Ken Block wins inaugural Projekt E event at Höljes

After almost a year from the first demo drive of the Ford Fiesta ERX built by STARD, the Projekt E series started a new chapter in the history of rallycross as the discipline finally saw electric cars take part of an international competition, with Ken Block going straight to victory at the first round at Höljes, in Sweden

While more cars were expected, multiple issues kept some entries away of the series debut, meaning that the round was basically a three car affair, with Block being opposed by Thomas Neubauer and Rallytechnology’s Natalie Barratt.

Thomas Neubauer proved he had the speed already in Q1, though his rough approach to Ken Block into Turn 1 gave a penalty to him, but he was able to take it back in Q2, especially as Block passed a bit of the stability line. Things were quite even between Block and Neubauer in the remaining qualifying sessions, but Block got the upper hand, through sheer pace on Q3 and thanks to a problem for Neubauer in Q4.

Barratt was trying to improve pace as fast as possible as she was far away from the top two, though she did what was possible in a sensible manner as there was no major errors from her part.

In terms of pace, Block clocked at best 3:11.201 on Q3 while Neubauer did a 45.9 lap on Q4, which was 11 seconds slower than the best World RX supercar time, while the best lap was roughly 2 seconds slower, as even though power figures are similar and the Fiesta ERX delivers instant torque, extra weight and different weight shift in corners hinder the pros.

Projekt E Höljes - Qualifying intermediate results

A slightly better start secured the lead for Ken Block at the Final, but it wasn’t like Thomas Neubauer wasn’t chasing him hard, keeping a close view of the rear bumper of the Hoonigan driver until a right rear puncture hindered Neubauer’s performance, which gave clear way for Block to dominate, which stood until the checkered flag, while Natalie Barratt came home second and Neubauer was third.

Projekt E Höljes - Final results

Next Projekt E round will be at the Riga RX weekend on September 20^th, where probably Citroën Racing will be present with their C3 ERX and Mads Østberg.

PHOTO: Ken Block