World RX – Ekström does it again in Barcelona

Mattias Ekström (Audi S1) won the World RX final in Barcelona (Spain) by winning ahead of Timo Scheider (Ford Fiesta), winner of the qualifying heats, and Andreas Bakkerud (Ford Focus). After winning in Q3, the reigning world champion took pole for the final by winning his semi-final ahead of Andreas Bakkerud and Timmy Hansen (Peugeot 208).

Johan Kristoffersson (Volkswagen Polo), the winner of the other World RX semi-final, completely missed his start and thus hampered his teammate Petter Solberg. If the Swede finished last in the race, the three-time world champion was able to reach the finish line in 4th place ahead of Timmy Hansen.

Ken Block (Ford Focus) failed at the gates of the final by finishing 4th in his semi-final ahead of Kevin Hansen (Peugeot 208) and Toomas Heikkinen (Audi S1) who was in the lead at the end of the first day. Jean-Baptiste Dubourg (Peugeot 208) managed to climb to the semi-final where he finished 5th. His teammate Grégoire Demoustier was less successful, finishing only 19th.

Sébastien Loeb (Peugeot 208) failed to qualify for the semi-finals, a first in his career. The nine-time world champion damaged his car in Q3 after spinning. Guerlain Chicherit (Renault Clio 3) finished last after failing again in Q4.

Discover the report of the World RX in Barcelona in issue 2108 of AUTOhebdo, available from Monday evening in digital version on all platforms, and from Wednesday on newsstands.