Race & news - 2000

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F.I.A. EUROPEAN RALLYCROSS CHAMPIONSHI- Overall standings
SWEDISH RALLYCROSS CHAMPIONSHIP - Overall standings



F.I.A. EUROPEAN RALLYCROSS CHAMPIONSHIP 2000
 

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December 30

The final results of the FIA European Rallycross Championship 2000 in division 1

Pos	Name	Nat	P 28/5	F 4/6	CZ 18/6	S 2/7	B 13/8	NL 20/8	N 3/9	PL 24/9	D 1/10	TOTAL
1	Kenneth HANSEN	S	(11)	20	17	20	(11)	20	17	17	20	131
2	Jean-Luc PAILLER	F	15	(11)	15	15	(10)	13	12	20	15	105
3	Per EKLUND	S	20	15	20	(-)	15	15	(10)	Ex	17	102
4	Eivind OPLAND	N	17	13	(7)	12	20	8	11	(0)	11	92
5	Martin SCHANCHE	N	12	12	(0)	10	(0)	11	20	13	12	90
6	Mikael JERNBERG	S	(-)	(-)	11	11	17	17	13	15	6	90
7	Ludvig HUNSBEDT	N	(0)	10	13	13	13	12	15	(8)	13	89
8	Jos KUYPERS	NL	(0)	17	12	17	(7)	10	9	12	10	87
9	Morgan ANTONSSON	S	10	9	8	9	4	1	7	(-)	(0)	48
10	Lars SÄLLSTRÖM	S	-	0	10	8	8	4	8	-	9	47
10	Jacques FRANSSEN	B	13	8	4	2	12	3	3	(-)	(2)	45
12	Steinar JÖRANLI	N	6	6	0	6	6	7	6	(-)	(-)	37
13	Pavel KOUTNY	CZ	(-)	(-)	0	5	9	9	0	0	8	31
14	Lars LARSSON	S	(-)	(-)	9	7	0	0	1	9	0	26
15	Ludvig LUDWICZAK	PL	(0)	3	3	(0)	0	0	0	10	0	16
16	Jiri JIROVEC	CZ	8	1	5	0	2	0	0	0	0	16
17	Tony BELL	GB	-	5	-	-	5	5	-	-	0	15
18	Marko JOKINEN	SF	-	0	-	3	0	6	5	-	0	14
19	Jos STERKENS	B	-	0	6	1	3	0	-	-	0	10

The 7 best results of the 9 races is counting for the total points.


Final results of the Swedish Rallycross Championship 2000
in division 1, division 2 and Super National

The SRC consists this year of four rounds. You are allowed to take one result away of the three first rounds. The final round (in Gotene) gives doubble points and has to be counted.
An other news this year is that you are awarded points for the result of the timed practice.
3 points for 1 place, 2 points for second place and 1 point for the third place.

Attention! All races takes place only on Saturdays!

Division 1

Pos	Name	Nat	Tomelilla 13/5	Strangnas 22/7	Arvika 5/8	Gotene 16/9	TOTAL
1	EKLUND, Per	S	20+3	(17+3)	20+1	30	74
2	JERNBERG, Michael	S	11+2	(12)	11+3	40	67
3	HANSEN, Kenneth	S	17+1	11+1	(6+2)	34	64
4	OPLAND, Eivind	N	12	20	(12)	24	56
5	ANTONSSON, Morgan	S	15	(10)	15	22	52
6	SÄLLSTRÖM, Lasse	S	Retired	8	17	26	51
7	HUNSBEDT, Ludvig	N	Retired	13+2		20	35
8	GUSTAVSSON, Joakim	S	10	(6)	7	18	35
9	ANDERSSON, Tomas	S	9		4	16	29
10	JOKINEN, Marko	SF	-	15	13	0	28
11	LARSSON, Lasse	S	13	(7)	9	0	22
12	ANDERSEN, Oysten	N		9	8		17
13	MOE, Arne	N	8	5	(5)		13

Division 2

Pos	Name	Nat	Tomelilla 13/5	Strangnas 22/7	Arvika 5/8	Gotene 16/9	TOTAL
1	LARSSON, Ronny	S	4:th	2:nd	-	34	34
2	GUSTAVSSON, Per	S	2:nd	-	-	30	30
3	LINDEFJELL, Guttorm	N	1:st	5:th	4:th	26	26
4	HANSEN, Magnus	S	Retired	1:st	1:st	24	24
5	KRISTIANSEN, Kristian	N	-	-	2:nd	22	22

(The first 3 rounds didn't have SRC status in division 2.)


