Bakkerud Wins World’s Biggest Rallycross Event

Andreas Bakkerud claimed his second RallycrossRX win in succession at round seven of the FIA European Rallycross Championship held at Loheac, France (Sept 1^st).

Bakkerud shared the front row of the final with Petter Solberg, the pair both having won their semi-finals. Solberg made the best start, winning the Monster Energy Supercharge Award for being first to the first corner with Bakkerud hot on his heels.

Timur Timerzyanov made a great start from the back row of the grid to run three abreast with middle row starters Tanner Foust and Davy Jeanney into the first corner. Jeanney took his joker lap at the first opportunity on lap one, removing himself from the mid-pack battle. Bakkerud tried to pass Solberg on lap two, he took the lead briefly before running wide handing the place back to Solberg. Bakkerud tried the next move again on lap three and made it stick to seize the lead.

Timerzyanov took his joker on lap two, returning to the main circuit in last place behind French wildcard Gaetan Serazin. Solberg was next to take the extra route of the circuit on lap four, returning to the main track still in second position. Bakkerud increased his lead, able to take the joker in the closing stages and maintain his advantage.

As contact was made further back between Foust and Timerzyanov, Bakkerud claimed the win by a margin of 2.5 seconds.

“What a crazy race. I was pushing to the limit. Petter was really fast off the line but then I think he overheated his tyres too early. This is amazing, the whole event has been huge” said a delighted Bakkerud.

Nine-time World Rally Champion Sebastien Loeb finished semi-final two in fourth place behind Timerzyanov, missing out on a place in the final by just four tenths of a second. “It’s been a great atmosphere here in Loheac, there have been many spectators and it’s always nice to drive at home in France, in front of my fans.”

British World Rally star Kris Meeke was fast all weekend but contact with other cars ultimately ruled him out of contention in the heats. “It’s disappointing not to make the semi-finals, we had a few problems through the weekend, but when you’re here setting fastest laps in one of these cars it certainly wets your appetite to do more.”

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