Racing alongside Rallycross World Champion Mattias Ekström and the other regular EKS drivers, Toomas Heikkinen and Reinis Nitišs, Audi DTM driver Nico Müller is celebrating his World RX debut. “Mattias and I have been teammates in the DTM since 2016,” says Müller. “Consequently, we talk about rallycross as well. I’ve been following the World RX for some time and enjoy the sport and the atmosphere. Racing at the event in France makes a dream come true for me. The 560-hp supercars are awesome and allow tough and thrilling duels. You get addicted to them.”
Ekström adds: “I’m very happy that Nico’s racing with us. I’ve been aiming to put four cars on the grid in the World RX for a long time. That it’s happening in France of all places is fantastic. It’s one of my absolute favorite rounds. 80,000 spectators and a tremendous track. For drivers and fans, Lohéac is a rallycross paradise.” The track is a classic circuit because the soil is very hard even in the gravel sections. There are many very fast sections where overtaking is possible when drivers brake before entering them. The long parallel drive on the normal route and on the Joker lap is spectacular.
“The circuit is incredibly varied and France is one of my favorite countries,” says Toomas Heikkinen. “The people are super-friendly, the food is delicious and the atmosphere is breath-taking.” Reinis Nitišs expresses similar views: “Finally, the wait is over. A four-week break since the last race has been a long time. We’re superbly prepared and intend to cause a sensation as a foursome in France.” For the first time in the 2017 season, the maximum number of 25 drivers will be on the World RX grid. In addition to the 18 permanent drivers, there will be seven single entrants.
About Lohéac RX
- Track Circuit de Lohéac, 30 km south of Rennes in Britany
- Track length 1.070 km (Joker lap: 1.090 km)
- Surface 33% tarmac, 67% gravel
- Turns 2 left, 5 right
- Top speed approx. 163 km/h
- Entries 25 supercars (World RX)
- Lap record Andreas Bakkerud (N), 36.658s (2016)
- Winner 2016 Johan Kristoffersson (S), 3m 54.670s
- Race duration 4 laps (qualifying), 6 laps (semi-finals and final)
Schedule World RX, local time (CEST)
- Friday, September 1
- 17.30–19.30 Free practice 1
- Satuday, September 2
- 10.00–11.30 Free practice 2
- 14.00–14.45 Qualifying 1 (Q1)
- 16.30–17.15 Qualifying 2 (Q2)
- Sunday, September 3
- 10.00–10.40 Qualifying 3 (Q3)
- 11.30–12.15 Qualifying 4 (Q4)
- 15.00–15.50 Semi-finals and final
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