Timmy Hansen takes overnight TQ in Abu Dhabi

PHOTO CREDIT: FIA World RX Media.

Sweden's Timmy Hansen is the top qualifier on day one at the World RX of Abu Dhabi, after claiming wins in both qualifying heats and setting the quickest time in Q2.

Hansen started on pole position in Q4 race one and remained in lead into Turn 1 ahead of Andreas Bakkerud. Bakkerud using an alternative strategy was able to jump Niclas Gronholm and hammer in some quick lap times to catch the Swede, but with a different joker lap strategy, Hansen remained ahead of Bakkerud in a close first corner move on lap four. 

“I took both my starts and from the lead could control the race, even though Andreas was very close at one point. When I came out of the joker in Q2 we were side-by-side but I could carry a bit more speed because I’d taken the joker so I just squeezed by," said Timmy Hansen.  

Bakkerud was second quickest and Reinis Nitiss (GRX Set) put his puncture of Q1 behind him to win his race and be third in the second qualifier. 

Timmy Hansen claimed the overnight (TQ) top qualifiers spot with Monster Energy RX Cartel's Andreas Bakkerud second and Team Hansen MJP's Kevin Hansen is third on day one.

"Overall it has been a perfect day, I think it’s more than we could have expected after everything that’s happened and how hard we’ve been working to get here. Now we’re finally here everything is running perfectly," said Hansen.

“I must say that Timo Scheider was impressive today and all three of the Hyundai’s were very fast, so they haven’t been on the lazy side this winter!” he concludes.

Anton Marklund won his races in Q1 and Q2 and is fifth quickest overall, behind Niclas Gronholm. Rookie Rokas Baciuska was seventh in only his second ever qualifying race in World RX. While Janis Baumanis recovered from a slow start in Q2 race two to be eighth quickest.

Britian's Oliver Bennett failed to start Q2 due to an electrical servo issue. 

The GCK Academy did not have the easiest start to the season with issues for both drivers. Belgium's Guillaume De Ridder suffering from a cooling issue after his radiator fan broke off and punctured a radiator in the morning practice session. While Cyril Raymond had to contend with punctures ruining his day. Both drivers are languishing at the tail of the field on day one. 

FULL World RX of Abu Dhabi OVERNIGHT STANDING (below).

Information Source: FIA World RX media