly considering his relative inexperience in rallycross, and against some of the best drivers in French RX.
“To be third fastest in practice in his first competitive run in the car, and claim the third fastest lap in the Final was a remarkable achievement, and throughout the course of the two days he improved with every race. He demonstrated a professional attitude and I’m confident that he will be a very strong driver in the races to come.”
Philippe Maloigne, driver Albatec Racing :
“I’m very happy to have reached the finals on my first event with Albatec and only my tenth car appearance. Free practice went well and I was happy with the third fastest time. In the first race, which was very wet, I had a spin on the second lap, which compromised the rest of the heats. I think if I’d been higher up in the first qualifying race, I could have made more progress through the other races and been in a better position for the semis and final.
“However I’m very pleased with the performance, the team worked well together and the car was faultless. It’s given me a lot of confidence going into the next round, where I’m sure we’ll continue to progress.”