Super National

Pos	Name	Nat	Tomelilla 13/5	Holjes 30/6	Strangnas 22/7	Arvika 5/8	Gotene 16/9	TOTAL
1	STARK, Mikael	S	(12+2)	15+3	20	17	40	95
2	STENVALL, Ola	S	20	20	(17+2)	20+3	22	85
3	BJÖÖN, Ingemar	S	(11)	13	15	15+2	34	79
4	NILSSON, Jan-Christer	S	15	17+2	8+1	(8)	18	67
5	CROON, Tony	S	0	12+1	2	10+1	30	56

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October 25

Verdict decided on the appeal in the Polish ERC between Hansen and Eklund

The court of appeal in Poland rejected the appeal from Per Eklund regarding Kenneth Hansen’s protest on illegal cuttings in the tyres of Mr. Eklunds car in the A-final at the Polish round of the European Rallycross Championship a month ago.

The jury of the court of appeal followed the view of the FIA international technical delegate that the changes Eklund had done to his tyres was not within the rules.

Consequently the exclusion from the race of Mr. Eklund remains, which means that he can’t count any ERC-points from this event.

The verdict doesn’t effect Kenneth Hansen in the overall standings. He secured his 8:th ERC-title of his own by winning the final round in Germany in the beginning of October.

Eklund on the other hand lost second place to Frenchman Jean-Luc Pailler and is only third in the Championship.

Overall standings in the ERC, division 1, 2000

Pos.	Name:	Total ERC-points:
1	Kenneth HANSEN (S) Citroën Xsara	131
2	Jean-Luc PAILLER (F) Peugeot 206	105
3	Per EKLUND (S) Saab 93	102
4	Eivind OPLAND (N) Mitsubishi	92
5	Martin SCHANCHE (N) Opel Astra	90

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October 19

Hansen has tested the new Citroën WRC

Kenneth Hansen, the newly crowned European rallycross Champion, stayed in France a couple more days after his latest race on Sunday at the final round of the French Championship.

In the final Kenneth did his job when he came in on third place and at the same time protecting the Citroën-colleague and second placed Laurent Terroitin, who then was French Champion

On Monday morning it was time for a new job for Kenneth Hansen. As test driver in Citroën’s new World Rally Car, the Citroën Xsara T4, which makes its debut next year.

- There was a question some weeks ago from Citroën if I wanted to be test driver, Kenneth says.

Hansen did about 300 km on the tough test track.
- The car was really nice and easy to drive, Kenneth comments. We had no problems during the whole time. It was only for me to drive as much as I could.

Afterwards Kenneth was most surprised over the performance of the WRC compared to the rallycross car he drives for a living. In his car Kenneth has over 500 bhp and accelerates 0-100 km/h just over 2,5 seconds. In rally cars they normally have around 300 bhp.

- The WRC took off surprisingly well, Kenneth said with a pleased smile.

 
Kenneth has just come in from a session of the test with the new Citroen Xsara T4.

Time for some service during the test of Citroens new World Rally Car.

Kenneth is waiting to get out on the test road again.

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October 15

French Rallycross Championship, FRC
Dreux, October 14-15

Kenneth third in the A-final in Dreux.

Jean-Luc Pailler won the final round in div.1 of the French Championship in Dreux. He was in the lead from start to finish in a rather undramatic final. But big drama was expected before the final as the Championship title stood between Terroitin, Menier and Vaison. In this situation Kenneth became a joker in the race. As Terroitin and Kenneth entered the first corner side by side Kenneth decided in that moment to back off instead to protect the Citroen-driver from the other behind. Terroitin finished second and with that also secured title as the French Rallycross Champion.
- Yes, ofcorse I could have pushed harder but some time it is wiser to look at the overall situation, Kenneth comments. Those three races here in France has been very educative for me. It has been difficult but I have also learnt a lot. One nice lesson has been on the human side as the Frenchmen knows well how to enjoy life more relaxed.

