British FIA World Rallycross Championship driver Guy Wilks heads to the Bompiso World RX of Portugal, seventh in the series after the opening round in Barcelona.

The LOCO Energy Drink backed driver was the surprise package in Spain as he took his Volkswagen RX Polo to the semi-finals against works-backed entries, narrowly missing out on the final.

The double British Rally champion and former WRC driver is targeting the final this time out as he goes up against 22 of the best driver from around the world.

“Obviously, we want to build on what we achieved in the opening round at Barcelona,” said Wilks. “but we don’t want to get carried away by the success we had there. This is a brand new round, we start afresh with zero points and we need to up our game even more so we don’t get complacent. I’ve never driven this track but I have commentated on this event previously, so I do know it a little.

“It’s good that we’ve got a test because it’s going to be more than we had going into Barcelona, and I’m hopeful it will be very beneficial ahead of the weekend. After just missing out on the final last time out, naturally that’s what I’m aiming for, but this is the World Championship and anything can happen.

“I’ll be up against teams and drivers with much more experience and much greater budgets but we proved we can be up there in Barcelona and the next natural step is to reach the final and then to battle for a win. I’m feeling happy and confident ahead of the weekend and after our fantastic start at Barcelona I’m going out there to give everything I’ve got and hopefully we can come away celebrating.”

Wilks owns Karting North East, based near Sunderland, Tyne and Wear and has arranged for visitors to watch the live Sunday action at the venue. Further information is available at: www.kartingnortheast.com.