Bakkerud makes rallycross history with Focus RS RX win

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HELL, NORWAY June 13, 2016 – The new #fordfocusrsrx has won its first FIA World Rallycross Championship #event after just five races.

Factory-backed Hoonigan #racing Division driver Andreas Bakkerud piloted the 13 #fordfocusrsrx to the top of the podium on Sunday in Hell, Norway, having taken part in just four races, previously.

The weekend was perfect for Bakkerud who made series history by becoming the first FIA World Rallycross driver to win all four qualifying rounds of an #event weekend.  Bakkerud then went on to win his Semi-Final before becoming the first Norwegian to win the Norway #event.    

 “It’s crazy that we won on home soil.  I am so proud of the whole team,” said Bakkerud post-event. “This is only our fifth event!” I am so pumped and so stoked to be a part of this great team.  A big thank you to all of our partners.”

The #fordfocusrsrx is a program developed by #ford Performance, M-Sport, and Hoonigan #racing Division.  Though the vehicles had limited testing and competition experience leading into Norway’s race, it was the fourth time one of the Supercars finished in the final round of the five events of the 2016 season.  Hoonigan #racing Division driver Ken Block earned the Focus RS RX its first podium finish during the second round of competition in Hockenheim, Germany.

Dave Pericak, Global Director of #ford Performance, said: “From the beginning, our goal with this program was for the Focus RS RX to be competitive in rallycross.  With support from M-Sport and Hoonigan #racing Division, we felt confident that our combined team put together the best vehicle for the sport.

“To have a win after only five races is a testament to the technological competencies of our program, and the dedication of our hardworking engineers, mechanics, and designers.  We are proud of what we have accomplished, and are looking forward to the rest of the season.”

Ken Block finished second in his first two Qualifying rounds before experiencing technical issues on his vehicle that kept him out of the Semi Finals.  The Hoonigan #racing Division and the Focus RS RX vehicles will be back in action July 1st-3rd at Holjes MotorStadion in Holjes, Sweden.

Watch the Focus RS RX in action over the weekend here: https://youtu.be/j_WhaF1eUCg