EKSRX have suffered from bad luck for the last two events in the 2016 FIA World Rallycross Championship and they are looking for a return to race wining form at the World RX of Spain.
Whilst the teams two drivers, Mattias Ekstrom and Topi Heikkinen, have shown excellent pace during Qualifying, Lady Luck has deserted both drivers when it has come to the Semi-Finals. Ekstrom has suffered a puncture in the last two World RX events at the Semi-Final stage whilst Heikkinen managed to salvage fourth place in Canada before falling victim to contact in France.
With the team having a reduced lead in the FIA World Rallycross Teams Championship thanks to the points haul taken by Team Peugeot-Hansen in France, the German outfit will be looking to extend their 19 point lead with a large points score this weekend.
Team Principle Ekstrom is hopeful of a return to form this weekend:
“I have bittersweet memories from last year,” says Ekström. “We were super fast the entire weekend, but after a small mistake in my semi, I missed the final run. This year, the chances are really good to gain a better result. I feel very comfortable with the most recent update in terms of development. For Barcelona, a smaller aspect will be added. With respect to the atmosphere, it’s one of the top three events besides Lohéac and Höljes.”
Heikkinen is looking forward to racing at a track that should suit both his driving style and the Audi S1 Quattro:
“After the accident in France, my Audi S1 EKS RX quattro is back in shape and now it’s up to me to reap the fruit of our labour. I really like the track. It is one of the few rallycross circuits with very fast opening corners on tarmac and a lot of flat out sections, which suit our car and me.”
