Scotish Albatec Racing has today announced that Frenchman Jérôme Grosset-Janin will spearhead the team’s assault on the 2015 FIA European Rallycross Championship.
The 30-year-old Frenchman will drive one of the team’s 2 litre 16V Peugeot 208 SuperCars in all five rounds of the EuroRX series, together with his home WorldRX event in Lohéac. The team undertook a test with Jérôme Grosset-Janin in France on Tuesday, allowing the 2013 French Rallycross Champion the first opportunity to get acclimatised to the new generation 600bhp SuperCar of Team Principal Andy Scott. He will continue a test programme over the coming months ahead of the opening round of the series at Mettet in Belgium on May 15 to 17.
Grosset-Janin has set his focus on the 2015 EuroRX title. © JKR/ERC24
Grosset-Janin began his motorsport career in ice-racing in 2003 and contested the 2005 Andros Trophy where he secured 14 podiums from 14 races. The following year, by then aged 22, he switched to Rallying in the French Asphalt Rally Championship, finishing third to become the youngest driver to reach the podium. In 2009 Jérôme moved back to Rallycross, finishing third in the French Rallycross Championship in 2010 and 2011. In 2012 he finished runner-up and in 2013 was crowned French Rallycross Champion. Last season he piloted a 4-year-old Renault Clio Mk3 SuperCar in the FIA European Rallycross Championship, and immediately showed his potential against the latest generation SuperCars.
Second place of the ERX outcome at Lydden Hill was Grosset-Janin’s best 2014 result. © JKR/ERC24
With support from the European market leader in metal chimney flues and stacks Cheminées Poujoulat, Grosset-Janin and the Scotland-based team are well placed to capitalise on Albatec’s experience on the British, European and World stages, and challenge for the FIA European Rallycross Championship title. Albatec is currently also talking to several other top line drivers interested in joining the team in its second Peugeot 208.
Andy Scott, Team Principal and driver Albatec Racing:
“I’m delighted to welcome Jérôme to the team. Over the past two seasons he’s proved to be an extremely quick and capable driver, even without the benefit of a new generation SuperCar. I believe Albatec will give him the platform to secure race wins and hopefully challenge for the European title. Although it was only his first test in the car yesterday, it all went very well, he settled in quickly and I’m sure he’ll be up at the front from the start.”
Grosset-Janin pictured during the press conference of his native 2014 WRX round at Lohéac. © JKR/ERC24
Jérôme Grosset-Janin, driver Albatec Racing:
“I am very happy to have been hired by Andy Scott to drive the Albatec Racing Peugeot 208 SuperCar. I had the opportunity to drive the car for the first time today, and it was a day to discover the car and my new environment. I have a very good feeling driving it, the car has a good balance and everything went well. I’m really pleased that MTechnologies is also involved in this new adventure. I am sure that with Albatec Racing, MTechnologies and myself we have everything in place to have a strong season. I can’t wait to get back behind the wheel for the next test.”
Top photo: Frenchman Jérôme Grosset-Janin has joined the British team Albatec Racing for 2015. © AR/ERC24