- Sebastian Eriksson captures third-place finish in the Honda Civic's debut
- First podium finish of the 2016 season for Olsbergs MSE
- Honda scores its first points in the Red Bull GRC Manufacturers' Championship
Olsbergs MSE, with driver Sebastian Eriksson, scored Honda its first podium finish in The Red Bull Global Rallycross Championship in the 2016 Honda Civic Coupe's first weekend of competition.
In Round One on Saturday, Joni Wiman and Eriksson advanced to the final via a pair of second-place finishes in the semi-finals and for Eriksson, the Last Chance Qualifier. In the final, Wiman and Eriksson battled through the 10-car field. Both drivers experienced contact throughout the race, but Wiman managed to finish sixth while Eriksson finished ninth.
Round Two action began early on Sunday with Eriksson and Wiman powering the 2.0 Liter turbocharged Red Bull Honda Civics around the .929 mile, 12-turn Wild Horse Pass Motorsports Park circuit. They advanced to the final by way of second- and third-place finishes in the first semi final.
In the final, Eriksson started on the inside of the three-car second row with Wiman on the outside. On the first lap, Eriksson charged past Patrik Sandell for third while Wiman ran in fifth position. The teammates maintained their spots until the third lap when Wiman suffered mechanical damage, forcing him out of the race.
Eriksson held off Sandell in the turbocharged Honda Civic Coupe to capture third place and Honda's first podium in Red Bull GRC. The podium finish places Honda in a tie for second place in Red Bull GRC's season-long manufacturers' championship.
After the doubleheader weekend in Phoenix, Red Bull GRC heads to Dallas, Texas for the third round of the 12-race championship, June 4. Live coverage begins at 2:30 p.m. EST on NBC.
Sebastian Eriksson (#93 Red Bull Honda OMSE) on today's victory: "I am really happy to give Honda its first podium in Red Bull GRC. The team [Olsbergs MSE] worked through the night fixing the car after the damage from Saturday's race. It was an absolute team effort to get this finish, but we're not satisfied. Dallas will be a great track for us and the Red Bull [Honda] Civic."
Nicholas Lee (National Advertising Manager, American Honda Motor Co, Inc.): "This weekend was a thrill for Honda and Honda Performance Development. To achieve a podium finish in our first weekend in Red Bull GRC speaks volumes to the hard work put in by OMSE, Red Bull and Honda. We're looking forward to continuing our success at the upcoming Global Rallycross event in Dallas."
