World RX – Ekström leads qualifying

Mattias Ekström (Audi S1) displays solid claims in Lohéac (Brittany). The EKS boss-driver was the fastest in the first two qualifying heats and is logically at the top of the standings.

The title contender beat Andreas Bakkerud (Ford Focus RS), while Sébastien Loeb (Peugeot 208) completes the top three ahead of his teammate Timmy Hansen who signed the first victory of the season for the Franco-Swedish team during the previous round in Trois-Rivières (Canada).

Ken Block (Focus RS) completes the top five ahead of Toomas Heikkinen (Audi S1). Petter Solberg (DS 3), recovered from his accident in Quebec, is in seventh place ahead of Robin Larsson (Audi A1). Davy Jeanney (Peugeot 208) and Johan Kristoffersson (Volkswagen Polo) complete the top ten.

Reinis Nitiss (Audi A1) is in 11th place after notably winning his round in Q2. the future ex-resident of All-Inkl.com Münnich Motorsport precedes Kevin Hansen (Peugeot 208). The leader of theERC was handicapped by gearbox problems in the first session.

Yohan Le Jossec (Fiesta) made a promising debut with Olsbergs MSE, occupying 13th place. His compatriot Guerlain Chicherit (Mini) was less fortunate since he did not compete in the first two qualifying sessions due to a technical problem.

Team Austria got off to a bad start at the Breton meeting as Timur Timerzyanov seriously damaged his Fiesta when leaving the track, while Janis Baumanis retired after tearing off a steering arm.

Results of the World RX in Lohéac