EKS Audi Sport set their goals for Portugal

Photo Credit: Audi Sport

EKS Audi Sport heads to Round 2 of the 2018 FIA World Rallycross Championship in Portugal (Montalegre) this weekend (28 and 29 April). The season opening round saw the disqualification of Mattias Ekström after he made contact with Petter Solberg in the first corner of the final. Andreas Bakkerud's podium finish for the team was a definite positive for the team. “I’m slowly getting accustomed to the Audi S1 EKS RX quattro. Hopefully I’ll be even faster in Montalegre,” said Bakkerud. 

The Montalegre circuit is one of the toughest race tracks in the FIA World Rallycross Championship. The circuit, located 1,000 meters above sea level and close to the Spanish border, has a unique character – with fast corners on tarmac, a long straight and a tight and twisty gravel section featuring high curbs. 

“Last year, we were not the fastest in Montalegre but as team still took the win in the end. I love this track and the Portuguese spectators, who are mega enthusiastic about motorsport and rallycross," says Ekström. 

After the first round in Barcelona, Andreas Bakkerud and Mattias Ekström lie in third and fourth in the Drivers’ World Championship behind the two Volkswagen drivers Johan Kristoffersson and Petter Solberg. The EKS Audi Sport team holds second place in the Teams' Classification. 

EKS Audi Sport are prepared for round 2 in the championship and Mattias Ekström aims to maximise his opportunities this weekend. “To find the best set-up compromise for this (circuit) is a real challenge every time,” says  Ekström.

“It is one of my absolute favorite tracks. I’ve always felt completely at home on it,” says Bakkerud. “The track has a fantastic layout. When you really get going there’s nothing better.”

Mattias Ekström only has one goal for the EKS Audi Sport team: “We want to fight for victory again.”

Image Source and Copyright: Audi Sport