European Rallycross

Albatec Duo Shine at Mettet EuroRX

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Albatec Racing‘s Jerome Grosset-Janin and James Grint enjoyed a positive first days work at the opening round of the 2015 FIA European Rallycross Championship held at Mettet in Belgium.

Grosset-Janin currently lies in 11th place in the overall standings for Day One, just inside the crucial top twelve whilst he sits in second place in the EuroRX Intermediate standings in his Peugeot 208 WRX just behind overnight leader Francois Duval in his Ford Focus.

James Grint is making his EuroRX debut in the Supercars class this weekend, having taken part in the British Rallycross meeting at Pembrey last weekend. After impressing in his first heat race finishing in fourth place, the wet conditions caught him out somewhat and Grint lies in 29th place overall heading into the second days action. Crucially he stands in 12th place in the EuroRX standings and looks to have the pace to go through to the Semi-Finals.

Albatec Racing Team Principal Andy Scott is pleased with both drivers performances so far.

“I’m very happy with both our drivers this weekend; Jérome has done an absolutely stellar job, his 40.345 in timed practice was fantastic,” said Scott.  “He was unlucky in the first heats as it started to rain and the heats therefore got slower and slower, but he still put in a very strong drive. To finish second of the Euro RX runners and be placed 11th overall in the overnight standings is a great achievement and I’m very happy with his performance.

“James also has shown again great maturity today and kept himself out of trouble. He had two steady drives and it’s only his second ever Supercar event and the first time in these conditions. He improves all the time, and I hope tomorrow it will be dry and there will be more to come from both James and Jérome.”

Grosset-Janin is confident he can keep up his momentum as he learns more about the Peugeot, saying: “I feel very good in the car and the performance is definitely there as in free practice we were seventh fastest which is pretty good for the first laps in competition. There were just the weather changes and a few small things, but generally I’m pretty happy with the first day and 11th overall.

“The car is very quick, which is the most important, and I fit very well in it.  I’m also feeling confident with the car, I can do what I like with it, although of course it’s very hard to enjoy these conditions as I don’t yet know the car fully, but that will come.”

Grint is very happy with his EuroRX debut so far for the team despite learning in the tricky conditions.

“I think it’s been a decent start really, I made a few mistakes which cost me a bit of time in the heats, but all in all it’s been a decent run,” said Grint.  “It’s only my second ever Supercar race and the first time in the wet, and for me it’s all about learning; I think there’s a lot more to come.

“I think in dry conditions I should be able to push more, it’s a very steep learning curve, but we’re moving in the right direction. You never know what to expect in the wet until you’re in those conditions and now I have a better idea. The times are coming down, and I think the pace will come. The car is great, the team is great, and I’m loving every second.”

Heats three and four as well the EuroRX Semi-Finals and Final take place on Sunday.

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I have been a very passionate fan of Motorsport for over 30 years with Touring Cars as my favourite form of Motor Racing. I cover The TCR UK Series, The TCR Europe Series and The FIA World Touring Car Cup (WTCR) as well as following various TCR Series around the world.
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