Race & news - 2004

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Dec.23

We wish you a merry Christmas and a happy new year!
Being true to habit we send, instead of Christmas cards, an amount of money to our godchild 
Sonia from India.  

The children in the SOS-village in Jammu have arrived there because their families are not able to take care of them. Here they get a home, food, security and friends. As a girl in one of the poorest countries in the world Sonia gets the possibility to educate, which normally is given priority to the boys. It might not end with a university degree, but to be able to read and write is an important step out of poverty.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year
from
Kenneth and Susann
Timmy and Kevin
HANSEN

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November 4.

Kenneth Hansen –  Rallycross Driver of the Year
European Champion for the twelfth time. The jury of the Bilsport Magazine thought that the race season performed by Kenneth Hansen, giving him another European Championship title in Division 1, was hard to beat when the Bilsport Award Rallycross Driver of the Year was chosen.
For the fourth time in a row Kenneth was given this award in sharp competition with for example Michael Jernberg and Lars Larsson.

- I’m both proud and grateful for the Award, Kenneth says pleased. Out on the circuits and in the paddock I can affect my own results, but here others shall make a subjective revise, judge my performance and consider whether I’m a worthy winner or not. That’s why the Bilsport Award feels so special and prestigious to me.

Vote for Bilsport Senior Award and Bilsport Junior Award.
Among the nine Award winners two will be voted for “Driver of the Year”.
The four nominated for the Senior Driver of the Year Award are: Mattias Ekström (racing), Kenneth Hansen (Rallycross), Daniel Carlsson (Rally), Håkan Nilsson (Dragracing)




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Overall results of the FIA European Rallycross Championship 2004

Overall results of the Swedish Rallycross Championship 2004.

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October 3

ERC Round 10
Germany, Buxtehude. October 2-3 2004.

Kenneth Hansen took a convincing victory in Germany

Kenneth Hansen, the new European Champion for the twelfth time, completed the season in the best way possible, by winning the German ERC round. Hansen had a more or less flawless race and was leading the A-final from pole position to the finish line.
- Yes, we did it, Kenneth says happily. After the poor result with a sixth place in Poland last weekend I was extremely focused on trying to take this one and get my revenge.

And Kenneth won the A-final convincingly as well, but only after having had a close fight with Mikael Jernberg in the first corner and later on flipping up high on two wheels. When Kenneth had managed to get a few meters he then continued to increase it more and more and Jernberg wasn’t able to follow. Hansen went on to take an unthreatened victory.
Mikael, who has shown a brilliant form in the last half of the Championship, was second and climbed with that good result up to take the silver medal. Jos Kuypers won the bronze, despite his less successful fourth place in the B-final.

Behind Mikael Jernberg had the winner of the B-final, Thomas Rådström and Lars Larsson a close fight for the last podium place in the A-final. Despite several attempts Larsson never managed to overtake as Rådström didn’t make any mistakes either and they came in on third and fourth place. Sverre Isachsen was fifth and Guttorm Lindefjell sixth.

- Tonight, on the price giving ceremony, we will celebrate the nice ending to the season, Kenneth says as the team is packing for the last time this year. Then we return back home to continue on Tuesday with negotiations for next season.


Results from the European Rallycross Championship, Round 10. Germany, Buxtehude

 Overall standings after 10 of 10 races.

 
Photo: Loix
Start of the A-final as the cars are beginning to brake for the first corner in the A-final in Germany.


Photo: Loix


Photo: Loix
Kenneth Hansen is welcomed out of the car with a spray of bubbles.


Photo: Loix


Photo: Loix
Kenneth celebrates the victory together with Mikael Jernberg and Thomas Rådström.


Photo: Loix.
The three European Champions 2004. Kenneth Hansen (S) in div.1, Jussi Pinomäki (FIN) div.2, Ron Snoeck (B) div.1A. Congratulations to you all!



Photo: Sebastian Oelrich

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September 26

ERC Round 9
Poland, Slomczyn. September 25-26 2004

Kenneth Hansen on sixth place in Poland
 
The new European Champion, Kenneth Hansen, finished on sixth place in the penultimate round of the ERC in Poland. Lars Larsson took his first victory of the year a head of Michael Jernberg. The two were followed by a distant Per Eklund on third.

