Albatec Heads to Essay For France RX Season-Opener

Dumfries, Scotland (UK) — Thursday 28 April 2016; Albatec Racing heads to Essay this weekend (April 30/May 1) for the opening round of the French Rallycross Championship, with Philippe Maloigne taking the wheel of the team’s #21 Peugeot 208 RX Supercar for the first time in competition. The Frenchman joined the team for two days testing in Faleyras, France recently, where he completed a number of successful runs ahead of his Albatec debut.

A strong quality line-up includes 18 Supercar drivers, including last year’s vice-champion and several World RX regulars, so the competition looks fierce. However, the former international motocross rider, and French Supercross Champion, has a great pedigree from which to start his first full season in Supercars.

No stranger to the top level of rallycross, having reached the semi-finals twice in his two FIA European Rallycross Championship outings last season, Philippe joins the team at a track he knows, where a strong qualifying position is key to securing a good result.

Free practice in Essay gets underway at 09.45 on Saturday, followed by the first and second qualifying races at 13.30. Sunday continues with warm-up at 08.00, with the third and fourth heats from 09.00. The semi-finals and finals take place from 13.45.

Andy Scott, Team Principal Albatec Racing :

“I’m delighted to be a part of the prestigious French Rallycross Championship this season. Having contested selected events before with Julien Fébreau and Kristian Sohlberg, it’s proved to be a very competitive, and incredibly professional series, and I’m sure the weekend will be equally exciting.

“Philippe has proved to be a very competent, fast and professional driver and I’m delighted to welcome him into the team and excited to see how he performs this weekend. We had a very successful test recently and he acclimatised well, so I’m certain he’ll be competing for a place on the podium.”

Philippe Maloigne, driver Albatec Racing :

“Of course I’m very excited about racing with Albatec this weekend, I know we have one of the highest performing cars, operated by the best technical team. The only issue will be to avoid any additional pressure for the driver!

“The test in Faleyras was very helpful and I learned so many things during the two days with the EuroRX champion and vice champion; what more could I expect from a learning session. The engineer’s performance level is amazing, the mechanics are cool and professional, and Andy and Audrey were as always completely involved and I really appreciated that.

“Essay is quite fun to drive, and I really appreciate it, but it’s very difficult to overtake so a good start will be crucial. Regardless of the outcome, as long as I have given 100% across all races I’ll be satisfied.”

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Pembrey Beckons For Albatec In British RX Double-Header

Dumfries, Scotland (UK) — Wednesday 27 April, 2016; Albatec Racing continues its MSA British Rallycross Championship in association with Odyssey Battery campaign in rounds three and four at Pembrey this May Day Bank Holiday weekend. The two-day event sees a return to the Welsh track for James Grint, where he made an impressive Supercar debut last season, aboard the #27 Peugeot 208 RX Supercar.

After two rounds the Briton is placed fourth in the standings, following a podium finish last time out at Lydden Hill. Now, following a successful test in Faleyras, France last month, the 25 year-old Hertfordshire racer heads to Wales confident of a repeat performance.

The double-header event features a change from last season, with the introduction of Saturday’s round three running in reverse direction, offering a new challenge for the drivers and teams. Action gets underway at Pembrey on both Sunday May 1 and Monday May 2 at 09.00am, with qualifying races taking place for each class before semi-finals and finals round out the day’s action. Admission to the circuit starts from £15. Children 14 and under (accompanied) are admitted free of charge.

Highlights of the MSA British Rallycross Championship will be broadcast on BT Sport and Motors TV. (Check listings for details).

MSA British Rallycross Championship points after two rounds:
1. Dan Rooke 57
2. Kevin Procter 53
3. Ollie O’Donovan 48
4. James Grint 41
5. Mark Flaherty 40
6. Dave Bellerby 40

Andy Scott, Team Principal Albatec Racing :

“We’re looking forward to returning to Pembrey, where I’m sure James will give a good account of himself as he bids for another podium and a maiden race win. We had a successful test at Faleyras recently, and make some good progress, and although the entry is again a strong one, I have every confidence that we can continue to move forwards.

“I’m particularly looking forward to seeing how the reverse track direction works for the opening race on Saturday, it will certainly only up a whole load of new challenges for the drivers and team, but will I’m sure produce an equally exciting race for the spectators and drivers alike.”

James Grint, driver Albatec Racing :

“I’m feeling really great going into Pembrey, I know the car is fast I just need to steer it cleanly through the qualifying. Testing in Faleyras was great and the car is 100% ready for battle. The new dampers from Exe-tc are amazing and it was fantastic having the guys come along to the test to help dial them in. The setup just keeps improving and the car really is amazing to drive, I feel privileged to be part of such a professional and hard-working team.

“Pembrey is a great track, the longer gravel sections will suit me and the car for sure. I think the reverse direction is a good move and it will make it seem like two separate events, which will definitely mix up the racing. I’m looking forward to seeing how it goes. It’s hard to predict the outcome, although we are certainly fast enough to challenge for another podium, and hopefully the top step too! We have a couple of extra modifications that I’m sure will be a big step forward in performance, so I can’t wait to get back out there and show everyone what I can do.”