Kris Meeke in Nitro Rallycross series

The Northern Irishman will make his debut in the discipline this season. Recruited by Oli Bennett's XITE Energy Racing team, Meeke will participate in three rounds of this championship where he will be able to discover driving an electric car.

Published on 30/05/2022 à 11:00

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Without steering wheel WRC depuis l’arrêt de sa collaboration avec le team Toyota Gazoo Racing fin 2019, Kris Meeke a depuis réalisé des expériences ponctuelles. Actuellement très impliqué dans le programme de développement de la nouvelle Skoda Fabia Rally2, le natif de Dugannon (42 ans) va retrouver la compétition dans un cadre qu’il connait très peu. « My only attempt at rallycross dates back to 2013, when I competed in a round of the world championship, He explains. However, this should not be a problem. » Winner of 5 WRC rallies in his career, Meeke joins the ranks of the English team XITE Energy Racing managed by Oli Bennett, who is also a driver. Kris will be present in England, Sweden and Saudi Arabia during Jenson Button's absence. “ I'm really excited to join this disciplinehe says. All aspects of the project interest me, the team, the car, the championship… When I tried the car, OK, the conditions were very wet, but I could immediately see its enormous potential. This is a category that is ideally suited to electrification. If it is managed well, it can have a bright future. » For the Northern Irishman, this will be one of his first experiences with an electric vehicle. “ Except for my brother's Tesla, he smiles, I've never actually driven one. However, it is still motorsport with a steering wheel and pedals! Rallycross is probably most similar to rally – although there will be more cars around me and I don't think I'll have too much trouble adjusting. » The first of 10 rounds of this championship which is to take place over two years is scheduled for Lydden Hill next June (18-19).