Albatec Racing completes Portugal RallycrossRX preparations with French test at the Circuit des Tourneix in Châteauroux St.-Maur for Michaël De Keersmaecker.

Albatec Racing completed its preparations for the second round of the 2013 FIA European Rallycross Championship with a test at Châteauroux on Wednesday. Piloting his new JDK-backed Albatec Peugeot 208, Belgian Michaël De Keersmaecker successfully completed the shakedown test ahead of his debut appearance in the re-branded RallycrossRX at Montalegre this weekend.

The former Super1600 and TouringCar European champion familiarised himself with the 600bhp, two-litre, 16V Albatec Peugeot 208 and will now join Team Principal Andy Scott, and other top European SuperCar drivers including former World Rally Champion Petter Solberg and reigning European Rallycross Champion Timur Timerzyanov, amid the 20 car line-up.

Following the team’s Lydden Hill season-opening debut outing, in which Scott secured victory, second and third places, De Keersmaecker is expected to be among the front-runners alongside the man from Dumfries in Scotland. Due to time constraints, Albatec Racing’s original plan to field two identical Peugeot 208s in Portugal have been changed, with 2011 MSA British Rallycross Vice-Champion Scott now driving a Peugeot 207.

Andy Scott, Albatec Racing Driver with car #26:

“I’m very pleased that Michaël is happy with the Peugeot 208, which bodes well for Portugal. The test went perfectly, the car was reliable throughout, Michaël consistently improved over the course of the day, and he settled into the team very well. It will be very interesting to see how he performs at the weekend and I’m very much looking forward to racing alongside him. Naturally we had planned to have both 208s ready for Portugal, however I’m confident that with the 207 we can get a good result, while still developing the new car. With a full complement in Montalegre, we can continue to build on the success at Lydden Hill, as we look to establish Albatec Racing as a leading force in RallycrossRX.”

Albatec Racing Driver, Michaël De Keersmaecker with car #9:

“I’m delighted with my first test in the Albatec Peugeot 208, the car is such fun to drive. It was a perfect day, the sun was out, we had a great set-up, the team was fantastic and my lap times improved constantly, so I’m very happy. It’s very different to the Ford, I’d say it’s better, and it suits my driving style, which is quite aggressive. You’re on the power all the time but it responds to everything, so I’m very excited for Portugal.”

Marc Laboulle, Albatec Racing Team Manager:

“Michaël’s first test in the Albatec Peugeot 208 was very positive, our base set-up was good and I was very impressed with his attitude. Everyone in the team worked very well together and the car was 100% reliable. Throughout the day he continued to learn the car and improved all the time, so we’re all in very high spirits. Naturally it’s disappointing that Andy cannot drive the second Peugeot 208 in Portugal, and of course our strategy will now be different. Andy is a very strong driver and I’m sure he will be able to get the full potential out of the Peugeot 207.”

Photo: Michaël De Keersmaecker pictured whilst test driving the Peugeot 208 at the Circuit des Tourneix. © AR/ERC24