Fri 16 Aug 2024

Andersson: We have the strongest team, with the most potential

Buoyed by her most successful start to a campaign in the FIA World Rallycross Championship to-date, Klara Andersson is in bullish spirits ahead of this weekend’s World RX of Benelux double-header (17-18 August), arguing that CE Dealer Team by Volvo Construction Equipment is ‘the strongest team in the championship, with the most potential’.

After coming within a whisker of defeating Johan Kristoffersson to claim her maiden victory in rallycross’ top-flight in the Höljes curtain-raiser last month, Andersson added a third career podium to her increasingly impressive résumé three weeks ago at Nyirád. Not only that, but twice this season, the Swede has topped the intermediate Ranking – more than any of her rivals.


She arrives at Mettet occupying third spot in the title standings, tied on points with team-mate Niclas Grönholm – and fully focussed on maintaining her burgeoning momentum.


“It’s my first time on this track so it will be challenging, but I’m looking forward to it,” enthused the 24-year-old Löberöd native. “This weekend is all about gathering points; it’s going to be tough as always, but I’m incredibly excited.


“We are determined to fight for the title as a team. This year, Niclas and I have been able to leverage each other's strengths to develop both the car and ourselves. I believe we are the strongest team in the championship, with the most potential of all.”


Behind the wheel of the sister all-electric PWR RX1e, Grönholm was a winner in Hungary – the Finn’s eighth success at the highest level – and similarly reached the rostrum in Sweden, keeping CE Dealer Team firmly in the hunt for world championship honours. He is confident of continuing that form in Belgium this weekend.


“It’s great to return to Mettet after a long time to showcase electric and sustainable motorsport to our Belgian fans and partners,” enthused the 28-year-old. “I believe our car is well-suited to this track. Now, it’s all about having a strong weekend overall. We need solid results on both days to stay in the fight.”


“Mettet is technical, with rough kerbs and a tricky first corner – it will definitely be interesting,” added Jussi Pinomäki, Team Manager of CE Dealer Team. “We are looking to build upon our experiences from the last two race weekends and elevate our overall performance. Both drivers have shown good speed, but we need more consistency to achieve better results as a team. That’s our number one goal for Belgium.”

Greece
Starts: Thursday, September 5, 2024 at 6:01:00 AM
Poland
Starts: Friday, October 11, 2024 at 7:00:00 AM
Portugal
Starts: Sunday, September 8, 2024 at 8:10:00 AM