Photo: Rallycross.lv
In the second and third stages of the British Rallycross Championship, Latvian driver Roberts Vītols showed himself perfectly. This time the victory was not won, because the drivers of the leading European Super 1600 team Volland Racing had to make concessions. The athlete’s father Uģis Vītols in a conversation with the portal autocross.lv reveals that the set task – to gain experience from the fight – has been fulfilled.
” We found out that if everything is in standard mode, no surprises, if the track is dry, it is unrealistic to fight with European Audi. Watching Saturday’s fights, as well as the European stages and videos seen in person, there is a growing feeling that these cars do a lot for the driver. It’s hard to tell why it seems so. However, the behavior of machines in some situations suggests that the specific nuance is not performed by a person, but by a car – a computer, a computer, call it what you want. On the other hand, when the track is wet, drivers have to start working and dealing with situations, and the car becomes completely different, not so “clean” in its operations. Maybe it’s just my thoughts, but I’ve got that feeling, ” says Robert’s father, manager and mechanic. Ugis Vitols.
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This time Volland Racing riders were faster
” Overall a joy for our small team. There was a lot of work today (Saturday), all day black mouths. Work with tires, adjustments. This, as we thought, was a thorough school. And I want to say that, against the background of Europe, when we imagined the other participants of the European Championship, we looked quite politely. Especially considering that this is an engine, power track. Clearly, the downside is that there is no way to fight when the track is dry. But in non-standard circumstances, prospects and opportunities emerge. It is very good that there is such an opportunity to meditate. “
Even after Sunday’s race, Uģis reveals that the team did everything, but this time it was not possible to fight for the victory with the drivers of Volland Racing.
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” There is a feeling of victory, because after a long break and not meeting our car we are able to do all the races, all the rides. But there is also a feeling of disappointment that in such a fight between the giant and Sprīdītis it is impossible to win or resist. But I know that with a similar technique, our pilot could do a lot and damage the nerves of today’s European leaders much more. “
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Photo: Toms Paipals Photography
Commenting on the course of Sunday’s fight, Uģis says: “At the end of the day, there was a feeling that Audi drivers had become too confident, arrogant. In the final, Robert was on the outside, but Lidenhill’s joker is in the first turn. Accordingly, it is only normal to go to the joker from this starting point. However, despite their internal starting places, both competitors had decided to go to the joker immediately after the start. This created a feeling of their self-confidence that everything is in order right after the start, and the rider can be ignored. We made it clear that it would not be – Robert, therefore, one of the riders turned up and came in second place. He managed to hold the position until the end of the penultimate lap, when Powell crossed the trajectory and missed. There was thorough contact between the two cars, but both reached the finish line. Robis blames himself for not catching a competitor’s attack, but the strength was too great. “
“This is a phenomenal opportunity to compete with Europe’s leading team with your technique – it is the biggest benefit. Yes, we are slower, but let’s look back on the experience with pride. It was also nice that we were supported by the residents of the participants’ park, because we knew how to evaluate what we are fighting and how we are doing it. In any case, Audi did not leave with full wings, so we had to fight for their seats. It is a pity that the Latvian business world is such that I do not see how to create a team of a similar level. You don’t need huge drills, but well-organized machinery – special engines like them, special boxes, many nuances. But the final conclusion is that we were here, we met them and tested both ourselves and Audi. Our small team did a great job again, the car was ready for all trips, we adjusted a lot, experimented, tried. Sprīdītis is driving home proud enough! ”
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