PREVIEW: World RX returns to the 'birthplace of rallycross' Lydden Hill after a six-year hiatus.

PHOTO CREDIT: Red Bull Content Pool

Lydden Hill – the legendary ‘Birthplace of Rallycross’ – is ready to welcome World RX for the first time in six years this weekend.

Tucked away in the ‘Garden of England’, Lydden Hill was featured on the World RX calendar from 2014 to 2017. During that period, some of the biggest heroes in the sport – Petter Solberg, Mattias Ekström, and Andreas Bakkerud – triumphed at the track.

Now, somebody else is poised to add their name to that illustrious list, as the championship’s latest-generation, all-electric beasts are let off the leash in Britain for the very first time.

Reigning Champion Johan Kristoffersson will lead the charge, as he seeks to further cement himself in history with a sixth career crown. 

Three from three so far in 2023, the Super Swede has not offered his rivals so much as a crumb for comfort, and he arrives on British shores holding a 27-point margin over his closest pursuer at the summit of the standings. 

Speaking ahead of the World RX of Lydden Hill, Kristoffersson is eager to point out: "Lydden is one of few tracks where I haven't won yet."

The five-time champion adds that: "Me and Ole Christian are pushing each other to become better drivers. The combination is like with Petter and me at PSRX in 2017 and 2018. Ole also has the experience from rally to bring into the team." 

Timmy Hansen – the driver who has pushed Kristofferson hardest over the past few years – will hope for stronger results in the United Kingdom, after claiming his first podium finish of the campaign at Höljes earlier this month. 

Younger brother Kevin, meanwhile, has a particular affinity with Lydden Hill, having participated in his first proper rallycross test at the circuit in a Suzuki Swift at the age of 13.

“It’s the home of rallycross and personally, I’ve had a lot of great memories there,” Kevin said. “I essentially began my rallycross career at the track and won there in both Swifts and RX Lites, so for me, it’s great to be back.”

Since Hansen last raced at Lydden, a fair bit has changed, of course. Turn One is now banked and considerably wider than it used to be – encouraging more side-by-side battles and overtakes – and incorporates a jump on the exit, just after the merge with the all-new joker.

Three drivers with more recent experience of the circuit than most are CE Dealer Team duo Niclas Grönholm and Klara Andersson, as well as Kristoffersson’s team-mate, Ole Christian Veiby. Andersson won on her debut there in an RX150 buggy in April as part of the British Rallycross Championship curtain-raiser.

"[Lydden Hill] is an iconic track that I was lucky enough to try earlier this year with a cross-car race that I won. With good memories from the track, it will be exciting to race on such an iconic track with our all-electric PWR RX1e. I am looking forward to continuing working hard with the team, and fight for important points in the championship," Klara Andersson said.

Andersson's stablemate, and second in the championship, Niclas Grönholm reacclimatised himself with the track last year.

"It will be nice to go back to Lydden Hill after a long break from the World RX. The track has undergone some construction since its last outing in the championship, and I was lucky to drive there last year," the Finn said. "I feel that the track is now even better than before. It is time to make a proper comeback after the eventful race in Sweden, and I am looking forward to go racing again."

Ole Christian Veiby has also previously raced at Lydden Hill, and admits that the track is: "technically it's an easier track than Höljes for example, so I expect more tight racing in this round."

The Volkswagen Dealerteam BAUHAUS driver believes that he has an advantage over Kristoffersson, and targets a superpole win. "Now is the time to beat Johan in the superpole. Since Årjäng, I have a psychological advantage over him," he said.

Nine times an FIA World Rally Champion, Sebastien Loeb is back in action in World RX this season for the first time since 2018 – and the car he is driving, the Lancia Delta Evo-e RX, pays homage to one of the most iconic machines in WRC history.

Loeb is joined at Special ONE Racing by team-mate and compatriot Guerlain Chicherit, while for all his wealth of experience in the sport, double DTM Champion Timo Scheider (ALL-INKL.COM Münnich Motorsport) has never previously competed at Lydden.

