Last weekend saw round 3 of the FIA World Rallycross Championship head to Belgium, home event of GCK Academy's Guillaume De Ridder, where a crowd of 17,500 spectators came together at the famous F1 circuit, Spa Francorchamps, to watch the race action unfold in changing conditions on this all new track for the 2019 season.
GC Kompetition battle into semi-finals at inaugural World RX race at Spa Francorchamps
Anton Marklund: "Finishing the semi-finals in Spa in 4th is a disappointing; we definitely had the speed to be in the final and fight for podium finishes, so this is a tough one. We were a little too optimistic on the RPM and were too low, which had me stall the engine at the start. I managed to catch up and put pressure on Timmy but then got stuck in traffic, so were unable to fight for a better finish. A very positive weekend in terms of pace and speed - but I want to be the one celebrating on the podium, so I really look forward to Silverstone. I think it's going to be a similar track to this one in Spa, which suits me well and I hope we will continue to put down the competitive pace we've been showing the last three races to come out on top in the UK."
Guerlain Chicherit: "It was not an easy weekend for us, especially for me, as I was extremely unlucky from race 1, which followed me through the weekend. It's motorsport of course, we have to focus on the positives – the competitive pace and ability we've shown this weekend as a team really gives us a good feeling for Silverstone. We can be in the top 5 in terms of pace, so we need to put it all together now to make that podium happen. We've shown the potential of the car, now it's time to push for the top in Silverstone."
GCK Academy bag 3rd semi-final at Round 3 of World RX at Spa Francorchamps
Guillaume De Ridder: "I'm a little frustrated this weekend as I think we had a really good pace and good rhythm. When we see the laptimes from Q3 for example, we were P5 and P3 (Cyril) in terms of pace. I think the pace was there, we keep on improving and have improved again from Barcelona but now in Silverstone, I'd like to translate this pace into results and put it all together. It was my first race in rain and Q2 was a little delicate but I'm just super eager to put this all together in Silverstone to hopefully fight in the semi-final."
Cyril Raymond: "I enjoyed the weekend, especially the big banking in the last corner. We showed a great pace in wet conditions but there is still a lack of performance on the dry. We qualified for the semi finals so I'm really happy with this result, it was our minimum goal. As a driver I want only one thing: to win, so we have to progress to race with the best. It's already a huge progress and what we show on the track with the Clio R.S. RX is great. We are fighting against some drivers who have last year's factory cars, which is exceptional. Physically and mentally it's very hard and no mistake is forgivable but it's a pure treat to drive the Clio. We still need to work but we are on the right way."
Source: GCK