Results from the French Rallycross Championship. Final round. Dreux.

The first qualification round had to be postponed until Sunday because of the late and dark hour. The mechnics thought Kenneth might had difficulties even finding the steering wheel in the dark. Lucky enough he didn´t have to use it.




Kenneth poses by his Citroen Xsara at the final round of the French Rallycross Championship in Dreux.

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October 1

ERC Round 9
Germany, Buxtehude, Sept.30-October 1 2000

KENNETH IS THE FIA EUROPEAN RALLYCROSS CHAMPION 2000

Without any doubt Kenneth is the Champion in Rallycross in 2000! From pole position Kenneth took the lead in the A-final and controlled it brilliantly. Second behind Kenneth came unexpected Per Eklund, who only had sixth position on the startgrid. Third was Jean-Luc Pailler.

- I'm flying!, Kenneth said regarding his victory. Now we have done it the best way possible by winning the race! I love my team and I love my car!

Results from the European Rallycross Championship, Round 9. Germany, Buxtehude.

Ingalill Sandin, Susann Hansen, Kenneth Hansen, Kevin Hansen, Timmy Hansen, Christer Haglund, Kennet Nyberg, Rickard Johansson.




Kenneth is the FIA European Rallycross Champion for the 8:th time!

Kenneth is congratulated in the best way possible by a big hug from his two sons.


Kenneth celebrates his ERC-crown together with Magnus, who won the A-final in div.2 here in Buxtehude.

 

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September 24

ERC, Round 8
Poland, Slomzcyn. September 23-24 2000

Results of the A-final in Poland.
Eklund excluded after a protest. Pailler won and Kenneth second.

Per Eklund was first over the finish line at the A-final in Poland. Jean-Luc Pailler came in on second place and Kenneth on third.
- I was so surprised because I wasn't able to follow the speed by Eklund, Kenneth says. I congratulated Per after the finish, but then I checked his tyres and found out that that were cut in an illegal way. That explained why he was so fast. I made a protest on Per Eklund's tyres not complying to the regulations. The FIA Technical Delegate made a report saying that Eklund's tyres was not correct and the Stewards excluded Eklund due to this. This decision was made at 19.10 and Eklund can make an appeal regarding it.
If there are no appeal the results are official and Kenneth is the FIA European Champion.

Results from the European Rallycross Championship, Round 8. Poland, Slomzcyn.

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September 16

SRC Round 4
Götene, September 15-16 2000

Jernberg and Hansen in the closest fight of the year at the SRC-final

Kenneth Hansen and Mikael Jernberg gave an incredible show with a brilliant race in the A-final in Götene.

Jernberg, who took the start, was chased hard by Hansen throughout the final.
- I really tried everything, Kenneth said breathing heavily.

Not until in the last corner it was settled. Jernberg, who went out on the alternative route on the last lap, lost a few meters on Kenneth. Hansen had already taken that route and came slightly ahead of Jernberg into the last corner.

- Yes I was in front of Mikael, but I was a bit too anxious and braked a fraction to late and went very wide. Mikael was immediately on the inside and could take back the lead on the few remaining meters. It was a little annoying but this can happen.

On a distant third place came Per Eklund, which still was enough to secure the SRC-gold.

Mikael Jernberg went like a rocket through the overall standings. Thanks to his victory and the fact that the final round gives double points he climbed from sixth to SRC-silver. The SRC-bronze medal went to Kenneth, who was not disappointed at all about that, rather the opposite.

- After the first qualifications rounds today I was not even close to a medal, Kenneth says.

Hansen missed completely in the opening two heats, but a fine drive in the last heat, which also was the fastest of the day, he secured an A-final place.