Finally, a new addition to the field by the name of Sondre Evjen who will replace Gustav Bergström at Volkswagen Dealerteam BAUHAUS this weekend. The highly-rated Norwegian was an event-winner in the FIA European Rallycross Championship’s top-tier Euro RX1 last year.

"This is going to be great fun," he said. "I have long wanted to drive one of these electric World RX cars. I have spoken to Johan and he says it's a great fun car to drive."

THE TRACK: LYDDEN HILL

THE TRACK INFORMATION:

Lydden Hill, situated in Kent, England is the birthplace of Rallycross hosting the first ever Rallycross event in 1967, with Vic Elford taking the honours in a Porsche 911. Lydden Hill now traditionally hosts 2 rounds of the British Rallycross Championship along with the UK round of the GRC Rallycross Europe.

The track has undergone significant developments since World RX last raced at the venue, including changes to the track.

The re-profiled opening corner has increased overtaking opportunities in events run on the revised layout so far, while the large jump in the first half of the lap has added a third dimension to the challenge for drivers, and a spectacular sight for the fans.

2023 FIA WORLD RX OF UNITED KINGDOM: ENTRY LIST

Johan Kristoffersson (Volkswagen Dealerteam BAUHAUS) - VW Polo RX1e

Sebastien Loeb (Special ONE Racing) - Lancia Delta Evo-e RX

Timmy Hansen (Hansen World RX Team) - Peugeot 208 RX1e

Niclas Gronholm (CE Dealer Team) - PWR RX1e

Kevin Hansen (Hansen World RX Team) - Peugeot 208 RX1e

Guerlain Chicherit (Special ONE Racing) - Lancia Delta Evo-e RX

Ole Christian Veiby (Volkswagen Dealerteam BAUHAUS) - VW Polo RX1e

Sondre Evjen (Kristoffersson Motorsport) - VW Polo RX1e

Klara Andersson (CE Dealer Team) - PWR RX1e

Timo Scheider (ALL-INLK Munnich Motorsport) SEAT Ibiza RX1e

Round 4 - World RX of United Kingdom (CAT Times)

SATURDAY:

PRACTICE: 12:05

SUPERPOLE: 13:05

HEAT 1: 15:40

HEAT 2: 17:40

SUNDAY:

WARM-UP: 11:30

HEAT 3: 12:10

HEAT 4: 13:50

SEMI-FINALS AND FINAL: (from) 16:00

GRID WRAP-UP SHOW: 17:00 [RX+ only]

2023 FIA WORLD RALLYCROSS - CHAMPIONSHIP STANDINGS [AFTER ROUND 3]:

1) Johan Kristoffersson (Volkswagen Dealerteam BAUHAUS) - 69 POINTS

2) Niclas Gronholm (CE Dealer Team) - 42

3) Kevin Hansen (Hansen World RX Team) - 38

4) Ole Christian Veiby (Volkswagen Dealerteam BAUHAUS) - 35

5) Timmy Hansen (Hansen World RX Team) - 33

6) Timo Scheider (ALL-INLK Munnich Motorsport) - 31

7) Klara Andersson (CE Dealer Team) - 30

8) Sebastien Loeb (Special ONE Racing) - 29

9) Guerlain Chicherit (Special ONE Racing) - 27

10) Gustav Bergstrom (Kristoffersson Motorsport) - 20

PREVIEW: The title fight goes down to the wire in German double-header.

PHOTO CREDIT: Red Bull Content Pool

After seven rounds at six different circuits, the 2021 FIA World Rallycross Championship fight comes down to the wire - a double-header season finale with a thrilling five-way title battle for the honor of being crowned world champion at the legendary Nürburgring. 

With 60-points up for grabs, there are five possible candidates who could clinch the title at the end of round 8. It will all come down to the execution of the perfect weekend and not making a single error as the smallest of issues could prove to be costly. 

Timmy Hansen is the leading protagonist having not finished lower than fourth so far, the Swede is closing on a second drivers' title, but with 60 points available and just a 17-point advantage, it's all to play for in Germany. 

