Bakkerud could take a break from World Rallycross to develop his driving in rallying
World Rallycross race winner Andreas Bakkerud is considering taking a year out of the sport in 2018 to develop his skills with rallying one option if he cannot secure a top drive in World RX.
Bakkerud has been left seeking a new seat following the withdrawal of Ken Block’s Ford Performance-backed Hoonigan Racing Division squad from World RX, for which Bakkerud has driven since the start of 2016. The Norwegian says that while his focus remains on becoming World Rallycross champion, the additional seat time available in rallying could tempt him next year.
“I’ve spoken with almost every team, and not many of them know what they are doing next year yet,” Bakkerud told
Motorsport News. “We’re still in November, the [2018] season doesn’t start until April, so it’s still a little early to get anything signed or ready, but we are definitely working on it.
“I’m looking at everything, and looking at myself and what I can improve. Fighting against [Sebastien] Loeb, Petter [Solberg] and Mattias [Ekstrom] in World RX: they are not only great drivers but they are very good at setting up cars.
“I’ve considered calling Malcolm Wilson to speak about doing a full season of WRC2 next year and wait for the right time for me in rallycross. I’m considering everything.”
Bakkerud sampled a Ford Fiesta R5 for the first time at Castle Combe’s Rallyday in September. “Rallying would be good because of the seat time, to help me get better on my weaker sides,” he said. “But staying in rallycross is my main aim; I need to find a winning team that has the same goals and targets as me, and also be looking to electric rallycross too.”