Albatec Racing looks forward to making its debut in Mettet, Belgium this weekend for the opening round of the 2015 FIA European Rallycross Championship, which joins the third round of the 2015 FIA World Rallycross Championship.
The Dumfries based team is looking to make a strong start to their EuroRX campaign as they field their two Peugeot 208 WRX Supercars with a strong and exciting pair of drivers for the five rounds. Frenchman Jerome Grosset-Janin heads the line-up, having experience from the French Rallycross series and made several appearences in WorldRX in 2014.
He is joined by James Grint, who made his Supercar debut for Albatec Racing last weekend in the British Rallycross Championship, finishing fourth in the Final. Grint is making his EuroRX debut and is looking forward to gaining experience with the team as well as taking the fight to the competition in an event that sees 39 drivers and Supercars contesting the weekend.
Although this is the teams first foray into EuroRX, Team Principle Andy Scott is confident of a good showing this weekend.
“I’m pretty excited about racing in Belgium,” said Scott. “We didn’t have the best of results there last year, with considerable damage to both cars across the weekend, but with a great start to our British RX campaign I’m confident that the Albatec Peugeots are very strong and competitive, with more still to come.
“Both Jérome and James have proved very competent and quick drivers; Jérome we know from his previous rallycross experience has everything it needs to be a serious championship contender, while James’ driving in Pembrey was outstanding, and he’s certainly going to be one to watch going forwards.”
Grint is looking forward to a pressure-free debut in the European opener this weekend.
“We had a great opening race in Supercars with a strong performance at Pembrey last weekend, including a good introduction to what I can expect against the best in the world,” said Grint. “I go into Belgium with no pressure though, the pressure is on Jérome with his greater experience, however I am a competitive driver and I want to win.
“I think I’ve proved I have the speed, now it’s all down to gaining track time and experience of racing against the rest of the Euro RX regulars. The car was fantastic in testing and at Pembrey, and I improved every session, so we’re certainly going in the right direction. I know it’s going to be tough, the competition is fierce, but I’ll give it everything I’ve got to gain a strong result, with a place in the semi finals very much my aim.”
Grosset-Janin is eager to get his EuroRX challenge started with his new team.
“I am excited to start this new challenge with Albatec Racing over a competition weekend,” said Grosset-Janin. “I have already had a few days with the team, at BritishRX and during the test days, and I feel very happy within the team. We have a very good organisation, with good values and team members that match well with my spirit.
“The Albatec Peugeot 208 feels very good. I have felt a lot of new things and I know that the car is very efficient! Now we have to see what it gives against the best drivers in the world but I am already sure that the package is good. The car has a good balance, and every time we change the set-up it reacts, so it is very comfortable for me.
“I am racing driver because I like to drive, I like challenges, I like competition and of course I like to win… Three of those are already on the way!”