- It has been a turbulent day, Kenneth says with a deep breath, tired after a hard A-final, where he was black flagged after an incident with Eklund.
- Nothing extraordinary happened, considering the earlier judgments here. This is the way it is has been done all day. I’m surprised they gave me a flag at all.

Kenneth, who secured the ERC-title already in the Dutch round, had some difficulties finding the right set-up to begin with on qualifying on Saturday. For the last two heats and finals today the team make a great job with adjustments and in the Warm up this morning Kenneth was on top again.
After being pushed by another Swede in the third qualification Hansen made it only to the B-final. Kenneth went on to win that one in front of the Norwegian Morten Bermingrud. In the A-final Kenneth did a superb start from his last position and stayed cool on the outside in the first corner. He passed both Pavel Koutny and Jos Kuypers. With his new found speed Kenneth was soon on the tail of Per Eklund as well. After a touch Per went a little wide and Kenneth could overtake up to third place. Unfortunately Kenneth has excluded for this and was placed as number six.

- I’m usually not lucky here in Poland and this time was no exception, Kenneth sighs disappointed. Now we have to leave this behind as quickly as possible and concentrate on the final round of the Championship that takes place already next weekend in Germany.

Results from the European Rallycross Championship, Round 9. Poland, Slomczyn.

Overall standings after 9 of 10 rounds

Photo: Johnny Loix
Close racing in the second heat between Kenneth Hansen, Morten Bermingrud and Pavel Koutny.


Photo: J. Loix


If Kenneth Hansen leads in front of Per Eklund into the first corner. Guess what happens? Eklund just can't control himself, can he?

I think Per could turn to bowling successfully.

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September 12

SRC Round 4
Götene, Kinnekulle Ring. September 12 2004

Kenneth Hansen fourth in the Swedish Championship final

Kenneth Hansen finished on fourth place in the final round of the Swedish Rallycross Championship on Kinnekulle Ring. The driver from Götene had pole position in the A-final after setting two fastest times in qualifying. Kenneth had a good start and was in the lead into the first corner. But there he was pushed by Per Eklund, who took a short cut over the grass and hit the side of Hansen’s Citroen, making him spin off the track. Per was black flagged and disqualified from the final.

- I am so disappointed in him, Kenneth says with a deep sigh thinking of his long time antagonist Eklund. He had already secured the title so I can’t understand what he was thinking.
Kenneth’s misfortune meant that he also lost a SRC-medal and finished fourth in the Championship.

The situation with Hansen and Eklund in the final opened up for Michael Jernberg. Michael had taken the last place in the A-final by winning the B-final. He saw the opportunity and went on the outside of the “battle field” in the first turn. Once in the lead, Jernberg drove steady towards victory. Lars Larsson could not catch him and was second in the final and took second place in the Championship. The top result by Jernberg made him take the bronze medal.

Thomas Rådström was third over the finish line. And Kenneth, who managed to overtake Guttorm Lindefjell in the last bend, was fourth.

The next race for Kenneth Hansen will be the penultimate round of the European Championship in Poland in two weeks.

Results from the Swedish Rallycross Championship, Round 4. Götene and the overall SRC-standings 2004, after 4 of 4 rounds

Photo series 1-5: Backmans Foto








The same A-final but from the view of the photographer Ulf Fabiansson.

Photo: Ulf "Fabbe"Fabiansson
Kenneth has just taken the lead in the A-final. A short lived happiness...


Photo: Ulf "Fabbe" Fabiansson
Kenneth has just been used as brakes...

Photo: Ulf "Fabbe" Fabiansson
Kenneth's day is over as well as any hopes for a SRC medal.



Photo: Ulf "Fabbe" Fabiansson
Driving with precision. Kenneth Hansen takes his Citroen Xsara around the Kinnekulle Circuit during the practice session.


Photo: Ulf "Fabbe" Fabiansson
Drivers briefing before the race starts.

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September 5 

SRC Round 3
Strängnäs, September 4-5 2004

Kenneth Hansen took a fine victory Strangnas.

