World RX – Andreas Bakkerud wins in Rosario

Andreas Bakkerud (Ford Focus) won the last race of the 2016 season by winning in the final in Rosario (Argentina). The Hoonigan Racing resident won ahead of Johan Kristoffersson (Volkswagen Polo) who finished vice-champion, while Toomas Heikkinen (Audi S1) completed the podium. His teammate and boss Ken Block had less success by not making it through the qualifying heats.

Mattias Ekström (Audi S1), heckled in the peloton at the first turn, only took 5th place, finishing between his rival from DTM Timo Scheider (Seat Ibiza) and Robin Larsson (Audi A1), but the Swede could rejoice in the Teams title won by his EKS structure against the Team Peugeot -Hansen.

The Franco-Swedish team lacked success in Rosario. Sebastian Loeb failed to reach the final after taking 4th place in the first semi-final. The Alsatian lost his chances of qualifying by going wide at the start and being taken off the track by Robin Larsson. The weekend was even more difficult for his teammate Timmy Hansen who couldn't even qualify for the semi-finals after struggling in the rainy conditions of the qualifying heats.

Disappointment is also in order for Petter Solberg (DS 3). The three-time world champion won all the qualifying heats but failed in 5th place in the semi-final. The Norwegian hit a wall of tires after having his left front wheel damaged by contact at the start. The Norwegian took the checkered flag with a badly damaged car.

Discover the report of the World RX in Rosario in issue 2091 of AUTOhebdo, available from Monday evening in digital version on all platforms, and from Wednesday on newsstands.