Seven days in rallycross, March 20

The only major item of a fairly quiet week has been the announcement that former World Snowcross Champions Mats and Emil Ohman will join in a new two-car team of Citroen DS3 Supercars and undertake a combined attack on the FIA European Rallycross Championship. A brace of ex-Hansen DS3s are to be employed for the campaign, Emil slated to drive in the five European RX events with his uncle Mats planning to add Finland, Sweden and France to his programme to form an  eight-event schedule.

Sticking with the family theme, Lucie Grosset-Janin will return to rallycross this year and tackle the Ladies Cup within the French championship, Last year Lucie, sister of Jerome and Fabien, became the most successful woman driver in the French championship almost by default, but this year she is looking forward to stiffer competition in the Ladies section within the Twingo Trophy. “Last year we were few so the title was not difficult. If we are more numerous the title will be harder to keep but I want the challenge and look forward to having more competition,” she said.

High profile female racer Ramona Karlsson is continuing to pursue a deal to join the World Rallycross Championship, and was this week invited to join the FIA’s Women in Motorsport Commission. “Ramona works tirelessly to develop her own career but is also dedicated to helping others make their way in our sport; that is something special. She demonstrates great commitment, enthusiasm and determination and is a real inspiration to young women. The FIA Women in Motorsport Commission is delighted to welcome her as one of its members,”  said commission president Michele Mouton.

Thirty years ago and close to the peak of her career as a driver, Mouton also did some TV presentation, among it this amazing report on rallycross at Loheac. In what has been a fairly quiet week its worth a few minutes of your time, even if only to marvel at what appears to be a 20-car grid in the one-make Renault 4 race!

[tube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lqw_tnDNcQg[/tube]

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