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French rallycross star Davy Jeanney will fill the seat vacated by Jacques Villeneuve for the Lydden World Rallycross Championship round

12:00, 08 May 2014

Jacques Villeneuve won't race at Lydden Hill's upcoming FIA World Rallycross Championship round - but his replacement has now been revealed.

His seat will be filled by rapid French rallycross star Davy Jeanney after the 1997 Formula One World Champion opted to race in the prestigious Indy 500 in America, which clashes with the Lydden round on May 24-25.

Jeanney's name may lack the star attraction of the famous French-Canadian, but the 28-year-old is no slouch and will be aiming for his first outright win on the world stage.

Jeanney is a former French rallycross champion. Picture - Albatec Racing
Jeanney is a former French rallycross champion. Picture - Albatec Racing

In last year's European Rallycross championship, Jeanney became the only driver to seriously challenge eventual champion Timur Timerzyanov for the title.

He didn't notch up an event win last year, but the 2010 French Rallycross champion will be looking to put that right on a circuit he has gone well on in the past.

Jeanney will race this car of Villeneuve's. Picture - Albatec Racing
Jeanney will race this car of Villeneuve's. Picture - Albatec Racing

He will join British-based Albatec Racing at the event and aboard his 600bhp, 2-litre, 16v Peugeot 208 supercar, Jeanney will be searching for top-spot on the podium after being unable to compete in every round.

During testing last year with the team he greatly impressed the Albatec squad, and was tipped pre-season as a title challenger for 2014.

Jacques Villeneuve won't be at Lydden
Jacques Villeneuve won't be at Lydden

"I have a really good relationship with Andy (Scott, Albatec team principal)," he said.

"As we know each other well since we have been racing against each other for quite a while now, there was really no reason not to join Albatec.

Davy Jeanney will race for the Albatec Racing team. Picture - Albatec Racing
Davy Jeanney will race for the Albatec Racing team. Picture - Albatec Racing

“Lydden Hill is a track that I know very well where I have always had great results so hopefully we can get a good result, being in the top five or even a podium is the target for now.

Jacques Villeneuve has tested at Lydden this year - but won't return. Picture - Joe Wright
Jacques Villeneuve has tested at Lydden this year - but won't return. Picture - Joe Wright

“Not being able to compete in the whole championship gives me extra motivation, it's like a bonus for me towards next year, and it's giving me a good opportunity to work on getting really good results, I am really going to be 200% committed."

Tickets for the FIA World Rallycross Championship presented by Monster Energy, Round 2, Autosport Rallycross of Great Britain at Lydden Hill on 24-25 May are available.

Via either the official lyddenhillevents.co.uk website or the Ticket Hotline on 0844 858 8518 (calls cost 6p per minute plus network extras).

Discounts of up to 20 per cent are on offer for those booking in advance.

Accompanied children aged 12 and under are admitted free.

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