Premiere: Four Audi S1 EKS RX quattro in FIA World Rallycross Championship

80,000 spectators expected at World Championship round in France
Audi DTM campaigner Nico Müller in fourth Audi S1 EKS RX quattro
Ekström: “Lohéac is a rallycross paradise for drivers and fans”

Mattias Ekström (Audi S1 EKS RX quattro #1)

The FIA World Rallycross Championship is back in Europe. Following the spectacular race in Canada, the ninth of twelve rounds this season is coming up this weekend. Some 80,000 fans will be flocking to Lohéac – no other World RX event attracts a larger crowd, which means that the Breton village of 700 inhabitants will be bursting at the seams. For EKS, it marks a premiere: The team is going to field four Audi S1 EKS RX quattro cars for the first time and rely on two experienced DTM campaigners.

Racing alongside Rallycross World Champion Mattias Ekström and the other regular EKS drivers, Toomas Heikkinen and Reinis Nitišs, Audi DTM driver Nico Müller is celebrating his World RX debut. “Mattias and I have been teammates in the DTM since 2016,” says Müller. “Consequently, we talk about rallycross as well. I’ve been following the World RX for some time and enjoy the sport and the atmosphere. Racing at the event in France makes a dream come true for me. The 560-hp supercars are awesome and allow tough and thrilling duels. You get addicted to them."

Ekström adds: “I’m very happy that Nico’s racing with us. I’ve been aiming to put four cars on the grid in the World RX for a long time. That it’s happening in France of all places is fantastic. It’s one of my absolute favorite rounds. 80,000 spectators and a tremendous track. For drivers and fans, Lohéac is a rallycross paradise.” The track is a classic circuit because the soil is very hard even in the gravel sections. There are many very fast sections where overtaking is possible when drivers brake before entering them. The long parallel drive on the normal route and on the Joker lap is spectacular.

“The circuit is incredibly varied and France is one of my favorite countries,” says Toomas Heikkinen. “The people are super-friendly, the food is delicious and the atmosphere is breath-taking.” Reinis Nitišs expresses similar views: “Finally, the wait is over. A four-week break since the last race has been a long time. We’re superbly prepared and intend to cause a sensation as a foursome in France.” For the first time in the 2017 season, the maximum number of 25 drivers will be on the World RX grid. In addition to the 18 permanent drivers, there will be seven single entrants.