Albatec Racing heads East to Asia for round 11 of the FIA World Rallycross Championship presented by Monster Energy at the Intercity Istanbul Park this weekend (3&4 October). The Dumfries team currently lying second in both the European and British championships, with Jérôme Grosset-Janin and Andy Scott respectively, has been consistently fast this season and looks to World RX of Turkey to fulfil its potential.

Albatec’s return to World RX sees Flying Finn Kristian Sohlberg make his much-anticipated series debut aboard one of the team’s 600bhp two-litre 16v Peugeot 208 RX Supercars. The rapid former World Rally Championship (WRC) ace was quickly up to speed in Rallycross France at Pont de Ruan in his Konttorityö-backed motor, comfortably qualifying for the semi finals until heavy contact brought his weekend to a finish.

At Pembrey he proved one to watch among the British RX pacesetters; fastest overall on his first ever run around the Welsh track, and on course for a place in the finals until a cracked manifold ended his charge. Now the former Mitsubishi works driver heads into his first ever World RX event determined to repeat the team’s performance last year that saw Team Principal Andy qualify for the semi finals for the fifth of six appearances.

The Intercity Park, located in Akfırat village east of Istanbul, was home to the Formula One Grand Prix until 2011, and last year held its first World RX event. The specially constructed 1300m rallycross course that utilises parts of the F1 track saw some of the best racing of the year, in front of around 18,000 enthusiastic spectators.

This year’s event sees track action get underway with open practice at 11.00 on Saturday, followed by the first of two qualifying heats at 14.00, and the second at 16.00. Sunday resumes with morning warm-up at 09.15, ahead of heat three at 10.30, and the final heat at 12.00. The semi finals and Final start at 15:00. Further information, live timing and live streaming (country-dependent), is available from www.fiaworldrallycross.com. (All other times local, note Turkey is two hours ahead of the UK).

Andy Scott, Albatec Racing Team Principal :

“We’re very excited about returning to Intercity Park. It really is an amazing track, one of the best the series goes to, and incredibly technical where the slightest mistake can cost valuable time.

“I’m looking forward to seeing how Kristian gets on in World RX, after two very strong outings it’s obvious he has great potential, but this weekend is the ultimate test at the pinnacle of rallycross. I’m sure he will go well in Turkey, but it will be important to be clean and tidy to get a good result.”

Kristian Sohlberg, Albatec Racing driver #146 :

“I’m feeling very excited about Turkey, a little nervous but just counting down the days until my first World RX race. I’m also feeling confident, not so much in myself, but certainly about the car and the Albatec team. I know I’m fast enough to be fighting for the win against the best in the sport, and my goal is to be among them in the future... But for the race weekend I need to be clever and not do anything stupid. I know some of the drivers already, and how they are on track so I need to be smart, as Petter [Sohlberg] also told me.

“I’ve been watching video footage of the track, but apart from that it’s all new to me, though I have heard it’s very nice and the gravel part is very slippery! I’ve also increased my physical training. Sports and training is in my daily routine anyway, but I have done extra in preparation. I feel that in any sport where you need maximum concentration, fitness is important. It’s good to know that you are as fit as possible so the weekend is not dependent on that.

“Albatec has done a great job in developing the 208 this year. I did a differential test in France recently, and we found something there so it’s making progress all the time. The car’s raw power is amazing though, I’m used to high torque engines but the raw power and driveability is fantastic. I can’t wait to get behind the wheel of the beast again.”

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