Kenneth now reloads for an even more important race for him, the next ERC-round, which is in Poland next weekend. Hansen then has the chance to secure the ERC-gold.

Results from the Swedish Rallycross Championship, Round 4. Götene.

Pos.	Name:	Points
1	Mikael JERNBERG (S) Ford Focus	40
2	Kenneth HANSEN (S) Citroen Xsara	34
3	Per EKLUND (S) Saab 93	30
4	Lars SÄLLSTRÖM (S) Ford Focus	26
5	Eivind OPLAND (N) Mitsubishi	24

The final results in the overall standings in the SRC 2000

Pos.	Name:	Point
1	Per EKLUND (S) Saab 93	74
2	Mikael JERNBERG (S) Ford Focus	67
3	Kenneth HANSEN (S) Citroën Xsara	64
4	Eivind OPLAND (N) Mitsubishi	56
5	Morgan ANTONSSON (S) Saab 93	52

Photo: Backstrom


Photo: Backstrom


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September 3

ERC, Round 7
Norway, Lyngås. September 2-3 2000

Kenneth on second place after Schanche in the A-final in division 1.

It was one of the closest finals this year when Martin Schanche and Kenneth Hansen raced in the A-final at Lyngås. Schanche and Hansen went side by side both through the fist corner and down the hill towards the "Schanche-corner"
- It was a strange feeling going flat out on fifth gear with someone just beside you, Kenneth said.

Martin took a fine victory, with Kenneth hanging on his rear bumper throughout the whole final.
- I'm happy for Martin he deserved this, Kenneth said.

Kenneth increased his lead in the ERC-standings with 116 points to Eklund on 95 and Pailler on 91 points.

Results from the European Rallycross Championship, Round 7. Norway, Lyngås.

Martin enjoys the national anthem, with Hansen and Hunsbedt joining him on the podium.


A moment later Martin gets a taste of the champagne...


The Citroen Xsara of Kenneth Hansen is being prepared for the third qualification round.


Kenneth and his youngest son Kevin.

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August 20

ERC Round 6
Holland, Valkenswaard. August 19-28

Kenneth won the ERC in Holland!

Kenneth got his revenge from last weekend as he won the A-final of division 1 at the European Rallycross Championship in Holland.
When Martin Schanche announced that he couldn't do the A-final despite his pole position Kenneth was alone on the first line. Kenneth took the start and led from start to finish.
- It feels wonderful!, Kenneth says with the biggest smile on the circuit.
We have worked so hard and now we got the result of it.

Results from the European Rallycross Championship, Round 6. Holland, Valkenswaard.

Kenneth took his Citroen Xsara to a fine win in Holland.


Photo: Bäckström
Kenneth on top of the podium together with Michael Jernberg and Per Eklund in Holland.

The mechanics are waiting for Kenneth to return from the circuit after the A-final.

When finally Kenneth arrives... We did it!!!


Kenneth Hansen downloads data from the first qualification round.


Kenneth and Ludvig discusses the official practice. Tomorrow they will meet in the first heat.

Rickard Johansson checks the car.

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August 13

ERC Round 5
Belgium, Maasmechelen. August 12-13 2000

Kenneth retired from the A-final immediately in the start.

A broken shaft in the gearbox ended Kenneth's day in Belgium. Kenneth came only half a meter from the start line and then a big bang.
- It was so unreal, Kenneth says. In one tenth of a second everything was over. It has worked so well all day and to end like this really hurts inside.
Eivind Opland won the race in front of Micheal Jernberg.

Results from the European Rallycross Championship, Round 5. Belgium, Maasmechelen.

Photo: Bäckström
Kenneth was fastest today but that was not enough....


Photo: Bäckström


The rally driver Bruno Thierry visits the Hansen team in Belgium.

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August 5

SRC Round 3
Arvika. August 4-5 2000

Results of the SRC division 1 A-final in Arvika.

Per Eklund won without drama on home ground. Lasse Sällström did his best results of the year and finished second after a fine race. Marko Jokinen did a superb overtaking in the last corner and moved up to fourth after Morgan Antonsson on third.

