Danish Rallycross ace Ulrik Linnemann is almost ready for another year of competition in the FIA European Rallycross Championship (ERX); the 26-year-old is determined: “It is now or never!”
Ulrik Linnemann explains, while doing some changes on the Peugeot 208 chassis: “I’m delighted to announce that the preparations for the upcoming Rallycross season are well underway. For professional reasons I’ve chosen to focus on the seven rounds of the European championship and, therefore, I will not participate at all in my native Denmark this year. For three years in row it wasn’t possible to get a sponsorship deal from the Peugeot Dealer Team in Denmark, so I’m once again completely on my own with this quest. I don’t know if one can imagine, but it’s actually quite frustrating to race the best two-wheel driven Peugeot 208 in Rallycross, still not being considered and backed with a single Euro from the manufacturer. But that’s not gonna stop me, I’m more determined than ever and it will be tough to beat me this year.”
Compared to his competitors Linnemann is the one who’s doing all the developments and re-constructions on the car himself. © LM/ERC24
In the light of self-conclusions the 2014 season wasn’t the succes the Danish ERX squad had hoped for. The team couldn’t manage to be consistent through two championships and, therefore, it was hard to deal with the too high expectations. Teamboss Jørgen Linnemann explains that it was ‘unrealistic’ to expect that a complete new-built car would have the pace to claim trophies with right away and, therefore, with just four races done before, during the season it was necessary to realise that 2014 had to be seen as a year of learning. Over the winter Linnemann has developed a lot of changes on the main construction now, which is executed from a variety of data, conducted by the team throughout last year.
Peugeot campaigner Linnemann is fighting for it – but it’s nearly routine to have a swarm of Russians around. © LM/ERC24
When Ulrik Linnemann was asked about the changes he is currently making, his answer is clear: “In many ways last year was a tough one for all of us. ‘Frida’ part 1 was not a big succes, in relation to the fact that we launched a far more modern Rallycross car than our competitors did. In our preparations for 2015 we are forced into a lot of initiatives that will, hopefully, release the full potential of the car. The bodyshell is taking a number of improvements in relation to traction, which is my primary focus right now. If everything goes as planned I will also change my engine and damper suppliers. But right now I won’t close any deals. We must be sure to make the best decisions; I won’t change our suppliers for any price. The main thing for us right now is to do everything in the best way, so ‘Frida’ part 2 will be better than part 1. I’m hopeful because I have the best guys, the best team and I feel more confident than ever. So be aware Europe, here comes a viking warrior!”
The 26-year-old Dane (right) made it to several 2014 podiums, but not to its top. © JKR/ERC24
Behind every victory there is a lot of hard work. Sometimes there is a clear relation between the degree of preparation and victories. Linnemann Motorsport has established a partnership with the coach Tommy Schrøter, who, through the 2015 season, will be connected to the team as an external adviser. Linnemann Motorsport opens the title chase at the Circuit de Montalegre in Portugal by the end of April.
Top photo: Ulrik Linnemann was trying hard all year, but eventually finished 4th overall in the 2014 ERX series. © JKR/ERC24