While Andersson advanced to the final on both
days in Belgium – replacing team-mate Niclas Grönholm on the Saturday due to
the Finn’s persistent technical issues – she could manage no better than fifth
and sixth at the chequered flag, lacking the pace to challenge for the podium
and sustaining damage to her PWR RX1e from a first corner crunch on the second day.
That saw the 24-year-old Swede slip from
equal-third down to sixth in the championship standings, but she is eager to
quickly battle back next weekend at Montalegre in Portugal (7-8 September),
where two years ago, she made history as the first female driver ever to claim
a top three finish in top-flight international rallycross.
“[Mettet] really challenged me with the changing
track conditions and contact,” Andersson reflected. “It wasn’t easy, but I
learned a lot to take with me for the future. Unfortunately, at the start of
Sunday’s final, I got a big hit in the first corner and it was difficult to
recover.
“Even though it wasn’t our best weekend, I’m
really grateful to all of our partners and fans who supported us through the
good and the bad, and to the team for putting in such a massive effort as
always. We’re still in the game for the championship medals, and the next event
is at my favourite track in the world. I can’t wait to be back in Portugal, where
I have some amazing memories!”
“Klara demonstrated good speed at Mettet, with
the Sunday marking the first time both of our cars reached the final this
season, which is a positive,” added Team Manager, Jussi Pinomäki. “We need to
move on and come back stronger next time. Montalegre is a track that suits us
and the drivers, and we’ll aim to bounce back there – continuing our quest to
showcase sustainable, inclusive and thrilling motorsport.”
Greece
Poland
Portugal