FIA Euro RX5: Second victory of the season for the Ligier XC04 with Valentin Comte at Nyirád
The Ligier XC04 cross car continues its winning start to the FIA Euro RX5 season. After Tim Braumüller's success in the opening round at Biķernieki, French driver Valentin Comte took his turn on the top step of the podium at the Nyirád circuit in Hungary.
At the end of a controlled weekend, the Volland Racing driver won the RX5 final with nearly a one-second advantage over his closest rival. A second victory in two rounds confirms the potential of the Ligier cross car in this new category of the FIA European Rallycross Championship.
The Ligier XC04s at the sharp end throughout the weekend
From the early stages of the competition, the Ligier XC04s proved particularly competitive on the Hungarian track. In a highly contested RX5 category, Valentin Comte and Tim Braumüller both showed strong pace.
In Cross Car, drivers are split into several separate semi-finals. The combined results of these semi-finals then determine the starting order for the final. In this format, the two Volland Racing drivers stood out by setting the fastest lap in their respective groups.
Valentin Comte set the fastest lap in semi-final 1 in 0:45.451. In semi-final 2, Tim Braumüller responded with an even faster 0:45.304.
Valentin Comte delivers in the final.
Already very strong in the semi-finals, Valentin Comte confirmed his pace in the final. At the wheel of the Ligier XC04, the French driver imposed his rhythm and once again set the fastest race lap, in 0:45.490.
In an intense final, he managed to hold the advantage until the finish and won with nearly a one-second margin. The victory marks his first success of the season in FIA Euro RX5 and gives the Ligier XC04 its second consecutive win in the championship.
Tim Braumüller shows strong pace despite an early end to his final.
Winner of the opening round in Latvia, Tim Braumüller also enjoyed a strong weekend at Nyirád. After setting the fastest lap in his semi-final, the German driver confirmed his place among the front-runners in the category.
In the final, he also stood out at the start with the best reaction time. His race, however, came to a premature end after an off-track excursion. The driver was uninjured, but the retirement prevented him from converting the pace he had shown throughout the weekend.
The Ligier XC04 confirms its potential in FIA Euro RX5.
With two wins in two rounds, the Ligier XC04 confirms its competitiveness in the RX5 category of the FIA European Rallycross Championship.
These results are also reflected in the championship standings. Tim Braumüller now sits third, just three points behind the leader, while Valentin Comte is fourth.
To learn more about the Ligier XC04, CLICK HERE.
To learn more about the FIA Euro RX5 championship, CLICK HERE.
Photo credit: Volland Racing