In each training session, the athletes completed four laps. Unlike the qualifying races, during training the cars are released onto the track one by one, so the main focus is on the lap time, car balance, and finding the most suitable settings.
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The first training took place under changing conditions. Baciuška went out on the track in the second subgroup, when the rain had already stopped, but the surface was still wet. Later, for the athletes who appeared, the track gradually dried and grip conditions improved.
Despite the challenging surface, the Lithuanian completed the best lap in 40.087 seconds and took tenth place in the overall RX1 class standings. The fastest in the first training was Johan Kristoffersson, who recorded a time of 39.283 seconds. Baciuška was 0.804 seconds behind the leader.
The second training took place on a dry track and under more uniform conditions. Baciuška completed the best lap in 37.248 seconds – 2.839 seconds faster than in the first session. This result allowed the Lithuanian to rise to sixth place among 30 RX1 class athletes.
The fastest in the second training was again Kristoffersson, whose result was 36.444 seconds. Interestingly, Baciuška was exactly 0.804 seconds behind him this time as well.
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“Today we had two training sessions of four laps each, so compared to rally-raid, the day was not very busy – there was plenty of free time. In the first training, the track was half dry, half wet. We drove in the second subgroup with slick tires and recorded the tenth time. Later, the track dried more for the athletes who went out, so they could find more grip,” Baciuška said.
“In the second training, the surface was already dry, and the conditions were much more uniform for everyone. We improved the time by almost three seconds and rose to sixth place. The car setup looks good, but we still have some things to improve. The track itself is different from Latvia and, I think, a bit more favorable for me. Here the surface is harder, more like a mixture of gravel and concrete, so I feel more confident. Tomorrow the real battles begin – three qualifying races await,” said the Lithuanian.
On Saturday, RX1 class athletes will compete in three qualifying races at the Lohéac track. The fourth qualifying and knockout rounds will take place on Sunday.
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