Ken Block has announced that Andreas Bakkerud will be joining him for his 2016 FIA World Rallycross Championship campaign.
The 24-year-old Norwegian has been with the Olsbergs MSE team for the last two seasons, driving their Ford Fiesta ST to fifth and fourth places in the championship, picking up three wins and another five podiums on the way.
Other Olsbergs duties for Bakkerud included being a spotter for the team in the Red Bull Global Rallycross team, so he will have seen at first hand the potential pace of his new team boss/team mate.
Block who announced his World RX campaign last week is looking to hit the championship running with his latest signing.
Speaking via his Facebook page Block said, “Andreas Bakkerud is my rallycross teammate for 2016!! I am really stoked to team up with this young and talented Norwegian rallycross driver for the next two years in the FIA World Rallycross Championship. He’s a proven race winner, and he’s going to help me attempt to win an FIA World Title. Welcome aboard, Andreas!”
An excited Bakkerud said that he was excited by the new opportunity “I love rallycross and I’ve been able to have a few good seasons back-to-back. And the car? Ford Performance and M-Sport are building us one of the best cars to ever compete in rallycross.”
“I think that working with Ken and his team in 2016 is really going to help me elevate my driving even further, plus I’ve always admired the way they handle exposing and marketing themselves both on and off event. I think this whole thing is an incredible opportunity not only for myself behind the wheel this year, but to learn and develop myself for the future as well. I can’t wait for the season to start! Thanks again to Ken and his team for this dream opportunity.”
Block added, “I’m confident that with him on my team, we will be strong contenders for the 2016 FIA World Rallycross Championship.”
