Two-time champion Johan Kristoffersson makes World RX return after one-year hiatus

PHOTO CREDIT: Kristoffersson Motorsport. 

Two-time World Rallycross Champion Johan Kristofferson has confirmed his return to the series with Volkswagen Dealerteam BAUHAUS in 2020. 

The Swede claimed seven victories on route to his maiden World RX drivers' title in 2017 and surpassed that feat in 2018 winning 11 of 12 rounds in the defense of his first World RX crown. However, a few months later he was left without a seat when PSRX Volkswagen withdrew from the championship.

After a stint in rallying and a season in the World Touring Car Cup where he claimed three race wins. Kristoffersson will return to the FIA World Rallycross Championship at the wheel of a works-built Volkswagen Polo Supercar under the team banner "Volkswagen Dealerteam BAUHAUS". 

"It has been a hectic period and not the easiest path to go along. There have been many alternatives, but right now I feel really satisfied. Rallycross is very close to my heart. All our energy and focus is now on World RX," Kristoffersson said.

The 31-year-old says that while his attention was elsewhere after a one-year hiatus, he has learnt from racing elsewhere and is refocussed for the season ahead. 

"I have caught up with some of the races I missed and my conclusion is that our opponents took steps forward during 2019," he adds. "I have also taken my steps as a driver through what I have learned in rally and track racing and that is the mix that becomes rallycross."

Kristoffersson Motorsport has a long successful history in motorsport, and in 2013 they returned to rallycross with a single event in Sweden. The team expanded its operation in 2014 when it entered two Volkswagen Polos in the Supercar class but later stopped running a team in World RX class after Johan joined the Volkswagen backed PSRX team in 2017. 

"I’m really looking forward to this season and it is a bit special to do it with Kristoffersson Motorsport. When we entered rallycross in 2014 we set a three-year plan to become world champions," Kristoffersson said. "It succeeded, however with PSRX where I had two fantastic years. But some of our own staff were on the substitute bench so to speak. That’s why it’s so extremely nice to do this."

KMS team boss Tommy Kristoffersson says the team is well aware of the challenge it faces in 2020 entering as a family team.

"We hope to score good results early on, giving us a chance for extra support for the latter part of the season. Of course, this puts pressure on our team, but I feel assured we have a very competent squad," he said.

"Tight races, powerful cars, big crowds. Rallycross is surrounded by emotions and the organizers have found a great concept for the events. And with a double world champion behind the wheel the pressure is on."

"We will be there aiming to win, but anyone involved in this business knows it’s not that easy," he adds. "After all, we’re a private team and the resources are limited, not even close to 2017 and 2018. Also, the car will be based in Arvika, not in Hannover, even though we will be buying services from Volkswagen Motorsport."

Kristoffersson senior says the team also has an eye on the electric future of rallycross.

"It has always been a benefit to work with Volkswagen and together with their development department I hope that we will be able to join and lay the foundation for the future of motorsport," he said. 

"Rallycross is a perfect product for electrification and there is no more efficient way to conduct development work. Much of what emerges through motorsports is used in the extension of our standard cars."