After impressive performances from both Reinis Nitiss and Andreas Bakkerud at Lydden Hill‘s WorldRX of Great Britain last weekend, Olsbergs MSE Ford has moved into the lead of the FIA World Rallycross Championship‘s Teams Championship.
The team is defending its 2014 title and has had both cars in the finals three times in a row now, proving their strength for the 2015 battle. “From a driver and team standpoint, this year’s World RX field is really good,” said Olsbergs MSE team owner Andreas Eriksson. “To have both OMSE cars in the finals three times in a row is an accomplishment.”
Both of their drivers were near the top of the timesheets in their Ford Fiesta ST Supercars all weekend, with Bakkerud and Nitiss fourth and fifth respectively after the heats. Having scored second and third in their semi-finals, both secured a position in the final.
Bakkerud unfortunately missed out on the podium in the final by just 0.3 seconds after contact with Johan Kristoffersson on the last straight before the finish line. “I’ve never seen more crowds here at Lydden Hill than I have today,” commented Bakkerud. “It’s so amazing to have a crowd like this here. These are rallycross fans through and through.”
Having started from the back row in the final, Nitiss was behind the leaders going into the first corner, and ultimately finished the race fifth. “Bakkerud and I were both in the mix all weekend, and consistent, and I’m happy with that,” said Nitiss, who is 19 and in his second season of Supercars.
As well as their Supercar entries, Olsbergs MSE built all 12 cars entering the RX Lites category, with team driver Kevin Eriksson finishing second.
After a break, the next round of the FIA WorldRX Championship will be in Germany on June 19-21.
