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| Seven-time FIA World Rallycross Champion Johan Kristoffersson launching off a jump. PHOTO CREDIT: Kristoffersson Motorsport |
After years of ups and downs, the FIA World Rallycross Championship (World RX)—one of motorsport’s most dynamic disciplines—is gathering fresh momentum. Now firmly under the direct stewardship of the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA), the championship is entering an exciting new chapter marked by renewed optimism, greater accessibility, and a clear sense of direction.
Much like an aircraft gathering speed on the tarmac, World RX hit critical velocity in 2014. That inaugural season launched the discipline into the global spotlight with a roar. A grid packed with motorsport icons—Ken Block, Petter and Henning Solberg, Mattias Ekström, Tanner Foust, Timmy Hansen and Jacques Villeneuve—captured fans' imaginations. Over twelve thrilling rounds that year, Petter Solberg made history, becoming the first driver to win two FIA World Championships in different disciplines.
Riding high, the series grew rapidly. Major manufacturers such as Audi, Volkswagen, and Ford entered the fray, injecting factory-level competition into the paddock. Promoter IMG made a bold move by streaming races live on YouTube, vastly increasing accessibility and building a loyal global fanbase. Rallycross—with its short, high-octane races and duel-surface tracks—was becoming a bona fide global phenomenon.
But just as swiftly as it rose, World RX faced headwinds. Electrification, once seen as the future, became a divisive issue. When plans to transition stalled, so did manufacturer commitment. By the end of 2018, Audi, Volkswagen, and Peugeot all withdrew—marking the beginning of a turbulent chapter.
In the absence of factory teams, independent outfits stepped up, ushering in what became known as the privateer era. Despite delivering some memorable racing moments, the financial strain of competing at a world championship level became apparent. Entry numbers fell from 40 to just 25 by the final seasons of internal combustion engined Supercars. IMG exited in 2021, and Rallycross Promoter GmbH took over. In 2022, they introduced the long-awaited electric era, powered by cutting-edge Kreisel Electric powertrains.
The transition was not without complications. Broadcasts moved behind paywalls, limiting accessibility. Some regions received delayed highlights while others were left with YouTube highlights. A new commentary team was also introduced, with Martin Haven and later Nick Fellows taking over. Though both brought professionalism, many missed the unique chemistry of fan-favorite duo Andrew Coley and Dan Rooke. To add insight, respected rallycross journalist Hal Ridge was brought on board.
Special ONE Racing's Lancia Delta Evo-e's on fire at Lydden Hill.
VIDEO SOURCE: _rallycross_ on IG
Then came 2023—arguably the most challenging seasons yet. During the UK round at Lydden Hill, a devastating fire destroyed both Special ONE Racing Lancia Delta Evo-e cars. The event, along with two others, was cancelled. To salvage the season, the FIA and RX Promoter made an extraordinary decision: the remaining rounds would be completed using RX2e cars.
Determined to reconnect with fans, RX Promoter implemented new changes in 2024. Mike Chen was appointed lead commentator—a decision that earned widespread praise. His energy evoked the spirit of Andrew Coley, and although fans continued to miss the Coley–Rooke dynamic, the effort to re-establish the emotional core of the broadcast was clear.
Behind the scenes, however, change was coming fast. RX Promoter unexpectedly stepped down ahead of the 2025 season, throwing the championship’s immediate future into question. In response, the FIA assumed full control as official promoter. Their first move? Removing the paywall. The entire championship would now be streamed live and free on YouTube—restoring global accessibility and breathing life back into the fanbase.
But the biggest surprise was yet to come: the FIA announced the return of Andrew Coley and Dan Rooke to the commentary booth, joined by 2019 World RX runner-up Andreas Bakkerud as an expert analyst and paddock reporter. The announcement was met with widespread celebration and marked a significant step toward restoring the series’ identity.
As momentum built ahead of the KymiRing round in Finland, another challenge emerged. Hansen Motorsport—one of rallycross’s most respected teams—announced they would not participate due to unresolved issues with a major partner. The paddock braced for a significant absence. However, intense behind-the-scenes negotiations delivered an unexpected but inspiring outcome. CE Dealer Team—powered by Volvo Construction Equipment (Volvo CE) and PWR Group—stepped in to support their long-time rivals. In a powerful show of unity and shared commitment to the sport, their backing enabled Hansen Motorsport to compete after all. The moment served as a testament to the resilience and camaraderie that define World RX at its best.
For World RX to reclaim its former heights, one reality remains unavoidable: costs must come down. The FIA is already addressing this through the forthcoming 2027 World Rally Championship regulations, designed to foster manufacturer involvement and possibly facilitate crossover with World RX. Among the key proposals: a switch to Rally2-based cars, more flexible bodywork regulations, and a cost cap—all of which aim to boost grid numbers and level the playing field.
Former World RX stars like Krisztián Szabó and Anton Marklund have expressed interest in returning—provided budget requirements become manageable. Currently, just eight cars make up the top-tier grid under Balance of Technologies (BoT) regulations, but with financial reform, the field could grow significantly.
Wildcard entries could also offer another path to reinvigorating the grid. The idea of inviting high-profile drivers such as Kalle Rovanperä or even Fernando Alonso for guest appearances was explored by the former commercial rights holder. Arne Dirks, former RX Promoter CEO confirmed this, saying: “It is something we’ve discussed internally, and we’ve already seen many good drivers from different disciplines come into rallycross and quickly transfer their skills. We’ve noted comments from the likes of Fernando Alonso saying they would be keen to have a go, and the door is always open to them.”
Still, logistical challenges remain. As Kristoffersson Motorsport team boss Tommy Kristoffersson noted: “It’s a great idea, but also difficult. The next question will be: who has a car for the wildcard drivers? There aren't many teams that have a competitive extra car available.”
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| PHOTO CREDIT: Red Bull Content Pool |
Further complicating the competitive landscape are the current technical regulations that limit teams to just two significant updates—or "jokers"—per season. Kevin Hansen summed up the frustration: “This is the problem with the current regulations. You can’t change the complete philosophy because you use too many changes. It’s to save money, so you limit the number of updates you can do. We’re kind of stuck.” Despite those frustrations, Hansen remains enthusiastic about the future. When asked by Andrew Coley if Hansen Motorsport would build a new car under the 2027 regulations, his answer was emphatic: “100%. We will build the best bloody car on the grid. I just want a new car so badly.”
World RX has endured a decade of evolution—marked by highs, setbacks, reinventions, and now, renewal. With the FIA at the helm, free global streaming restored, and beloved voices returning to the commentary booth, the sport feels more grounded.
The foundations are in place. The vision is clear. The engines are warming. The runway is clear. It’s time for World RX to take flight once more.
