Finnish rallycross driver Topi Heikkinen had his first full test of the car his will be driving this year in the FIA World Rallycross Championship presented by Monster Energy as competitors headed to Hockenheim to test track changes ahead of the new season.
Heikkinen makes the move to the EKS RX team after two mixed seasons with the Marklund Motosport team; The 2013 Red Bull Global Rallycross Champion finished the 2014 season as runner-up in the championship before a troubled 2015 saw him end the season in ninth place.
2015 saw the FIA World Rallycross Championship welcome the Hockenheimring to the calendar as it joined forces with the DTM weekend. For 2016 it returns and there has been a number of changes to the rallycross track, Heikkinen was one of the drivers that had the opportunity to test the new layout.
“The surface was much better than last year.” Heikkinen told theCheckeredFlag.co.uk. “The track brings a lot of challenge, especially with the second gravel part, which was closed last year. Even it was only a one-day test I’m really confident that we will be fast in Hockenheim.”
The test also saw the first opportunity for the Finn to try out the Audi S1 under proper conditions, “The Audi S1 EKS RX quattro is super fun to drive. Hockenheim was my first proper test and I still need some more practice, but be sure that I will be ready in Portugal.”
The new season gets under way 15-17 April as the series opens with the Bompiso World RX of Portugal.