The days began with some splendid times for Hansen but in the second heat the nightmare started. Kenneth had to retire before the finals with broken transmission. He did not even reach the A-final!
What started so good ended worse!

Results from the Swedish Rallycross Championship, Round 3. Arvika.

Kenneth has just taken the start in front of Norwegian Ludvig Hunsbedt in the first qualification round in Arvika.



Kenneth heads for a victory in the first qualification in Arvika.




John Erik Andersson works with the suspension and Niklas Paulsen takes care of the engine.

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July 30

French Championship
Abbeville. July 30-31 2000.

Hansen second in close race in the French Championship

Kenneth Hansen, who made his second appearance in the French Rallycross Championship, had to settle for second place after a close and thrilling race in the A-final.
Hansen, who was on pole position, made a small mistake in the start and lost a few meters to the Frenchman Jean-Luc Pailler.

Kenneth wanted to go faster, but the experienced Frenchman blocked tactical all Hansen's efforts to overtake.

- I was up beside him several times, but it was not quite enough, Kenneth says regarding the spectacular final he was the favourite to win after a fine qualifying.

- Citroën has asked me to come here and drive a few races, hopefully to win, but unfortunately it was not possible today. But if I couldn’t win it was at least one of my most enjoyable second places because it was top level driving, very sportive, just great racing. It will be interesting to watch the film from the onboard camera.

Not until October 14-15 Kenneth will be back in France for another attempt in the French series.

Next race for Hansen will be the Swedish Rallycross Championship in Arvika on August 5.

Results from the French Rallycross Championship. Abbeville.

Pos:	Name:	Points:
1	Jean-Luc PAILLER (Peugeot 206)	20
2	Kenneth HANSEN (Citroën Xsara)	17
3	Hervé KNAPICK (BMW)	15
4	David MESLIER (Renault Megane)	13
5	Christian MENIER (Ford Focus)	12
6	Christophe VAISON (Renault Megane)	11

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July 22

SRC Round 2
Strängnäs, July 21-22 2000.

Results of the A-final in div.1 in Strangnas

Kenneth's day ended with only a 6:th place after he had to retire after half of the A-final distance. The Norwegian Eivind Opland took a fine victory here in Strangnas. Per Eklund game on on second place. The big surprise was the brilliant drive of the Finn Marko Jokinen who took the third podium place.
- I braked at the normal point into the first corner, Kenneth explains regarding the first corner incident, but where I came it was a lot of dust and my car just slides without grip. I came out last but after just a lap my engine was already getting hot again and on the third lap I didn't dare to continue with the risk to blow up the engine.

Results from the Swedish Rallycross Championship, Round 2. Strängnäs.

Photo: Bäckström

Photo: Lars Backstrom
Kenneth leads in the second heat at the SRC in Strangnas in front of Mikael Jernberg

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July 2

ERC Round 4
Sweden, Höljes. July 1-2 2000

Results of the A-final in division 1 in Holjes.
Kenneth took an important victory!!

Kenneth Hansen won an important victory in the Swedish round of the FIA European Rallycross Championship in Holjes. Kenneth dominated the A-final from start to finish. After a perfect start from pole position Kenneth managed to take the lead into the first corner. Behind him Hunsbedt, Jernberg and Pailler had a hard fight letting Kenneth away to get a big gap immediately. Ludvig was the first one to find a way out of the trouble. He began to chase Kenneth, but unfortunately he hit problems with the car after two laps and had to slow down. Jos Kuypers now came up to inherit the second place. Jos was followed by Jean-Luc Pailler on third place.
- I am really happy over this victory, Kenneth says with a big smile. It is a fine revenge from the terrible race I had here last year when I crashed and finished last in the B-final.
With this victory Kenneth overtakes the lead in the overall standings in the Championship with twelve points ahead of the Frenchman Jean-Luc Pailler.

Results from the European Rallycross Championship, Round 4. Sweden Höljes.

Overall standings in the FIA European Rallycross Championship after 4 of 9 rounds.

Kenneth has taken the lead as Jernberg is pushed into a spin in the first corner of the A-final in division 1.


