Bakkerud Motorsport ready for the 2010 season!
Finally, spring has arrived, and the ERC season 2010 i coming up shortly. Andreas Bakkerud and his team have spent time well during this winter, and made improvements to all parts of the team. In addition to a total upgrade/renovation of the car, a new bus is acquired, rebuilt to become fit for purpose. Functionality is the main focus area, and the bus will accommodate all necessary equipment, personnel and the racecar. A great support team is established around Andreas to take care of economics, public relations and the mechanical challenges.
- I am deeply grateful to all those who contribute to this. Now I can focus 100% on two things, education and racing cars, says Andreas. Bakkerud Motorsport is set out to do a full ten race ERC season, in addition to some rounds in the Norwegian championship.
Andreas is a student at ”Stjerneskolan” in Torsby, Sweden. He is being educated as a professional racing mechanic, and during this winter the students have had an exiting project: -After the 2009 season ended, we brought my rallycross car over to Torsby, and used it as part of the education. The results are superb!
- We have managed to reduce weight about 120kg, which brings it down to a perfect match weight. The engine has been upgraded by Peugeot Sport, Denmark, and is now even stronger than the 2009 edition. The first test this weekend made shivers down my spine, so this looks very promising, says Andreas with a big smile on his face
We have deliberately chosen a non-traditional color combination, profile and marketing strategy in collaboration with the creative department at the main sponsor, Informativ. The goal is for us to be clearly visible both on and off the field, while our sponsors will get a nice branding, says a proud driver.
Pre-season testing
My team is now on their way to Lydden Hill Race Circuit in England for the test run and the first pre-season test race. To meet international competition is very useful before the European Championship starst. On Easter Sunday, I will start in the open British Championship to get some matching, and to get comfortable in the car after a long winter with lots of improvements.
The team has established good relations with a lot of sponsors, and the budget for full ERC season is complete. However, we are continuously working to establish more long term agreements, also with international firms. Andreas and the team are also working to develop Andreas to something more than just a good driver. – During this winter I have met a lot of challenges, as I have been sent to company presentations, and to schools giving presentations for classes.
- I have set my goals high for this season, and will fight to be among top 5. European champion during the 2011 season is the next step. This is a very ambitious goal, but at the same time, Mats showed us all last year that it was possible without a lot of experience! With the right focus, lots of exercise and good partners, the conditions for success are met. I will for sure do my best, and the team and the car are at least good enough, so we’ll see how long it keeps, the Norwegian challenger ends.
On the 1st of May he is to be found in the starting grid ad Montalegre, Portugal, ready to defend the Norwegian colors in Division 1a.
By: Jan Tore Brustad Translate to English: Andreas K. Rian
Photo: Camilla Smistad Tofterå
For: Bakkerud Motorsport
Internet: www.bakkerudmotorsport.com
