EKSRX have set a clear objective for the World RX of Argentina, host to the finale of the 2016 FIA World Rallycross Championship – to seal the Teams Championship and take a historic double win.
With Team Principal Mattias Ekström securing the Drivers Championship last time out at the World RX of Germany, the team has a chance to also take the Teams Title as they hold a 17 point lead over reigning champions and rivals Team Peugeot-Hansen, who dominated the 2015 season. This is a feat not yet achieved in World RX so far and with 56 points available this weekend, it is Ekstrom’s mission to complete the double.
“It’s still an incredible feeling to be the 2016 FIA World Rallycross Champion,” says Ekström. “We have experienced some outstanding weeks after the triumph at Estering. It’s been a super busy time, but I’ve enjoyed every second. Now it’s time to complete our mission. There is still one trophy up for grabs and we really want to take it home.”
EKSRX drivers Mattias Ekstrom and Topi Heikkinen in the Audi S1 Quattro Supercars at the World RX of France earlier this season. Credit: IMG / FIA World RX
Ekström’s team-mate Toomas ‘Topi’ Heikkinen has been fast all year, having made several appearances in the Supercar Final during the season in the Audi S1 Quattro. However, the Finn is cautious about track conditions ahead of what will be a weekend for maximum attack from both drivers as they try and take the Teams Championship home.
“Last year Argentina was a dusty affair and Q4 had to be cancelled. I really hope that they get it under control, because the track is really nice, especially the first part on the tarmac and the tight chicane. I’m really looking forward to some nice weather as well but trust me, we’re not travelling all the way to South America for holidays.”
To add to the competitive nature of the event this weekend, as EKSRX try and secure the Teams Championship they will also be up against the likes of Petter Solberg, Andreas Bakkerud, Johan Kristoffersson and Sebastien Loeb who are all fighting for second place in the Drivers Championship behind 2016 Champion Ekström.
