Guerlain Chicherit planning to compete in World Rallycross in 2014
French rally driver Guerlain Chicherit is aiming to compete in the World Rallycross Championship after testing a Mini RX in Portugal on Friday
The 35-year-old - who finished ninth in the 2009 Dakar Rally and gained notoriety for backflipping a Mini in the French Alps last year - was one of several drivers to test the Prodrive Mini at the Algarve International Circuit.
He later expressed a desire to participate in the new-for-2014 series following the experience and envisages a future in World Rallycross.
"I really want to have a go at it," said Chicherit.
"The sport is great and it's a big show with big drivers, and I would love to do the full world championship, but maybe this year we can do a few races to learn ahead of 2015.
"I wanted to try the car to see if I liked it first, and it is sick!"
The Frenchman admitted that the Mini RX was the most powerful car he had ever driven and he was originally unsure as to what to expect from it.
"I was so nervous before I drove it because it is very different to what I am used to, but as soon as I got in and selected first gear it was fine.
"The car gives you so much confidence and the handling is amazing - it is easy to control even when it is sliding and the brakes are incredible too."
Others who drove the Mini RX in Portugal include former Tour de France cyclist Tomas Vaitkus, World Rally Championship WRC2 class regular Valeriy Gorban and four-time Andros Trophy ice racing champion turned occasional World Touring Car racer Jean-Philippe Dayraut.
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About this article
| Series | World Rallycross |
| Drivers | Guerlain Chicherit |
| Author | Hal Ridge |
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