Lohéac, France — Sunday 6 September, 2014; Albatec Racing Team Principal Andy Scott continued his excellent form of 2014, powering his 600bhp two-litre 16v Peugeot 208 to its fifth semi final from six rounds of the FIA World Rallycross Championship. Amid one of the strongest entries of the season at the packed Lohéac track the 2011 MSA British Rallycross Vice-Champion was consistently among the crucial top 12 during four close-fought heats that netted him a perfectly-judged race win this morning.
The Dumfries businessman was placed tenth overall before the final heat this afternoon, and following a strong run last year that just failed to see him progress, was determined to make amends this year. Finishing fourth, his consistent race pace enabled him to maintain a position in the top 12, to secure a place in semi final two.
Taking up his position on the back row alongside American Gymkana star Ken Block and with 2003 World Rally Champion Petter Solberg on pole, the MacDuff-backed racer made a reasonable start but was unable to find the necessary pace to progress into the top three. Despite that, Andy was pleased with the result that sees him confirm his position as a front-running driver.
Joining the Lochfoot team at arguably the biggest event on the rallycross calendar was Briton David Binks, the Newcastle racer stepping into the similar 208 of former F1 World Champion Jacques Villeneuve. Returning to race action after a season-ending roll in Las Vegas in 2012, the former Minicross Champion was left disappointed not to make it through to the finals, however with 37 of the world’s best rallycross racers vying for just 12 places, he did a tremendous job.
With only one day behind the wheel prior to Saturday open practice, David acclimatised well to the latest generation Supercar and throughout the weekend steadily and consistently improved his lap times, however amid the fierce competition found himself the subject of several hits which seriously compromised his race times. Despite the disappointment, the experience, in front of an estimated 70,000 enthusiastic French fan has left the former Global Rallycross Championship contender determined to return to full-time race action.
The series now enjoys a two-week break before action resumes at the Estering track in Buxtehude, Germany over the weekend of 20/21 September, while the team resumes track action with a testtomorrow with Swedish rally star Ramona Karlsson in preparation for her appearance in Germany.
Andy Scott, Team Principal and driver Albatec Racing #26 :
“What a fantastic start to the day winning the opening race was with such strong competition. I knew heat four would be tough, but having been consistently among the qualifying positions all weekend, and having previously qualified for four of my five events this year, I would have been very disappointed not to get through to the semis.
“Having said that, to qualify here, at arguably the home of French rallycross, in a French car, with French engine and gearbox, made this weekend extra special. The competition was particularly fierce not just in the number of drivers but the quality of the entry, so for anyone to reach the semis is an achievement.”
David Binks, driver Albatec Racing #81 :
“It’s been a great experience, I’ve had a fantastic two days. During the test we found some time and over the weekend we’ve gone quicker and quicker. It’s been a tough weekend, tougher than I was probably expecting, but I’m pleased with the way I’ve driven and with the way the car has been. We had a few issues early yesterday, but the guys got it all sorted and we’ve been going better and better each time. Today’s heats were tough, with quite a bit of rough and tumble, but to be honest 21st after two years away, on a new track and with this level of competition, yeah I’m a happy man.
“I don’t think there’s a bad driver among them to be honest, but you know we’ve all got good cars with good drivers and unfortunately for me this weekend was an accumulation of not really knowing the car, not knowing the circuit and trying to pull all those things together at probably the pinnacle of the sport, it just needed more time and experience.”
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