Kenneth Hansen recently secured his 12: th European Championship title in rallycross. In this years SRC series he has not been that successful and was only on seventh place in the overall standings before the race in Strängnäs today. In the opening round in Tomelilla he did not even reach the final and in Kalix he was forced to retire in the A-final. But today Kenneth had some revenge when he won the A-final in big style at the third round of the Championship in Strängnäs.

- Yes, it felt really good to finally get a top result here in Sweden, Kenneth says happily. The car was perfect in the final and I could go just as hard as I needed.

Kenneth had pole position in the A-final with Thomas Rådström beside him in the front row. Hansen did a perfect start and was in command immediately. Lars Larsson got hold of Kenneth’s rear bumper for the first lap but was not able to match the pace that Kenneth performed. After half the distance Larsson had a gearbox failure. Guttorm Lindefjell, who was further back in the field, never realized Larsson had problems and they crashed causing both to retire. “Thank you” Per Eklund said who had second place served on a plate in front of him. Michael Jernberg came in on third place and Rådström, who later found some speed, finished on fourth place.

With the victory today Kenneth climbs in the overall standings from his seventh place to a third.
- Taking the title will be more or less impossible as Eklund has such a big lead, Kenneth says. My ambition for the final round of the Championship on Kinnekulle Ring next weekend will be to try to win that race and hope it gives me a Championship medal at least.


Results from the Swedish Rallycross Championship, Round 3. Strängnäs

Overall standings after 3 of 4 rounds

Photo: Ulf "Fabbe" Fabiansson


Photo: Ulf "Fabbe" Fabiansson



After a long day our wonderful chef Ingalill Sjovall prepares another tasty dinner.


Photo: Leif Ahlin

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August 15

ERC Round 8
Holland, Valkenswaard. August 14-15 2004

Kenneth Hansen secured new ERC-title in Holland.

Holland, Valkenswaard,
Kenneth Hansen has secured the FIA European Rallycross Championship title 2004!
Hansen was third in the A-final of the Dutch round after the Frenchman Jean-Luc Pailler and second placed Michael Jernberg from Sweden. That was enough for Kenneth to get unreachable for his closest title rivals Jos Kuypers (NL) and Morten Bermingrud (N).

- Wonderful, great, fantastic! Kenneth smiles together with his Citroen team. I don’t now what to say? As always, also with this 12:th ERC-title it was a team victory. We are a strong team and we work perfect together.

The winner on Euro circuit, Jean-Luc Pailler, was leading from start to finish. Michael Jernberg was second and made an impressive input by managing to hold Kenneth behind him during the final.
- I was on the tail of Jernberg the whole time, Kenneth explains. But I could not do more as he had found good speed and overtaking was too difficult. I had to settle for third.
Jos Kuypers (NL) was fourth followed by Pavel Koutny (CZ) and on the last and sixth place in the A-final was Sverre Isachsen (N).

Hansen had a hard time in the beginning of the race with problems finding the good rhythm in his driving. Not until the last qualifying it work as it should and in the final the car was just the way Kenneth wants it.

- The new ERC-title came a little unexpectedly early in the season, Kenneth says. I knew in the back of my head that it was possible to secure the title now, but it depended a lot on how the other managed to score. As neither Kuypers or Bermingrud took any points away from us today, the third place gave us the gold. They have been rather up and down in their results while we have managed to have a high and stable number of results. That was what counted in our favour this year.

It remains two ERC events, Poland and Germany in the end of September. Before that Hansen shall drive the last two SRC races in Strangnas and Gotene.

Results from the European Rallycross Championship, Round 8. Holland, Valkenswaard.

 Overall standings after 8 of 10 rounds

 
Photos: Loix
Getting a bucket of water over his head is the traditional way by the team to celebrate Kenneth when he has won. And here he gets the news that he has won the European Championship title this year.


Photo: Loix


Photo: Loix

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August 8

ERC Round 7
Belgium, Maasmechelen. August 7-8 2004


Kenneth Hansen won in  Belgium .

