World RX debut for Pontus Tidemand in Norway

After a few intense months, team EKS is all set to make their FIA World Rallycross Championship debut in Norwegian Hell this weekend. Pontus Tidemand and Mattias Ekström will be on the starting line, ready to kick off their rallycross season in their brand new Audi S1’s.

Earlier this spring, Mattias Ekström selected Pontus as number one driver in his fledgling team EKS RX. With the short-term goal to participate in as many World RX races as possible during 2014 and eventually become the best rallycross team out there, quality is a keyword in the launch of the team. That’s why the premiere was postponed a few weeks while the final preparations on the cars was made – it’s better to take your time and be able to deliever than compromising on quality.

“The team has been working day and night to finish the cars and they will continue all the way until the start on Saturday, says Pontus. “Everything looks really good and I definitely think we’ll be competitive, regardless of this weekend’s result.”

World RX of Norway is the third round of the new World Rallycross Championship and it’s decided in Hell, located about 40 km east of the city of Trondheim. A total of 38 drivers have entered the Supercar category and the competition will be fierce among the world elite.

“The will to go for victory is always there, but to be realistic – it will be very tough.” says Pontus. “But I’m absolutely thrilled to compete again after a couple of months away from it so I will enjoy the weekend and just see what happens.”

After the first two races in the World RX series, two Norwegians top the overall standings. Andreas Bakkerud is in the lead, closely followed by Petter Solberg. This weekend’s RX will also get participartion from the American gymkhana star Ken Block.