Alexander Hvaal has announced to the FIA World Rallycross Championship website that he will return to the FIA European Rallycross Championship this year, driving for Per Eklund in one of his iconic VW Beetle Supercars.
Hvaal contested several rounds of EuroRX last year in a Citroen DS3 Supercar, however he has made the move to the Eklund Motorsport squad for 2016 with a view to competing in several rounds of WorldRX should the pace of the car show well enough. The Beetle was driven in 2015 by both Daniel Holten and Henning Solberg at selected EuroRX and WorldRX events.
Hvaal is looking for success in 2016 but is aware of the issues of driving a brand new car:
“We spoke to a lot of teams about this season, but the deal we have with Per (Eklund) is very fair and I will race a brand new car. It will have the latest updates with engine and suspension. I felt really comfortable in the 2015 Beetle when I tested it and with the changes in the new car it should be another step forward; I have full confidence in the team,” said Hvaal.
“My goal is to try to win the European Championship, but as it’s a new car, it will take some time for me to get used to it. If we can find the speed in Euro RX, I will also do some races in the World Championship too.”
Team owner Per Eklund, is excited to work with Hvaal this year and explains that the 2015 car will also be out in action this season:
“I have followed Alex for a long time, he was very quick when he raced with Kenneth Hansen’s team a few years ago. It’s not easy to win events, so he is obviously fast,” said Eklund.
“Alex is a very sensible and good driver. He wants to start from scratch this season with a fresh team and we are really excited to work with him. We will build him a new car for this season with a lot of developments. The 2015 car will be used too – I have already promised that to another driver, which will be announced soon.”
