– There was a bit of chaos at the start, but when I was able to breathe a little more it got better, says Aksel Lund Svindal. It has been a while since the former top alpinist put his skis on the shelf, and now he is looking for speed and excitement behind the wheel instead. On Saturday, he made his debut as a rallycross driver in the WC event which is held at Lånkebanen at Hell in Trøndelag. Although Svindal is used to high speeds and is known to be fearless, he admits that it was nerve-wracking to try out on the rallycross course, where, in addition to high speed, it is not unusual to push between the cars. But at the same time it was a real kick, says a cheerful Svindal after driving to the finish line after the first race. – It was very, very fun! IN ACTION: Aksel Lund Svindal in action on the Lånkebanen at Hell in Trøndelag. Photo: Hanne Bernhardsen Nordvåg / news Svindal has been interested in cars all his life, and it was his long-standing partners in Red Bull who invited him to drive rallycross. With that, the Olympic hero fulfilled a childhood dream. – Some questions make one think that if I don’t say yes to this, the opportunity will never come again. Then all you have to do is pull yourself into the seat and give it a try. FRESH DRIVING: Being part of the rallycross circus is almost surreal, says Aksel Lund Svindal. Photo: Hanne Bernhardsen Nordvåg / news This is rallycross: Rallycross is run in contrast to ordinary rally, which runs on roads, on prepared car tracks. In each race, five cars race against each other, and it is therefore not unusual for there to be a bit of jostling and fighting for place. World premiere in Norway Although Svindal is running his first race in a WC event, it should be said that he is not competing in the WC class itself, RX, but the class below; RX2e. All the cars running in both classes are for the very first time fully electric, and it is therefore the event at Hell that has been given the honor of holding this premiere. The cars that are driven in the WC class represent the latest developments in electric rallycross cars. – It is a beast, and it goes incredibly fast. The acceleration is something completely unique, says rallycross driver Ole Christian Veiby, who defends Norway’s honor in the WC class. DEFENDS NORWAY: rallycross driver Ole Christian Veiby represents Norway in the highest class during the WC event. Photo: Hanne Bernhardsen Nordvåg / news The sleek new WC cars go from 0-100 in 1.8 seconds – which is faster than a Formula 1 car. The biggest difference from previous pictures is that the electric cars don’t make much noise. It’s a bit unusual, admits Veiby. Many people associate motorsport with precisely the sound of engine noise and the smell of petrol. – There are many who miss it, but the world moves on and we cannot hang on to what was. We have to look ahead and these are incredibly cool cars. Tim Whittington, who is the championship coordinator of the International Motor Sport Federation (FIA), believes that all-electric vehicles are the future of the sport. He points out that you have to think more about sustainability in motorsport as well. IMPORTANT FOR THE SPORT: Tim Whittington, who is the championship coordinator of the International Motor Sports Federation (FIA), believes that electric cars are important for the future of the sport. Photo: Hanne Bernhardsen Nordvåg / news – Hopefully this will mean that the sport will also become relevant to younger generations and the motor industry as it becomes electrified, says Whittington. Rated L at the back of the car For Aksel Lund Svindal, it felt absolutely right to make his debut as a rallycross driver during this all-electric race on the Lånkebanen. – I thought it was perfect considering that we are good at electric cars in Norway, he says. Norwegians have a relationship with it that is much more developed than in all other countries. And when the world premiere was to take place here at Hell, I felt it was a good fit. At the time of writing, he has completed two out of five races, and the man who has been used to climbing to the top of the podium must for the time being be satisfied with being in ninth place. In total there are ten drivers in his class. But nothing is decided until the last race is finished on Sunday. – It was almost as if I considered whether it might be fun to have an L on the back of the car. Although I drive in the lower class, there are good athletes. Svindal has no ambitions to reach the top this time. – This is an experience more than anything else, and I am very grateful to be allowed to take part. I want to do well on my terms and have fun while I’m here. IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Aksel Lund Svindal is perhaps the freshest driver in rallycross, but still the one the most people gathered around at Lånkebanen. Photo: Hanne Bernhardsen Nordvåg / news
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Aksel Lund Svindal debuts in the rallycross WC at Hell – the first WC with all-electric cars – news Trøndelag
