Both reigning and former FIA World Rallycross champions Mattias Ekström and Petter Solberg head in to the second day of the fifth round of WorldRX both in a confident mood.
Solberg and PSRX Volkswagen Sweden teammate Johan Kristoffersson dominated both qualifying races to head the overnight standings while Ekström secured third place.
“So far I have no reason to complain. The car is running well and the weather is outstanding by English standards,” said the Ekström.
“Near the front, but still some way to go. The Polos of Petter Solberg and Johan Kristoffersson are very fast.” he added.
A modest Solberg commented “It’s not easy, it’s quite a special track but it’s a fantastic feeling,”
“Some of the improvements we have done from the last race have made me more comfortable and faster. It’s great, to be fastest on this track is always a dream and I’m happy I must say.
“Johan has also done a fantastic job, so a good team effort again.”
PSRX and EKS RX – Both close on and off the track! – Credit: Vince Pettit / theCheckeredFlag.co.uk
Ekström’s EKS RX teammates will be hoping for better luck after Reinis Nitišs was penalised for missing his joker lap in the first race and then suffered from a first corner incident that left him in the barriers.
Toomas Heikkinen suffered engine issues in the second race that left him in fourteenth position in the overnight standings, while this isn’t ideal for the Finn he is only four points off of the twelfth place needed for the semi-finals so he will be looking for two clear qualifying races to boost his position.
