Seven days in rallycross, April 10

It’s been a week of confirmation; it started out with Andreas Bakkerud taking his OMSE Fiesta to Bergen and launching his 2014 FIA World Rallycross Championship campaign to partners and loyal supporters in his home city. That was followed by Tommy Rustad and then Marklund Motorsport revealing cars in 2014 livery and reconfirming their plans in the European and World Championships respectively. ““The season will be tough with respect to the competition but at the same time fun to follow for the fans,” said Marklund Motorsport VW driver Toomas Heikkinen. “Well-known racing and rally drivers will fight for the title against rallycross regulars and there is also the battle between the various manufacturers. Our goal is to win the first World Rallycross Championship title although it will be a big challenge.”

Outside of this flurry of activity, Fredrik Salsten announced his step up from 2400 Supernational racing to the European championship’s TouringCar category.

Linus Westman has secured a drive in the new Supercar Scandinavia series, stepping up from Supernational to race a Hedstroms Motorsport Skoda Fabia in the national series.

Continuing his relentless PR schedule in the run up to the World Championship, Bakkerud, also met with more than 100 volunteers who will be involved in at ‘Rallycross in Hell’, the Norwegian round of the World championship. Bakkerud was on hand to thank and motivate the local volunteer workforce. “Thank you for showing up! It’s you who make it possible for me and the other drivers to do this,” said Bakkerud who urged his compatriots to think big and put all their weight behind the Norwegian event. “We will beat the Swedes. They have a fantastic event in Holjes, but we will do better. Some are talking about 15,000 spectators, but why not 25,000? Bring your neighbours, your friends, spread the word and we will rock Hell!”.

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