Tidemand gears up for Aurskog-Høland Rally

Pontus Tidemand’s schedule is pretty intense from now on. Last weekend he debuted in the World Rallycross Championship and this upcoming weekend a Norwegian Rally Championship event awaits. He will drive Team Tätab’s Ford Fiesta RS WRC and even though he sees it mainly as a practise event, he is ready to challenge his competitors.

During 2014, Pontus participates in the World Championship in both rally and rallycross and the most hectic phase has just started. Over the next four weeks, he will take part in four events – one of them is this weekend’s Aurskog-Høland Rally and the following three are World Rallycross Championship rounds. Although the schedule is packed, Pontus sees no difficulties combining the two of them.

“There will be a lot of rallycross during the summer, but we’re planning more rallying towards the fall. There are no events that conflict on my part so there’s no problem combining them, it’s just fun to be able to compete as much as I get to do now. But competitive speed is something you have to maintain so it’s important to get practise while waiting for the next WRC 2 event.”

On Monday, Pontus tested the WRC Fiesta that he will drive this weekend and he feels prepared and ready to trigger the adrenaline again.

“We had a good test were everything worked perfectly. It’s definitely a great feeling to be back in a WRC car and if everything works as it should I think my chances are good. I’m not in the fight for championship points, but I’m obviously aiming for the top and I’m hoping for a successful weekend with good practise.”

Aurskog-Høland Rally is the fifth round of the Norwegian Championship and has its base in Bjørkelangen with the service area located at Eidsverket. The event begins with three special stages on Friday evening and continues with another seven on Saturday. About 80 crews have entered the rally and drivers such as Eyvind Brynildsen, Frank Tore Larsen, Anders Grøndal and Trond Sveinsvoll will offer hard competition. Aurskog-Høland Rally will also be broadcasted on Norwegian television both competitive days.