Ludvig Hunsbedt gives Kenneth a "nice" cold shower.



Jos Kuypers, Kenneth Hansen and Jean-Luc Pailler.





The mechanics are washing the car after the first qualification round. A bonus from winning is that the car at least isn´t dirty in the front.


Kenneth says hello to another true supporter after the victory in heat 1.

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June 25

French Championship.
Luneville. June 24-25 2000.

Kenneth takes the victory at the French Championship at Luneville.

Kenneth won the race in Luneville after a tough and dramatic A-final.
- This was really a sweet victory because it has been a hard and difficult race for me and my team, Kenneth says with a big smile.
After a lot of problems during the qualification Kenneth made a good start in the A-final from his fourth position on the grid. Into the first corner Jean-Luc Pailler took the lead followed by the pole position man David Meslier and Kenneth on third place.
Kenneth climbed to second place as Meslier braked too late at one point. Kenneth also made a big mistake and he went very sideways. After a small push from behind Kenneth was out and down to fifth place. A quick recovery by Hansen gave him the chance again overtake two card in front of him. As they reached the next corner Kenneth could overtake also the number two at this point. Jean-Luc in the lead had now a big lead but had to retire with front wheel suspension failure. Kenneth was the leader! He managed to keep cool and stay ahead until the finish line.
- To win here for Citroen was very important, Kenneth says. Citroen Sport has asked me to race for them here in France. We will do two more races, Abbeville the last weekend of July and Dread in the middle of October.

Results from the French Rallycross Championship, Round 3. Lunevill.

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June 18

ERC Round 3
The Czech Republic, Ceska Lipa-Sosnova. June 17-18 2000.

Jumpstart settled the A-final in the Czech Republic.

Probably will the man who turned off the malfunctioning jumpstart system before the finals to be the one attracting most attention in this race.

When the A-final in the third round of the FIA European Rallycross Championship is ready on the startgrid, with Kenneth Hansen on pole position, Per Eklund on second row starts before the rest of the field and gets into the lead.

The remaining cars are helplessly behind already. The drivers goes quite careful the first lap as a red flag is expected. But there was no one. The organiser does not act on the jumpstart and lets the driver continue. In this confusion the A-final is supposed to be settled.

Per Eklund leads ahead of Kenneth Hansen, who is just on his tail. Several times Kenneth is up alongside him trying to overtake. With only a length of half a car Per crosses the finish line in front of Kenneth. After them comes Jean-Luc Pailler on third place, Ludvig Hunsbedt on forth, Jos Kuypers on fifth and Michael Jernberg on sixth.

After the finish a protest is addressed to the judges and the organisation regarding the malfunctioning jumpstart system.

The protest is rejected as the organiser refuses to admit that their system has not functioned properly.

- It feels bitter, Kenneth sighs. Here we fight all weekend, risking our life's and put a lot of money into competing. Everybody saw what happened in the start, everybody know it was wrong, but the organiser refuses to take their responsibility and deal with the problem. Even the winner Per Eklund agrees to it that the final should have been stopped.

This story does not end with this as a letter is being sent to the FIA, the international motor sport federation, next week from several actors in the sport.

- There is no point in competing if we even can't be sure that we can start at the same time, Kenneth says.

Results from the European Rallycross Championship, Round 3. The Czech Republic, Ceska Lipa - Sosnova.

Pos:	Name:	Points:
1	Per Eklund (S) Saab 93	20
2	Kenneth Hansen (S) Citroen Xsara	17
3	Jean-Luc Pailler (F) Peugeot 206	15
4	Ludvig Hunsbedt (N) Ford Focus	13
5	Jos Kuypers (NL) Ford Escort	12
6	Michael Jernberg (S) Ford Focus	11

Overall standings after 3 of 9 rounds

Pos:	Name:	Total points:
1	Per Eklund (S)	55
2	Kenneth Hansen (S)	48
3	Jean-Luc Pailler (F)	41

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June 4

ERC Round 2
France, Essay-Alencon. June 3-4 2000.

