Aksel Lund Svindal debuts in World RX: “It’s a challenge to take on”

What triggered your coming to this RX2e event?

I received a phone call asking me if I was interested in taking part in this meeting. I am Norwegian and in my country the rallycross is very popular. I followed the heats on television when I was younger. I didn't know the days of Martin Schanche, but I have since watched many of his races. Faced with such a preposition, I could only answer “yes”. This kind of opportunity doesn't usually come around. My schedule allowed it, but in a very short time, I had to get the license, find a time to do a test… Everything fell into place.

What experience do you have in motorsport?

Cette année, j’ai effectué mes débuts dans la coupe Porsche Scandinavie. Cela s’est plutôt bien déroulé. Etonnamment, je me suis montré assez rapide. Je pense que les courses auxquelles j’ai participé ont favorisé ma venue à Hell ce week-end. Ceux qui m’ont invité ont vu que je ne faisais pas n’importe quoi.

How can your downhill background help you in motorsport?

I noticed on the circuit that it helps me take the right trajectory. When I feel the grip, I can look forward and project myself toward the exit point. It's the same thing in skiing. When you find the grip, you visualize where the line takes you. Ok, it works on a circuit where the car is not supposed to slide! We will see what this will do on the earthen portions. I believe that having been a skier also allows me to have good combined management of speed and distances. I hope this will help me during pack runs too.

Aksel Lund Svindal on the Hell circuit in Norway (Photo: Red Bull)

Have you asked advice from other converted colleagues like Luc Alphand?

We don't know each other very well and he didn't evolve in the same discipline. On the other hand, I was able to ask Scandinavians who were specialists in this sport and I took part in a test session where Klara Andersson was present. She had experience of this RX2e, so she was able to help me in particular regarding the use of the handbrake.

What is your goal at the start of the weekend?

It’s a challenge to take on. Each round will allow me to improve and discover new things. As in skiing, the slope evolves and you have to know how to adapt. On my first lap, I was surprised and spun. The next passage I didn't make the same mistake. My goal was to progress little by little and above all to have fun.

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