Drivers get in the RX groove
by Hal Ridge |
The pre-season training camp at Lydden Hill was the scene for the launch of the 2013 FIA European Rallycross Championship. The venue will also host the first round of the championship on March 31 – April 1, so the opportunity to put in some laps was eagerly accepted by those teams with cars ready to run. Friday’s media launch revealed the names of the 15 permanent championship drivers to the media, but before that Thursday was taken up with a full day of training sessions aimed at allowing drivers to improve their performance out of the car.
Thursday morning saw two different sessions for the group of drivers in attendance. The first was held by fitness and nutritional expert Dan Williams from Pro Performance who gave a broad talk about the basics of what a driver needs consider when training, and how to be on top of their game in every situation. The second session was held by television presenter Louise Goodman, who also works as a media trainer for racing drivers. The group were again given a wide talk on what is required from the modern racing driver, and watched videos to make comparisons between good and bad interview technique, and how any driver can improve their media skills. As Goodman stated in her talk; “It’s no use just being fast in motor sport any more, it’s essential to be media aware”. The key point was not to be embarrassed by practicing media skills, the teams do rigorous testing on the cars and equipment and the drivers should do the same thing with themselves to capitalise on every media opportunity.
The afternoon saw one-to-one sessions for the drivers to elaborate on what had been discussed in the sessions. Goodman filmed and interviewed each driver, who then watched it back to see where they could improve. Dan Williams discussed with individuals how they could improve their own fitness. IMG Rallycross Marketing Manager Annie Richmond was also on hand to discuss the importance of the marketing and PR of the drivers, for themselves and their sponsors.
“Its very interesting,” said VW Polo Supercar driver Anton Marklund. “I think today has made us all more aware of what we need to be doing.”
Friday morning saw the permanent drivers of the FIA European Rallycross Championship announced to the packed media tent by IMG Rallycross Managing Director Martin Anayi, who introduced the drivers and teams, including the exciting news that Petter Solberg would be one of the 15 permanent RallycrossRX drivers (below).
The media were then treated to watching the cars in attendance testing on the Lydden Hill circuit, before the even bigger treat of having passenger rides around the home of rallycross by some of the best in Europe. “Its great having the opportunity to take people in the car and show them what its like,” said Norweigan Alexander Hvaal. “And I quite enjoy scaring them too!”
Drivers and teams were on hand all day to do one-to-one interviews for the print, online, television and radio media. Teams finished the day with another hour of track time, trying different variations of setup on the cars in preparation for the season opener in five weeks time. Buy your tickets here.
Permanent Supercar drivers for 2013 FIA European Rallycross Championship
- Andreas Bakkerud (NOR) Citroen Ds3
- Knut Ove Borseth (NOR) Skoda Fabia
- Michael De Keersmaecker (BEL) Ford Focus
- Liam Doran (GBR) Citroen Ds3
- Timmy Hansen (SWE) Citroen Ds3
- Peter Hedstrom (SWE) Skoda Fabia
- Alexander Hvaal (NOR) Citroen Ds3
- Davey Jeanney (FRA) Citroen C4
- Mats Lysen (NOR) Renault Clio
- Anton Markund (SWE) VW Polo
- Ronny Scheveneels (BEL) Peugeot 207
- Andy Scott (GBR) Peugeot 208
- Petter Solberg (NOR) Citroen Ds3
- Timur Timerzyanov (RUS) Citroen Ds3
- Stig-Olov Walfridson (SWE) Renault Clio