Kenneth Hansen won the seventh round of the European Championship in Belgium after leading the A-final from start to finish.
It looked like a very easy victory from the outside, but in the car Kenneth had a hard time with the heat and his wrists that were hurt earlier in the season.
- Wow, this feels good! Kenneth says happily after the finish line. It has been a long trying day. Not until 19.00 it was the A-final due to the accident this morning. In this moment our thoughts are with the two hurt persons and their families.

The accident happened in the second qualification round when the Czech driver Milan Schmied lost control of his car and crashed heavily into the barriers. Close to the rail were some people that could not escape and were squeezed. They have been taken to hospital and their condition is critical but stable.

When Kenneth had taken the lead of the A-final he got a gap almost immediately as the Norwegian Morten Bermingrud and the Frenchman Jean-Luc Pailler had a hard fight for second place into the first corner. Pailler won that duel and finished second after having to defend his position when the Czech Pavel Koutny was on his tail all six laps.
Bermingrud finished fourth a head of the other Norwegian Sverre Isachsen and the Dutch Jos Kuypers.

Kenneth extended his lead in the Championship with the victory today and leads on 109 points in front of  Bermingrud on 82 and Kuypers on 80.

The next race is already next weekend in Valkenswaard in Holland.

Results from the European Rallycross Championship, Round 7. Belgium, Maasmechelen.

 Overall standings after 7 of 10 rounds

Photo: Johnny Loix


Photo Johnny Loix


Photo: Loix


Photo: Loix

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July 25

SRC Round 2
Kalix, July 24-25 2004

Kenneth Hansen retired in the A-final in Kalix.

Kalix,
Kenneth Hansen continues to be unlucky in the Swedish Rallycross Championship. Already on the second lap of the A-final in Kalix Kenneth was forced to retire from the race. Just before the finals it started to rain heavily. Hansen had pole position, but after a poor start he was only third into the first corner. It was tight and Kenneth was pushed wide. In the accident Kenneth injured his hand again, the same as in the ERC in Portugal.
– It hurt a lot, Kenneth sighs disappointed. Two corners later the windscreen wiper gave up and on the second lap I had to stop.

Per Eklund lead the final from start to finish and took a clear victory. It was harder for second place. Stig-Olov Walfridson had a perfect start from the last row and was up on second place already in the first turn. Thomas Rådström, who was just behind him overtook as Walfridson drifted wide on the second lap. With his windscreen covered with water and dirt the visibility was almost zero and Walfridson also had to retire.
Lasse Larsson inherited third place and Guttorm Lindefjell came in on fourth place.
- I am very disappointed that it should end like this in this round as well, Kenneth says. Now the chance for a SRC-title is decreasing. All I can do is to try to win the remaining two events and hope that the other drivers hits a set back or two as well.
The next race takes place in Belgium on August 7-8.

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

Overall standings after 2 of 4 rounds

Photo: Backmans Foto


Photo: Backmans Foto


Photo: Backmans Foto


Photo: Backmans Foto


Photo: Susann Hansen

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July 4

ERC Round 6
Sweden, Höljes. July 3-4 2004

Kenneth Hansen on second place in Sweden.

Höljes,
Kenneth Hansen had a long trying day in the Swedish round of the FIA European Rallycross Championship in Höljes, where he finished on second place after the winner Sverre Isachsen from Norway.
– What a final!, Kenneth says after his great performance in the final. I was to test each place from the last on to leading before it ended with a second place after five laps, just behind Isachsen.

The A-final became one of the most dramatic and exciting races for a long time. Morten Bermingrud (N) had pole position but crashed with the Dutch Jos Kuypers just after the start. It opened up for Kenneth, who after a perfect start from the last row, could take the opportunity given and went into the lead. But before he even reached the next corner Lars Larsson had managed to push Hansen off the track. Kenneth could come back but was last and far away from the leading Larsson. Now Kenneth began his remarkable recovery and with a fascinating attack in his driving he started to take back lost ground lap by lap.

