Guy Wilks put in another determined performance but just missed out on a semi-final spot in the fourth round of the FIA World Rallycross Championship.
As the only permanent British driver in the series, Wilks had been looking to get back on the comeback trail at the Coyote RX of Belgium after two tough rounds in Portugal and Germany.
Just a week since a big crash wrecked his chances of a semi-final place at Hockenheim, the 36 year old headed to the Circuit Jules Tacheny de Mettet looking to make amends.
At the wheel of his LOCO Energy Drink and Karting North East-backed Volkswagen RX Polo, Wilks got a steady start to the weekend, ending Q1 in 12th on Saturday. But things took a downward turn in Q2 leaving him languishing in 21st, and he ended the opening day 16th overall.
Determined to climb back up the order on Sunday, the Durham driver was 13th quickest in Q3 before enjoying his strongest result of the weekend in Q4, posting the 10th fastest time of the session.
But it wasn’t enough to make the top 12, and he ended qualifying in 14th position overall, narrowly missing out on a place in the semi-final.
Guy Wilks quote: “The level in WRX is unreal this year as we are finding out first hand! The weekend was obviously a disappointment but we have some huge positives to take with us. The team checked the lap times of Johan Kristoffersson who won the event from last year in the car I am now driving and we were setting faster lap times! This is great motivation heading to Lydden Hill in Kent our home UK round of WRX. I can’t wait for some home support to hopefully lift us into the finals.”
Wilks collected three championship points as a result of his 14th placing at the end of qualifying, and remains 15th in the points table.
He now has a fortnight to prepare for his home round, the World RX of Great Britain at Lydden Hill on 26 May.
FIA World Rallycross Championship points after Round 4:
1. Matthias Ekström 101
2. Johan Kristoffersson 98
3. Petter Solburg 87
4. Timmy Hansen 72
5. Sébastien Loeb 61
6. Andreas Bakkerud 52
7. Timo Schneider 49
8. Toomas Heikkinen 42
9. Ken Block 39
10. Reinis Nitiss 37
15. Guy Wilks 16
Follow Guy on Twitter @GuyWilks and for further details, including live streaming and regional television coverage this weekend, please visit www.fiaworldrallycross.com. For further information on KNE, please visit www.kartingnortheast.com.
Picture attached (courtesy of Tom Banks/Colin McMaster – mcklein.de)
ENDS
Note to Editors:
Guy Wilks owns Karting North East which is located at Warden Law Motorsports Centre near Sunderland and Durham, just off the A1 (Junction 62) and the A19 (A690). The award-winning venue, which has been established for over 20 years, offers the UK’s leading karting experience, with a 1200m high-speed circuit, alongside a host of other activities. These include a World War II-themed paintball arena, a purpose-built and super-fast RX Buggy rally course and an off-road navigation adventure in ex-military Land Rovers. Archery and tomahawk throwing are also offered as well as corporate and group multi-activity packages, children’s party packages and private venue hire. Contact the team on 0191 521 4050 or email info@kartingnortheast.com for further information