Kenneth won the thrilling A-final in France!!!!
Kenneth lead from start to finish in a thrilling A-final. In the start Kenneth managed to fly up in the lead for the first corner just beating the Dutch Jos Kuypers with "an inch".
For the first three laps, of 7 in the finals, Kenneth had Jos hanging on to his rear bumper. But a little by little Kenneth increased his lead so for the finish he was 25-30 meters ahead.
- I'm so happy! cheers Kenneth with the biggest smile of the day. I have tried ever since I started to race in a Citroen for 7 years ago to win here on Citroens home ground and now finally I did it!
It is very special as here because the spectators are so enthusiastic.

For third place Eivind Opland and Per Eklund had a hard fight. On the last lap Eklund overtook a limping Opland who was suffering for a flat front tyre. Eivind did a brilliant job to keep Eklund behind him for so many laps. Martin Schanche came in on fifth place and Jean-Luc Pailler ended his day already in the sand trap in the first corner.

Results from the European Rallycross Championship, Round 2. France, Essay-Alencon.

Kenneth celebrates his brilliant victory in France .


The French do know how to enjoy life. A proper lunch is an art in France.
Here Kenneth has the presure of sharing the moment with Mr. Jean-Francois Lienere, Mr. Bernard Hainry and Mr. Pierre Llorach.

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May 28

ERC Round 1
Portugal, Lousada. May 27-28 2000

Hansen retired in Portugal where Eklund won.

Kenneth Hansen was forced to retire already after a couple of meters in the A-final at the opening round of the FIA European Rallycross Championship in Portugal.

Instead it was per Eklund who immediately took the lead and a comfortably victory in front of the Norwegian Eivind Opland.

- I am so disappointed, Kenneth sighs. The car felt really fine and I looked forward to give them a fight for their money in the A-final. But that was not to happened.

From his third start position Kenneth was optimistic about his near future, but a mysterious transmission problem ended quickly all hopes of a top position. When Kenneth, without purpose due to poor visibility, run into Jacques Franssen (B) the race was definitely over for Hansen.

The A-final was not so dramatic as the drivers wasn’t able to attack as hard as they would have liked because of the difficult conditions on the rain-soaked track.
Already after the first lap Eklund had taken quite a big lead over Opland. Despite the poor conditions Eivind had a close fight with the Frenchman Jean-Luc Pailler.

The whole day a heavy rain set its mark on the competition. Slippery surface and a lot of water and mud made life difficult for many.
In the qualifying rounds Kenneth fought to find the right tyre choice. O the third round he had finally found a good setting of the car and he could show it with a fastest time. At that point it looked hopeful for the final.

- To night we will investigate what could have caused the retirement, Kenneth says. I will not be able to sleep until I know.

The next round of the European rallycross Championship will take place next weekend at Essay in France.

Results from the European Rallycross Championship, Round 1. Portugal, Lousada.

Pos.			Points
1	Per EKLUND (S)	Saab 93	20 p.
2	Eivind OPLAND (N)	Mitsubishi	17 p.
3	Jean-Luc PAILLER (F)	Peugeot 206 WRC	15 p.
4	Jacques FRANSSEN (B)	Subaru Impreza	13 p.
5	Martin SCHANCHE (N)	Opel Astra	12 p.
6	Kenneth Hansen (S)	Citroën Xsara WRC	11 p.
7	Morgan ANTONSSON (S)	Saab 93	10 p.

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May 13

SRC Round 1
Tomelilla. May 12-13 2000

Kenneth on second place in a very dramatic A-final where Eklund won.

In a brand new Citroen Xsara Kenneth made an impressive debut by taking second place in the opening round of the Swedish Rallycross Championship. Victory went to Per Eklund in the dramatic A-final.

Kenneth had pole position in the A-final, but missed the start and was passed by the whole field. When Kenneth finally got going he made a phenomenal recovery. He overtook one by one and in last corner of the final he was only 5 meters behind the leading Eklund.

-I am really pleased with the result, Kenneth said with a smile looking at his new car that has really been put to the test.

The thrilling final saw not less than four different leaders. Further down the field positions was also changing a lot. The six laps in the final gave the spectators a brilliant show.