After the turbulent beginning of the final the clerk of the course thought it was over the limit and disqualified first Morten Bermingrud and Lasse Larsson for unsportive driving and then Jos Kuypers for ignoring the technical warning flag.
In the meanwhile Kenneth continued chasing and advanced slowly. Over the spectacular jump on the last lap Kenneth gave it all and landed so hard that it sparkled. Just before the final corner he was just on the tail of Sverre Isachsen, who earlier had overtaken Larsson. Michael Jernberg came in on a fine third place.

- After all the problems we have had during the qualifying I was really motivated for the final, Kenneth says. Therefore I’m happy for the result I had.

– Now I look forward to some days of vacation after a very intensive first half of the rallycross season.

Kenneth is leading the overall standings with 89 points ahead of Jos Kuypers and Morten Bermingrud who both has 69.
Next race is in three weeks with the second round of the Swedish Championship up in Kalix.

Results from the European Rallycross Championship, Round 6. Sweden, Höljes.

Overall standings after 6 of 10 rounds

Photo Ulf "Fabbe" Fabiansson



Photo: Ulf Fabbe Fabiansson


Photo: Ulf Fabbe Fabiansson


Photo: Ulf Fabbe Fabiansson

Photo: Ulf Fabbe Fabiansson

Photo: Fabbe

Photo: Fabbe


Photo: Fabbe.

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June 27

ERC Round 5
Norway, Lyngås Circuit. June 26-27 2004

Kenneth Hansen won in Norway .

Kenneth Hansen took a brilliant victory in the Norwegian round of the European Rallycross Championship. He did an almost perfect race, when he from pole position was in the lead from start to finish.
– This was a good weekend, Kenneth said happily at the price giving ceremony. I did my best race so far this year and I am really glad.

On the first part of the A-final Michael Jernberg was right behind Kenneth, but after a puncture he was forced to give up and lost several places.
Now came instead the Norwegian Tommy Rustad up on second place, with Stig-Olov Walfridsson right behind. Kenneth had a good lead and despite a fighting spirit by Rustad he never could catch Hansen. Unfortunately Tommy was deprived of his second place after the team had broken the parc fermé rules. Stig-Olov was third over the finish line, but could take one step up after the disqualification of Rustad.

- Two Citroens in the top is wonderful and Stig-Olov did a strong drive today, Kenneth says and continues. It was a pity for Tommy. He was really doing well and we hope to see him in rallycross soon again when he is not participating in the Swedish Touring Car Championship.

Guttorm Lindefjell won the B-final and managed to gain several places and finished third. Michael Jernberg finally came in on fourth place. Glenn Voie was fifth.

The victory today gave Kenneth a stronger position on the top of the overall standings. He won the first half of the Championship, where the ten rounds is divided into two half with five races in each. Of these five races the four best results are counted.

The next race is the Swedish round in Höljes already the coming weekend, July 2-4

Results from the European Rallycross Championship, Round 5. Norway, Lyngås.

Overall standings after 5 of 10 rounds

Photo: Loix


Photo: Loix


Photo: Loix.

Photo: Loix

Photo: S.Hansen

Photo: Loix


Photo: Loix


Photo: Loix


Photo: Loix

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June 20

SRC Round 1.
Tomelilla. June 20 2004.

Kenneth Hansen’s disqualification cost him a place in the A-final.

The opening round of the Swedish Rallycross Championship ended in disaster for Kenneth Hansen.

Disqualification in the third heat cost him a A-final place.
– It was my own fault, Kenneth sight disappointed. I was forced to get a good time in the last qualification after my stop in the first round. I missed to take the alternative route as I was sure there was one more lap to go. That was obviously not the situation and instead of a good time I was excluded.

It was no problem with the speed of Hansen Citroen Xsara. He was fastest in both the official practice and in the second heat. In the first round he was leading when suddenly the engine died without warning. Probably it was caused by an electronic failure. In the last heat the car went perfect, but instead it was Kenneth who made a devastating mistake with the alternative route and disqualification from the race.

– It was very stupid of me and I'm sorry if I have disappointed all of those fans that are here to support me, Kenneth says sadly.

At the same time Hansen is surprised by the judges decisions today, who with the motivation said "- We can not take away the big favourites so early in the race.." when Per Eklund fell fool of the two-minutes rule in the second qualification. Perhaps a champion is not considered as such, when he was not allowed to start in the B-final, even if the judges had the power to allow it.

