World RX of Riga
World RX of Riga
World RX

SEBASTIAN ERIKKSON: BIKERNIEKI CIRCUIT LOOKS SIMPLE ONLY ON TV

He has a perfect record in FIA World Rallycross Championship this season – one race, one victory. However, this weekend Sebastian Eriksson has taken up the challenge to face European Rallycross Championship drivers. We caught up with Seb in the paddock, before the action begins!

How are you feeling in Riga?

It’s good. Actually, I like the track. I have been here many times, but it’s the first time I am driving on it. It’s a really nice atmosphere, I like the event, so it’s nice to be here.

Many drivers have said that it is very trick track with no place to rest.

Yeah, for sure, it’s different. It’s not the fastest track, but it has many technical places. It looks quite simple on TV, but there are a lot of combinations, where you have to find a correct line to have good lap time, so I think we can expect quite large gaps between fastest guys and the rest.

Where do you think most time can be gained or lost?

I would say there are two places. The last corner is like a double apex, which is very tricky for me, because I’m here for the 1st time. I have to learn there. I think we can see a big differences there. Also, before the first jump, where you have to go left, right and left, where you have to get the front to turn in the long right-hander.

You won the only World RX race you took part in, but today you are racing in Euro RX. Why did you make such choice?

Pontus Tidemand was supposed to race, but he is racing in World Rally Championship in Turkey. Car was available and I thought ‘Why not?’. It’s great fun and European championship is also high level. With a strong competition it is always fun to race.

You are racing here for the first time. How do you like the venue?

I have been here many times as a mechanic for RX2 and World RX. I was here this summer as a spotter for RallyX Nordic race. I like Riga. Old Town is really great. The venue is kind of unique. I have a feeling it’s like a rally stage when you enter the forest section. I hope we can be competitive this weekend. However, we had some technical problems during free practice.

Do you think it is possible for you to win this weekend?

I think we can win, but it will be difficult for sure! It’s not the latest spec car and the competition is quite strong. I think we could reach the final and from there anything can happen. We have a slight chance of winning.

Would you like to see some rain as well?

I can race in rain. It’s more fun to race in a dry conditions, but as long as it is equal for everybody I have no problems with rain.

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