World RX – Solberg excluded from Q2 at Bikernieki

Andreas Bakkerud (Ford Focus RS) finished the first day of World RX in Bikernieki (Latvia) in the lead, as Riga hosts the World RX Championship for the first time Rallycross. The resident of the Hoonigan Racing Division, second in the first two qualifying rounds, was the most consistent and finished ahead of Timmy Hansen (Peugeot 208).

The day was especially marked by the duel between Mattias Ekström (Audi S1) and Petter Solberg (DS 3), the two title contenders. The Swede only occupies eighth position after having notably lost time when confronting the Norwegian in the second heat, but the aggressive driving of the three-time world champion meant that he was excluded from Q2. The Norwegian is thus in penultimate place in the general classification and risks not reaching the semi-finals, which could be decisive on the outcome of the Championship.

Johan Kristoffersson (Volkswagen Polo) is third after winning the second heat. Volkswagen RX Sweden driver placed ahead of Sébastien Loeb (Peugeot 208), 3rd in both rounds, and Timo Scheider (Seat Ibiza) who precedes Janis Baumanis (Ford Fiesta) and Davy Jeanney (Peugeot 208). Ken Block (Focus RS) is in 11th place. Guerlain Chicherit (Mini) continues his journey of the cross, occupying only 21st place.

World RX results in Bikernieki