Lars Larsson won the opening round of the SRC in Tomelilla ahead of Per Eklund. On third and final podium place came Stig-Olov Walfridsson after an impressive first drive in the second Hansen-Citroen.
Now Kenneth has to put the misfortunes of today aside and focus on the important race next weekend, the fifth round of the ERC in Norway.

Results from the Swedish Rallycross Championship, Round 1. Tomelilla.
And SRC-standings after 1 of 4 rounds

Photo: "Fabbe"


Photo: "Fabbe"

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June 13

ERC Round 4
Austria, Melk. June 12-13 2004

Kenneth Hansen took the first victory of the year in Austria.

Wachauring, Melk
Finally Kenneth managed to take the first win. In the fourth round of the European Rallycross Championship on the beautiful Wachauring in Austria he took the victory.
– The Swedish national anthem sounded wonderful when I stepped up on the top of the podium, Kenneth says with the biggest smile of the day. The first win was difficult to get although we have been fast all the time. Now we finally made it and the sun seems a bit brighter today.

Kenneth Hansen was, as the previous three rounds, on pole position in the A-final. Beside him on the grid was the quick Norwegian Morten Bermingrud, also in a Citroen. In the A-final Kenneth did a perfect start and was in command from the beginning. But Morten showed that he did not attempt to given up the fight with Kenneth. Not until Bermingrud himself was caught by the flying Dutch Jos Kuypers Kenneth could build a reassuring lead. Jos overtook Morten and set his sight on Kenneth, but never got contact before the finish flag was out after six laps.
The Frenchman Jean-Luc Pailler was fourth but forced to retire with a fire in his car. Instead it was Per Eklund who came in on fourth place ahead of Mikael Jernberg. Jernberg had won the B-final after an exiting fight with Lars Larsson and Guttorm Lindefjell.

- With the latest races in mind I was honestly a bit worried what might could happened to me this time, Kenneth says and takes off his driving suit, soaking wet from the winners champagne. The mechanics has worked so hard, double checking everything. My hand, that was wounded in Portugal, has been hurting today and I was afraid I should not have been able to survive a close flight. Therefore it was extra nice to feel that I had some meters advantage in the final.

The victory today put Kenneth in the lead of the ERC-standings with 63 points ahead of Morten Bermingrud and Per Eklund with 56 points both.

The next event on the race calendar is the SRC opening round in Tomelilla next weekend, June 19-20.

Results from the European Rallycross Championship, Round 4. Austria, Melk.

Overall standings after 4 of 10 rounds

Photo: Johnny Loix

Photo: Johnny Loix

Photo: Johnny Loix

Photo: Johnny Loix


Photo: Johnny Loix

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June 9

Preview ERC Round 4
Austria, Melk

Wachau Ring Austria – Will it be the place for the first victory of the year for Kenneth Hansen?

Melk,
The reining FIA European Rallycross Champion, Kenneth Hansen, from Sweden comes to Austria and the fourth round of the Championship aiming for his first victory of the season.

During the opening three races the Hansen-team has shown that they probably are one of the fastest on the grid at the moment.
- Yes, I feel confident in the car, Kenneth says. And when you trust the car you can push the limit a little bit further.

Kenneth has taken pole position in all three A-finals, in Portugal, France and the Czech Republic. But so far he has not been able to turn the advantage into the top-podium place.
- In Portugal I suffered from a broken power steering caused in the crash at the first corner, Kenneth explains. Without power steering these cars are like wrestling with an elephant. I was completely exhausted when I reached the finish line as number three. Morten Bermingrud from Norway won his first ERC event.

In France the Citroën team had taken every precaution they could think of to prevent a failure. Nevertheless a part in the transmission broke when Kenneth released the clutch, letting the 520 bhp loose. Helplessly he could only watch his concurrent disappear in the distance. He finished on sixth place, while the Swede Per Eklund won.

Again on pole position in the Czech Republic, and with brilliant lap times in the qualification, Kenneth hoped that he would be “third time lucky”. But no. It was very tight as they entered the first corner. Kenneth had the lead but was pushed off the track relentlessly. He managed to fight his way back to finish second behind the other Citroën driver Morten Bermingrud.

