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Lydden Hill's successful FIA World Rallycross round was enjoyed by over 10,000 spectators today - with Norwegian Andreas Bakkerud taking the win

Lydden Hill's first-ever FIA World Rallycross Championship round was hailed a success today after more than 10,000 spectators enjoyed the thrilling action.

In what was classed as the Canterbury circuit's biggest event in its history, thousands of fans watched on as British hope Andrew Jordan grabbed an impressive podium finish, whilst Norwegian Andreas Bakkerud took the overall win.

Norwegian Andreas Bakkerud took the Lydden World Rallycross win. Picture: Joe Wright
Norwegian Andreas Bakkerud took the Lydden World Rallycross win. Picture: Joe Wright

Both circuit bosses and championship organisers dubbed the event a triumph as every race ran to schedule and produced fantastic action, especially in the record-breaking 37-strong Supercar class.

Over 10,000 spectators watched Sunday's action. Picture: Joe Wright
Over 10,000 spectators watched Sunday's action. Picture: Joe Wright

Circuit owner Pat Doran was delighted with how the weekend went: "What an event, best in the world," he said.

The World RX Supercar podium: Larsson, Bakkerud and Jordan. Picture: Lydden Hill Press Office
The World RX Supercar podium: Larsson, Bakkerud and Jordan. Picture: Lydden Hill Press Office

"We put on a show to show the world what we can do, at our best, down here in Kent.

"It's been incredible. Kent's not seen excitement in this part - it brings life to Dover and this area.

Tommy Rustad flew in the heats. Picture: Joe Wright
Tommy Rustad flew in the heats. Picture: Joe Wright

"By miles the biggest event, fantastic, brilliant."

On track, the four championships - Supercar, Super 1600, TouringCar and RX Lites - all produced memorable racing.

Brit Julian Godfrey rounds the hairpin. Picture: Joe Wright
Brit Julian Godfrey rounds the hairpin. Picture: Joe Wright

In what was a thrilling Supercar final, all eyes were on British hope and current British Touring Car champion, Andrew Jordan.

The paddock was packed all weekend. Picture: Joe Wright
The paddock was packed all weekend. Picture: Joe Wright

The 25-year-old returned to his rallycross roots for a one-off weekend and after qualifying from a tense semi-final, Jordan started the final from the back row.

The Super 1600 action was very competitive. Picture: Joe Wright
The Super 1600 action was very competitive. Picture: Joe Wright

He produced a determined display to rise through the field and once his rivals had taken their joker laps, the Lichfield man was in third position on the final lap, which he held to the flag.

Jordan said post-race: "I couldn't have expected that to get a podium in my return.

Andrew Jordan was delighted to take an impressive third. Picture: Joe Wright
Andrew Jordan was delighted to take an impressive third. Picture: Joe Wright

"It was a British championship before so to do it at European, World level is unreal - I can't believe it."

A queue of Supercars line up in the paddock. Picture: Joe Wright
A queue of Supercars line up in the paddock. Picture: Joe Wright

Teammate Andreas Bakkerud raced to first, just beating the impressive Robin Larsson who starred all weekend in his Audi.

American star Tanner Foust ran out of fuel in the final. Picture: Joe Wright
American star Tanner Foust ran out of fuel in the final. Picture: Joe Wright

Toomas Heikkinen took fourth, with Tanner Foust fifth after contact with Petter Solberg at the Devil's Elbow, who took sixth.

Sittingbourne's Liam Doran couldn't reach the semi final stage in his Citroen DS3 after mechanical gremlins and a jump start hurt his progress.

The Lydden circuit team worked very hard all weekend
The Lydden circuit team worked very hard all weekend

Pat Doran also praised the Lydden circuit staff who made the event run smoothly - including dealing with the situation when his classic Ford RS200 caught fire in the final action on Saturday.

The Lydden event attracted star names - with Andreas Bakkerud winning. Picture: Joe Wright
The Lydden event attracted star names - with Andreas Bakkerud winning. Picture: Joe Wright

"It finished on time, no dramas - except for me - it was brilliant," he added.

Petter Solberg raced to sixth in the final. Picture: Joe Wright
Petter Solberg raced to sixth in the final. Picture: Joe Wright

"There's a thousand people here today working; if you count the crews, everyone, the marshals."

Elsewhere, Russian Sergej Zagumennov bettered the rapid Ulrik Linnemann to the Super 1600 spoils in his Skoda Fabia.

Ulrik Linnemann was just beaten in the Super 1600 final. Picture: Joe Wright
Ulrik Linnemann was just beaten in the Super 1600 final. Picture: Joe Wright

Daniel Lundh won the TouringCar category from Anders Braten, whilst 16-year-old Mitchell DeJong took the RX Lites spoils on the championship's first-ever visit to Lydden.

Joker laps played a key part in the races. Picture: Joe Wright
Joker laps played a key part in the races. Picture: Joe Wright

Ex-Formula 1 racer Nelson Piquet Junior retired from the final with engine issues.

Eric Faren (left) and Ramona Karlsson had a fantastic battle. Picture: Joe Wright
Eric Faren (left) and Ramona Karlsson had a fantastic battle. Picture: Joe Wright

A report on the Lydden Hill action will appear in this week's Kentish Gazette, out on Thursday.

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