Rallycross: Vītos will compete in the British Super 1600 Rallycross Championship under the wing of British legend Doran

Latvian rallycross driver Roberts Vītols will compete in the Super 1600 class of the British Rallycross Championship this year, under the close supervision of British rallycross legend Pat Doran. Vītols will compete in his current Peugeot 206, with which he became Latvian champion in the Super 1600 class last year.

The Provento Racing team driver competed in the British Championship last year, winning a bronze medal in the Junior class. In this event, the athletes competed in identically prepared Suzuki Swift cars, which are supplied by the teams competing in the championship. Starting in the Super 1600 class will be a significant step up, as the cars in the class are significantly faster and more powerful. Roberts will compete in his Peugeot car, which is being prepared by the Provento Racing team.

This year, the British Championship is presented as the Five Nations Cup. Pat Doran has become the main organizer of the series. The four-time British Rallycross Champion and 1992 European Rallycross Vice-Champion in the D-2 class is also the owner of Britain’s most famous rallycross track at Leadenhill, and the family name is attractively presented by Pat’s eldest son Liam Doran – the most famous British representative in the World Rallycross Championship at the moment.

Pat Doran, who highly appreciated Vītols’ start in the Junior class last year, made an offer to compete in the British Championship this year, offering his help in the development of Robert’s career both in the UK and abroad.

“During this long off-season, the team and I considered our next steps after winning the Latvian championship title and the British Championship bronze last year,” explains Roberts Vītols . “Doran made us two offers, one of which was this – our Super 1600 class car in the British Championship – the Five Nations Cup. When we started the British Championship last year, the goal was to look for career development paths through the motor sports traditions and opportunities of this country. To a certain extent, this has succeeded, because Doran’s attention is an excellent assessment of our abilities, and it can open new career doors.”

“Undoubtedly, starting in the Super 1600 class is a big step forward compared to the Junior class, both in terms of sportiness and recognition.”

“Thank you to my family, with whom we are taking these steps together, and also thank you to Pat Doran for the trust, I must not let it down! And despite the fact that I am no longer driving for Peter Gwynne Motorsport, where I fought last year, the team supports me and takes care of my participation in the UK – thank you!”

The naming of the British Championship as the Five Nations Cup is a branding move adopted by the new championship. The name reflects the format of the competition, highlighting the rivalry between the United Kingdom countries of Wales, Scotland, England and Northern Ireland, as well as the Netherlands. However, the Netherlands is not participating in the championship this year due to the virus pandemic.

“We have started preparations for the upcoming season,” says Roberts. “The British Championship will consist of seven rounds, taking place over four weekends. The season will start with the first round on 30-31 August at Leadenhill (England), followed by three double-header rounds at Knockhill (Scotland), Pembrokeshire (Wales) and Mondello Park (Northern Ireland). Until then, the first tests are expected in mid-July, and a press day in August, during which there will be an opportunity to introduce ourselves to the media.”

The start in the British Super 1600 class will require a new approach to the team’s equipment preparation and logistics strategy. Provento Racing manager Uģis Vītols explains: “This is an interesting challenge, but we could not refuse it. We now need to plan our travel to the competition. Last year we were able to travel to each stage with connecting flights, because the competition car was in the British team’s workshop, prepared for each competition. We are currently planning the delivery of the equipment to the UK, its possible storage there between competitions, repair methods and options. We have also ordered additional serious components in case of major defects – a new, interesting competition format!”

“We are already very supported by Pat Doran, and after several calls we have received the necessary information about the upcoming season.”

“He has assigned us a Super 1600 class specialist who works with us, it helps a lot and shows a great attitude. Let’s take on the challenge!”