In the qualifying rounds Kenneth had the results 3-1-1. During the entire day the team worked hard to adjust it and it got better and better.

- This looks good for the rest of the season, says Kenneth optimistic.

The next race is the European Rallycross Championship in Portugal in two weeks.

Results from the Swedish Rallycross Championship, Round 1. Tomelilla.

Pos.			Points A-final + Timed practice
1	Per Eklund	Saab 93	20+3 = 23
2	Kenneth Hansen	Citroen Xsara	17+1 = 18
3	Morgan Antonsson	Saab 93	15+0 = 15
4	Lars Larsson	Audi	13+0 = 13
5	Eivind Opland (N)	Mitsubishi	12+0 = 12
6	Michael Jernberg	Ford Focus	11+2 = 13

Photo: Bäckström


Photo: Bäckström

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April 25

First test for the new Hansen Citroen Xsara WRC

The Hansen team has made the first shakedown of the brand new Citroen Xsara WRC. Kenneth drove the car for about 25 laps on the Kinnekulle Ring circuit close to the team's workshop. It all went well without any dramatic problems.
- My first impression, Kenneth says, was that the car felt very easy to handle. But of course we need to attend to some difficult areas before we go for the next bigger test in a few days.

Photo: Jan Andersson

Photo: Jan Andersson

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April 7

The new Citroen Xsara WRC unveiled at Stockholm Motor Show

Mr.Guy Frequelin, director of Citroen Sport in France, unveiled Kenneth Hansen's new car, a Citroen Xsara WRC at Stockholm Motor Show yesterday (April 6). The press conference started with a speech by Mr.Frequelin where he talked about Citroen's motorsport activities, such as their entry to the World Rally Championship scene next year and about Kenneth Hansen's challenge for the FIA European Rallycross Championship and the Swedish Rallycross Championship this year.

Kenneth's new car is still waiting under the cover.

Now the Citroen Xsara WRC is ready to hit the circuits...




Mr. Guy Fréquelin takes a look at the new Citroen Xsara built by the Hansen team.

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April 4

Rallycross time again for Hansen & co.

A sign of spring as good as any are when the rallycross teams start to peep out from their workshops again. The whole long winter they have been grinding, welding and building the competition cars.

Even if you haven’t heard anything from the teams during those dark winter months, it doesn’t mean that rallycross has vanished. Maybe one can claim the opposite. The less talk the more work. And this spring I’m sure it will be proven true.

I would like to say that we are facing one of the most interesting season openings in rallycross for years. The reason is WRC, World Rally Car, that now enters rallycross seriously. No old frame-constructions but real WRC. Although better. Meaning more engine power, normally not under 500 bhp!

Kenneth Hansen, who continues with Citroen, has built a new Xsara WRC. In this he wants to defend his gold in the Swedish Championship, but even better take back the European Championship title from his arch rival Per Eklund.

Swedish – Norwegian Union
If the European Championship is the hardest challenge, the Swedish Championship doesn’t seem to be any easier. The Norwegian top teams, such as Ludvig Hunsbedt, Martin Schanche and Eivind Opland, are coming to Sweden to do the whole SRC. But why? Well, the answer is TV. TV4 has made an agreement with the Norwegian TV2 to broadcast the entire Championship. We will surely get the best Swedish Championship in several years. Or should we call it Nordic Cup as the Norwegians wants…?

Calendar 2000
During the winter it has stormed heavily around the SRC organisers with disagreements and cancelled events. Now the situation has calmed down and the SRC-calendar consists of four rounds for the international classes, division 1 and 2, while there will be five rounds for the Super National class.

On the European side there have also been some changes. This year we will do nine rounds. Some of the old organisers who has had a poor standard has disappeared such as Austria and Finland. But instead we will see Poland entering the ERC-circus. (See attached calendar.)

Presentation
Kenneth Hansen's new Citroen Xsara WRC will officially be shown for the first time on the Stockholm Car Show (April 6-15). Kenneth will attend the first couple of days to present his new car and his racing commitments.

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