The Wachau Ring in Melk is a well-known venue for rallycross. Kenneth won his first European Championship race here back in 1989.
- I have unforgettable memories from this circuit, Kenneth remembers. I am glad that they have put money and commitment into this place again. And I’m curious about the new layout of the race track.

In the ERC standings Per Eklund and Kenneth Hansen both have 43 points followed by Morten Bermingrud with 41.

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June 6

ERC Round 3
The Czech Republic, Sosnova Ceska Lipa. June 5-6 2004

Kenneth Hansen on second place in the Czech Republic.

Sosnova,
Kenneth Hansen finished on second place in the European Rallycross Championship in the Czech Republic after the winner Morten Bermingrud.

Despite having pole position for the third time in a row Kenneth lost the lead immediately in the beginning of the A-final.

- No luck this time either, Kenneth says. I had a horrific punch in the side as we entered the first corner and was only centimetres from hitting a photographer, who was standing far out by the rail, before I managed to save the situation. I don’t know who hit me, so I will go and watch the TV-pictures now.

The crash opened up for Bermingrud, who could slip away with the lead on the inside. Per Eklund was already hanging on to the rear bumper of Bermingrud and Kenneth followed him as he came back onto the track. While Hansen was attacking Eklund the Norwegian pulled away easily. Not until the last lap, while Eklund was suffering major tyre problems, did Kenneth manage to brake late and dive on the inside to overtake and get hold of second place.  

Yet another Norwegian, Guttorm Lindefjell, took the final podium place. Michael Jernberg came in on fourth place while Eklund, with a flat tyre, was fifth. The Czech Pavel Koutny was surely not happy with ending his race on home soil on the sixth and final position.

In the ERC standings Per Eklund and Kenneth Hansen both have 43 points followed by Morten Bermingrud with 41.


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

 Overall standings after 3 of 10 rounds

Photo: Johnny Loix


Photo: Johnny Loix

Photo: Johnny Loix


Photo: Johnny Loix
Kenneth has just entered the first corner in the lead of the A-final drivers. This is the moment just before Kenneth is getting a heavy punch on the left side and is pushed off the track.


This is what happends just after the collision in the first corner.

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May 23

ERC Round 2
France, Essay-Alencon. May 22-23 2004

Kenneth Hansen only sixth in France.
Kenneth Hansen was not lucky in the French round of the European Rallycross Championship either, having his misfortune in Portugal last weekend in mind where he finished third.
Sixth place in the A-final in France was far away from what Kenneth had hoped for. Hansen was on pole position after setting two fastest times in the qualification rounds.
– I suffered from traction problems immediately in the start and could only watch how the others pulled away, Kenneth sighs heavily. We have an amazing support from the spectators here in France and I was completely focused on victory. This round of the Championship is one of the most important for us as we drive for the French marquee Citroen.

It was another Swede that won, Per Eklund. He lead from start to finish, but was followed the whole final by the Dutch Jos Kuypers and Lars Larsson also from Sweden. The Frenchman Laurent Terroitin was fourth and the Norwegian Sverre Isachsen fifth. And on sixth place came Hansen slowly limping.

In the qualifications Kenneth made some nice spectacular drives with his Citroen. Despite that Hansen lost the start to Eklund in the last heat he managed to overtake and with a couple of extremely fast laps he took the victory in the heat session.

- Now we need to go back to the workshop and get to the bottom of the problem we had in the final, Kenneth says. One time is one time to much. The good thing is that I know I can make competitive times and is there fighting in the top also this year.

Next race is in the Czech Republic in 14 days.

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

Overall standings after 2 of 10 rounds

Photo: Fabbe




Photo: Fabbe
At the scrutineering before the race.

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May 16

ERC Round 1
Portugal, Lousada. May 15-16 2004

Kenneth Hansen third in Portugal after a highly dramatic A-final.

