Euro RX – Bakkerud European champion after his victory at Spa

Without a contract last July, Andreas Bakkerud certainly did not expect to be there this Sunday. In difficulty as the start of the season approached, the Norwegian received a miraculous phone call from ES Motorsport a few days before the first round in Sweden (last August) for a freelance. A freelance which transformed into full commitment and then gave the champion title to the native of Bergen.

Opposed to championship leader Fabien Pailler in the final, Andreas Bakkerud quickly gained the upper hand over the Breton. Starting from pole, the driver of the No. 13 Skoda Fabia took the lead at the first corner and was then never in control of the race again despite the Pailler threat in his mirrors.

©Red Bull Content Pool

The hardest part, the Norwegian flew solo towards the checkered flag and therefore the title of European champion on his 30th birthday. Coming en masse, his supporters were able to celebrate this first European coronation with Andreas Bakkerud who had not been spared by bad luck this season. Very quick for his return to competition, “Baby Blue” suffered mechanical problems at Lohéac before being stuck in Riga while these two victories were reaching out to him. Never discouraged, the Scandinavian got up and went to strike at Spa-Francorchamps to climb to the roof of Europe.

© DPPI

Second in the final, Fabien Pailler ends this European campaign in the same position, finishing only 4 points behind the champion. Enough to nourish regrets but above all hopes for the 2022 season.