Albatec Racing returns to British RX action at Maasmechelen this weekend (16&17 July) for round five of the MSA British Rallycross Championship in association with Odyssey Battery. The Dumfries team will for the first time this year, be fielding both a Supercar and RX150 buggy as it bids for double success in Belgium.
Briton James Grint returns to driving duties aboard the #27 Peugeot 208 RX Supercar after a lengthy time away since the last rounds at Pembrey. Keen to put the disappointment in Wales behind him and repeat his podium-finishing position from the Lydden Hill race, the 25 year-old is relishing the challenge of a new track as he bids to move up the overall points standing.
Making a welcome return to the driving seat of the Albatec RX150 is multiple race winner and double champion Marc Scott, marking his first competitive outing of 2016. The Maasmechelen track hasn’t hosted a British RX event since 2013 but has proved a successful hunting ground for the Lochmaben racer, with numerous podium finishes. This weekend the Scot has eyes only for the top step of the podium as he resumes his battle with the un-beaten Chrissy Palmer.
Track action in Maasmechelen gets underway with practice and Q1 at 16.00 on Saturday 16 July. On track action on Sunday July 17 resumes at 08.30 for Q2 and Q3, with the semi-finals and finals set to take place from 14.00. Event and championship details are available from www.rallycrossbrx.com
Andy Scott, Team Principal Albatec Racing :
“I’m delighted to welcome Marc back to race action in Belgium, joining James at the Maasmechelen track. We’ve proved in European and French RX that we are competitive and our Peugeot 208 has been consistently quick. Now we need to convert that speed into results as we bid to return to the podium in British RX. The track marks a new challenge for James, but I’m confident he will be a strong contender from the start.
“In RX150 we had a very successful few seasons and although Marc has been out of competition since the final event last year, I’m confident that his experience both in the buggy and at Maasmechelen will quickly see a return to form that resulted in his twice winning the title.”
James Grint, driver Albatec Racing :
“I'm feeling great and looking forward to returning to race action. The Albatec Peugeot 208 has proven to be seriously quick in the European championship with the new upgraded engine and I can't wait to use it competitively. It’s been an incredibly long time since I was last racing the Peugeot 208, but I did get the chance to drive it at the Coventry Motofest doing demonstrations on a closed road, where it felt amazing and was great fun! The rest of the time I've been waiting impatiently for the next race!
“I don’t know the Maasmechelen track at all, but I have no concerns about it, just eagerness and excitement to get going. I have seen every YouTube video of the track and I have to say it looks great fun. Rounds three and four at Pembrey were tough for me and the team so I'm keen to get a good result this weekend. I want to win of course and I will be on maximum attack.”
Marc Scott, driver Albatec Racing :
“I’m incredibly excited about getting back out there this weekend. I’d planned to take a year out of racing, but I’ve been following the championship all season and miss the competition, so now I’m desperate to get back to racing. I know the track well, although I’ve not won there. I’ve had some good results and podium finishes, so hopefully that will put me in a strong position.
“I appreciate the rest of the regulars will have a few races on me when we start and will be much fresher, but I’m not going out there to make up the numbers or to run around at the back. I’m going out there with only one thing on my mind.”