Lousada,
Kenneth Hansen was third in the opening round of the European Rallycross Championship in Portugal. He had pole position, but after a highly dramatic A-final it was instead the Norwegian Morten Bermingrud who won the race.
- I was lucky to finish at all, Kenneth says with relief when he returns from the doctor, who took him for observation after the final. The power steering disappeared and I had big problems managing to hold the car. I was completely exhausted.

In the start of the A-final Kenneth and Per Eklund, goes side by side towards the first corner. Per is half a car ahead of Hansen, but on the outside. Per turns in and Kenneth, who has nothing but a rail on his other side hits it hard and when he bumps out he takes Eklund with him off the track. The steering arm on Kenneth’s car brakes and he can't continue.
- I don’t think Per deserved a black flag for the incident, but that was the way the clerk of the course saw it, Kenneth says.
Per protested in vain against the decision at the stewards and after a 20 minutes delay the race was ready to restart. The Hansen mechanics was authorized 3 minutes by the clerk of the course to repair the car and get it in shape to race again.
In the restart Kenneth pulled away in the lead from the start line followed by the Frenchman Jean-Luc Pailler and Morten Bermingrud. After three laps Kenneth began to loose his strength and his lead.

Some of the Portuguese spectators had for an unknown reason gone crazy, throwing bottles onto the circuit. Pailler was the first victim and was forced to retire with a flat tyre. Morten had no problems to overtake Kenneth and he went off in the lead to a safe maiden victory in the European Championship.

With only two corners to go Kenneth is also caught and overtaken by the Dutch driver Jos Kuypers. Sverre Isachsen from Norway also gives up with an empty tyre.

A highly dramatic start of the rallycross season. Next weekend the Championship continues in Alencon in France.

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

Lars Larsson and Michael Jernberg was left in the B-final.


Photo: Loix

Photo: Johnny Loix

Photo: Johnny Loix


Photo: Loix

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March 29

Kick-off for the new race season at F7 Satenas

On Thursday March 25 the kick-off for the Hansen-Citroen team took place at the Swedish military air force base F7 in Satenas.
The team partners were invited to an official visit at F7. We had a guided tour and got information about the base, the JAS 39 Gripen and the TP84 Hercules. Hakan Brandt from F7 made our visit interesting and educating.


Photo: Ulf "Fabbe" Fabiansson


Photo: Ulf "Fabbe" Fabiansson


Photo: Ulf "Fabbe" Fabiansson


Photo: Ulf "Fabbe" Fabiansson


Photo and editing: Ulf "Fabbe" Fabiansson

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January 21

”Stekka” drives ex-Hansen Citroën in the SRC this year

 Last year Kenneth Hansen won his 11:th ERC-title in rallycross with his Citroën Xsara. This year Stig-Olov “Stekka” Walfridsson will drive the car.
”Stekka”, who is multiple Swedish rally champion and with many years of rallycross experience, aims in 2004 mainly on the four rounds of the Swedish Championship. He will probably also participate in the ERC-rounds in Holjes, Sweden in Lyngås, Norway.
- My goal with the co-operation with Walfridsson is to have yet another Citroen on the podium, Kenneth says and expects at the same time hard competition from his fellow countryman.

More information on Walfridsson.

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January 20

Kenneth gets prepared for the coming season.
Here in Sweden we have -5 degrees and snow at the moment. In the middle of the winter, when the rallycross season feels very distant, it is the time when the important technical changes are made. The driver and team has from the last season of experiences formed an idea how to make the car go faster, handle more gently, improve reliability etc. It is in those cold months the platform is built, upon which the team will stand for the coming hectic race season.
- Except for our own challenge in both the Swedish- and European Championship, Kenneth says, we are also soon ready to announce another interesting news, which we are working on as well.


Photo: Loix

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January 17

Race & Rally International 2004

Kenneth attended the exhibition Race & Rally in Maastricht on January 16-18. There were exhibitions and spectacular shows with cars performing for the spectators.
Kenneth took his Citroen Xsara out on the stage making spins and turns.
Together with two other cars Kenneth performed at 11:30 PM as the highlight of the Show Night on Saturday.

See more information: www.race-rally.net


Photo: Johnny Loix


Photo: Johnny Loix


Photo: Johnny Loix


Photo: Johnny Loix


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Calendar 2004

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