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Rallycross: Jacques Villeneuve and other drivers meet the press (+photos)

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Khatir Soltani
From FIA World Rallycross Champiosnhip

The 2014 FIA World Rallycross Championship presented by Monster Energy kicked off in style at a special media day that was held at the new World RX venue, Franciacorta International Circuit in Brescia, Italy.

The occasion gave some of the teams an opportunity to reveal their driver line-ups and liveries ahead of the opening World RX round in Portugal next week, May 3-4.

FIA World Rallycross Jacques Villeneuve
Jacques Villeneuve (Photo: World RX Championship)

Albatec Racing's Jacques Villeneuve - the 1997 F1 World Champion - and teammate Andy Scott were both present in a Peugeot 208 Supercar.

"I've loved racing since I was five - it helps keep me alive!" joked Villeneuve during the press conference.

"I did some ice racing in France and then I began to think that rallycross might be the next step. The format of the races helps make it really exciting to drive. The fact that rallycross has now become a World Championship is good but this year my main aim is to learn and we will see what happens after that."

FIA World Rallycross Jacques Villeneuve
2014 family photo (Photo: World RX Championship)

During the press conference, two-time DTM Champion Mattias Ekstrom announced his plans to compete in selected World RX rounds with Swedish-based EKS team in a Audi A1.

The 2014 FIA World Rallycross Championship will get underway with World RX of Portugal in Montalegre next weekend.

FIA World Rallycross Jacques Villeneuve
Jacques Villeneuve (Photo: World RX Championship)

To see what it's all about, Timmy Hansen takes us on a lap around the Loheac track in this video.



FIA World Rallycross Jacques Villeneuve
Jacques Villeneuve (Photo: World RX Championship)

Khatir Soltani
Khatir Soltani
Automotive expert
  • Over 6 years experience as a car reviewer
  • Over 50 test drives in the last year
  • Involved in discussions with virtually every auto manufacturer in Canada