Having won the Trophée Andros in 2016, Jean-Baptiste Dubourg will participate in the FIA European Rallycross Championship (Euro RX) at the wheel of a brand new Citroën DS3 Supercar.
Jean-Baptiste Dubourg made a solid impact on the 2015 season. A brilliant start got underway early by by winning points during the World Championship of Portugal. Then came a remarkable performance, with a third place finish at the Rallycross of Lohéac. A second place in Italy for the European Championship sent shockwaves across the RX community. The victory of the Trophée Andros in 2016 in front of Franck Lagorce, “Topi” Heikkinen, Olivier Panis and Jean-Philippe Dayraut marked a clear rise by the Frenchman.
On the back of those successes, DA Racing has this morning announced their commitment with JB Dubourg at the helm to a full FIA European Rallycross Championship campaign and at least two rounds of the World Championship at the wheel of a new Citroën DS3 Supercar designed during this winter. The new car was developed in collaboration with the French brands of Oreca and Sadev.
Jean-Baptiste Dubourg will compete in full five rounds of the Euro RX which will kick-off in Mettet, Belgium, followed by two rounds of the World Championship in Portugal and in France at Lohéac. The first outing using the DS3 Supercar DA Racing will be in Portugal, during the first round of the World Championship on April 16th and 17th.
“After the first season of the European Rallycross Championship with the Citroën C4 Supercar, we took the decision of building a new generation of car and our choice was set on the DS3 Supercar, a more agile car with a better motor function. This Supercar was developed with high technological means. The realisation of this programme is the result of an association of technical expertise of Oreca, Sadev or Estuaire Pro Com, who are collaborating at the construction of the DS3. We took the opportunity of using the knowledge of DA Racing after a whole season of European Championship of last year to conceive a better car, ” said Dubourg.
On his 2016 objectives: “I have learnt a lot in 2015 for my first season, whether it be the European circuits or the choice of tuning. This winter we worked toward creating a car that could reach the first places. For sure, with last years’ experience and the good results at the end of the season, I want to fight to get the title at the European Rallycross Championship. However, the arrival of new teams is proving the increasing interest of this discipline and the competition will be greater this year”.
“We also took the decision of adding two rounds of the FIA World Championship to our calendar: Portugal and France with Lohéac. It is always an excellent opportunity to be able to fight amongst the best drivers in the world. These punctual participations are the best occasions to show off your level of performance as a pilot and as a team.”
Jean-Baptiste who made it to third in the Supercars during 2015’s Lohéac event. © JKR/ERC24
Top Photo: JB Dubourg commits to Euro RX and World RX outings. © DA Racing/ERC24