Solberg finds morale in Austin

Petter Solberg regains color by winning the first two qualifying rounds of World RX in Austin. His teammate Johan Kristoffersson struggled the most.

Published on 30/09/2018 à 01:01

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Petter Solberg (Volkswagen) was in tears after the first day of World RX in Austin (Texas), where the discipline is visiting for the first time. The three-time world champion won in both qualifying heats of the day after taking advantage of an advantageous position with pole for the first race.

“I’m obviously satisfied. I had a very difficult year with my illness (sarcoidosis, a disease affecting the lungs). I was almost on the verge of giving up on my season until Sweden. To return to this level is very emotional and I am delighted to regain my form and my confidence”, commented the boss-driver of PSRX Volkswagen Sweden.

Mattias Ekström (Audi) is the closest after setting the second fastest time in Q1. The EKS Audi Sport boss-driver precedes his teammate Andreas Bakkerud who precedes Kevin Hansen (Peugeot ).

Sébastien Loeb (Peugeot) should have been in 3rd place, but the nine-time champion of WRC received a severe 5-second penalty for contact with Mattias Ekström in Q2. The Alsatian thus finds himself in 7th place behind his teammate Timmy Hansen, while Johan Kristoffersson (Volkswagen) is in 5th position after suffering in Q1.

Niclas Grönholm places first Hyundai i20 in 8th place ahead of Kevin Eriksson (Ford), Anton Marklund (Renault) and Timur Timerzyanov (Hyundai). Guerlain Chicherit (Renault) completes the provisional Top 12 ahead of Janis Baumanis (Ford) and Robin Larsson (Ford) who suffered a spin after contact with the Team Stard driver in Q2. Grégoire Demoustier (Peugeot) completes the list.

In Americas Rallycross, it was Tanner Foust (Volkswagen Beetle) who dominated the first two rounds, while his teammate Scott Speed at the top of the championship is only in 5th place behind Steve Arpin (Ford Focus), Liam Doran (Renault Mégane) and Toomas Heikkinen (Subaru WRX STI). Patrick Sandell (Subaru Impreza WRX STI) is in 6th place ahead of Ken Block (Ford Focus), Chris Atkison (Subaru Impreza WRX STI) and Oliver Bennett (Mini Cooper).