Canadian future World Rallycrosser Jacques Villeneuve completed a pre-season test of about 60kms at Lydden Hill Circuit yesterday, impressing the eye-witnesses with his speed.

Ex-Formula 1 driver Jacques Villeneuve yesterday conducted his first proper test drives at the cradle of the Rallycross sport, Lydden Hill Circuit between Dover and Canterbury in England. Onlookers were rather impressed by the speed the former F1 World Champion and IndyCar World Series winner was able to go during his ten 4-laps stints around the about 1400 metres long mixed-surface track. After some minor power steering problems with the Peugeot 208 the Canadian proved to be immediately at home in the 560+bhp Rallycross SuperCar he is going to race in rounds of the 2014 WorldRX series.

“To come to Lydden Hill is great, it’s fast, a real fun track, quite high speed and after testing in Dreux [in France] it’s great to finally drive on a proper FIA World Rallycross Championship track with a combination of asphalt and graveI. It’s a nice track, it’s how tracks used to be made, and follows the lay of the land. It’s been a fun experience working with the [Albatec Racing] team, with Andy [Scott] who stands out because of his passion for the sport, and in particular the engineers, to get the best out of the 208. You don’t Rallycross because of the jet set, you do it because of the racing. So now I’m really looking forward to going head-to-head with the other drivers in Portugal [WRX Rd1 on May 3 and 4].”

The Canadian was for the first time at the venue where Rallycross came into being in February 1967. © Gary Hawkins for ERC24

The 1997 Formula One World Champion is keen to do WorldRX in 2014. © Gary Hawkins for ERC24

Jacques Villeneuve did a total of 60kms in the Albatec Peugeot 208 SuperCar. © Gary Hawkins for ERC24

Onlookers were quite impressed by the speed Villeneuve was able to go. © Gary Hawkins for ERC24