Patrik Sandell has announced that he return to drive in the 2016 Global Rallycross Championship, driving again for Bryan Herta Rallysport.

Red Bull Global Rallycross veteran driver Patrik Sandell will pilot the No. 18 Kobalt Tools Ford for a second season for Bryan Herta Rallysport.

The Lowe’s-exclusive tool brand will return to the team as primary sponsor for the first seven races of the 2016 RBGRC Series.

“I am very excited to be back with Bryan Herta Rallysport. Last season was a really good first year for us.  It was a good learning experience and we really came together as a great team,” said Sandell. “Kobalt has been a great supporter of my career since I started this series four years ago and I am very excited to have them on board with us again this year.”

“We are very happy to have Kobalt Tools and Patrik back for 2016,” said Herta. “Kobalt is a huge asset to the team and we are thrilled to continue our partnership with them this year. Last year was a great year for the whole organization, we had a win in Detroit and quite a few podiums. The chemistry between the team, Kobalt, and Sandell is incredible and there is no doubt we will be a championship contending team this season. The Rallysport crew has been hard at work this off-season, so we cannot wait to get back on track in Phoenix.”

The Swedish-native played a key role in the success of Bryan Herta Rallysport’s debut season, collecting one victory in Detroit, four podiums and eleven heat race wins. The 33-year-old finished eighth overall in the championship standing for 2015. Sandell will serve as the focal point of the organization’s one-car effort in its sophomore production.

“We have made some good upgrades to the car and I have done everything I can to be as good as humanly possible coming into the 2016 Red Bull Global Rallycross season. I think we have a package to put us in the fight to win the championship this year,” added Sandell. “The series has made a lot of great announcements this off season and it is really progressing. It really shows that this is the right motorsport and the right series to be in all over the world. Everything is lined up for success.”

Based out of North Carolina, Kobalt Tools has been a dedicated partner of Patrik Sandell since 2013. The brand joined Bryan Herta Rallysport in 2015 for the team’s debut season and also expanded their role in the series as sponsor of the Kobalt Tools Joker Lap.

The battle for the Red Bull Global Rallycross Championship begins May 21 and 22 at Wild Horse Pass Motorsports Park near Phoenix, Arizona. Catch the action on NBC Sports Network on Sunday, May 22 at 2 p.m. ET.

Top Photo: Patrik Sandell will pilot the No. 18 Kobalt Tools Ford for a second season for Bryan Herta Rallysport. © QBA/ERC24