Canterbury’s Tristan Ovenden and his red and yellow team were back in 5 Nations Rallycross action over the weekend, this time in France and the infamous Dreux circuit.

Where the British drivers were joining with the French Championship for their end of season show down in a 2-day event which included night racing under flood lights. The French championship is arguably considered the fiercest and most competitive in the world, So Ovenden had his work cut out for him.

The weather at the start of the weekend was very wet both on track and off which made learning a new track doubly difficult. But the Motul backed driver recorded respectable mid table results in the first 2 Qualifying sessions as the track started to dry out.

However, as the track got quicker so did the Canterbury racer’s 30 French opponents! The night racing didn’t finish until nearly midnight much to the delight of the huge crowd. Overnight the Motul backed driver was just outside the semi-final cut off knowing he had to place in the top 16 to advance to the semi-finals.

After a hard-fought 4th qualifying session, Ovenden crossed the line in fourth spot and secured 20th place just short of the cut off, however, he had secured third fastest British driver.

The podium finish means that with one round to go a top three championship finish is firmly in his sights. All will be decided at his home circuit of Lydden Hill on 5th and 6th November where double header finale will be held.

Speaking about the weekend, Tristan Ovenden (#72) said:

“Our second trip abroad with the Supercar has been a great adventure, on and off track! Very difficult to learn the track in the wet on the Saturday, and for the team to work in the muddy paddock, but once it dried out it was a really fun circuit.”

“Amazing level of competition from the French, I still got some respectable times and results and I’m very pleased to have got on the British podium.”

“Thanks very much, as always to the red and yellow racing team, and a special thank you to Motul for the excellent products in their home country!”

Pictures supplied by Matt Bristow Photography.