Timmy's closest pursuer is three-time World Champion Kristoffersson - who hasn't had the best of luck finally had his championship hopes shifted into high gear when he claimed back-to-back wins in Latvia and Belgium. He has also topped more qualifying sessions than anybody else this season. If Swede has another clean weekend without any major dramas, he can overturn Hansen's lead. 

Only 19-points shy of older brother Timmy - Kevin has been fairly consistent this season having won the season-opener in Barcelona, with a fifth-place in Riga as his worst this season.

Like Kristoffersson, Niclas Grönholm had to overcome a few difficult weekends to thrust himself into championship contention with victory in the Latvian double-header, which he then reinforced with another win at Montalegre (Portugal) after his three main rivals tripped over one another in their scrap for the win.

Grönholm's GRX-SET teammate Krisztián Szabó claimed his best result of the season in Belgium last month and is also mathematically in the hunt. 

Having missed the Portuguese round (last month), Kevin Abbring returns with the UNKORRUPTED squad and will aim to continue his strong turn of form this season, whilst two-time FIA European Rallycross Champion Anton Marklund rejoins the fray after his previous World RX outing with Hedströms Motorsport at Spa-Francorchamps. 

Euro RX3 Champion Yuri Belevskiy steps up to the premier class in a Volland Racing Audi S1, whilst former World RX racer Davy Jeanney makes a comeback after more than 3 years in a PGRX Hyundai. 

Having competed in the Catalunya curtain-raiser earlier this year, Tamás Kárai returns, whilst Oliver O'Donovan returns for more action and Stefan Kristensson makes his debut in a team SKAAB prepared Ford Fiesta.

In addition to staging the title decider in Germany, this weekend will mark the final event of the World Championship’s internal combustion era, before the switch to electric power in 2022.

THE TRACK:

Based around the Mullenbachsleife section of the famous Grand Prix circuit, the Nürburgring’s 1,029m rallycross track, which was officially launched in 2020.

The start line – the highest point of the rallycross track – is located at Turn 6 of the Grand Prix circuit, with a 90-degree right-hand corner to begin the lap. The start section is only used once, against the flow of the track, with the Turn 1 right-hander being a left-hander for the racing lap.

The rallycross track drops down steeply after Turn 2, transitioning from unsealed to sealed surfaces using part of the Grand Prix circuit’s asphalt, before a second unsealed section at Turn 3, with the Joker Lap section running around the outside of the Turn 4 left-hander.

The circuit has an elevation change of more than 15 meters over the course of the lap and gradients of up to 12%, with almost the whole track lined by grandstands to guarantee fans an unrivaled viewing experience.

Track Length: 1,029m

Previous Winner: N/A

Fastest lap: N/A

Asphalt/Dirt: 60%/40%

Joker Lap Loss: N/A

2021 FIA World Rallycross Championship standings (drivers):

Timmy Hansen (Hansen World RX Team) 178 pts

Johan Kristoffersson (KYB EKS JC) 161 pts (difference 17 points)

Kevin Hansen (Hansen World RX Team) 159 pts (difference 19 points)

Niclas Gronholm (GRX-SET) 149 pts (difference 29 points) 

Krizstian Szabo (GRX-SET) 127 pts (difference 51 points) 

Kevin Abbring (UNKORRUPTED) 97 pts

Enzo Ide (KYB EKS JC) 89 pts

Timo Scheider (ALL-INLK Munnich Motorsport) 75 pts

Juha Rytkonen 52 pts

Mattias Ekstrom 37 pts

Oliver O'Donovan 29 pts

Hervé Knapick 18 pts

Rene Munnich (ALL-INLK Munnich Motorsport) 16 pts

Anton Marklund 14 pts

Attila Mozer 13 pts

Peter Hedstrom 11 pts

Tamas Karai 9 pts

Oliver Bennett (Xite Racing Team) 8 pts

Dan Oberg 7 pts

Mandie August (ALL-INLK Munnich Motorsport) 4 pts

Patrick Guillerme 2 pts

Round 8 and 9 World RX of Germany Schedule (CAT Times) - CET is one hour earlier. 

SATURDAY:

PRACTICE: 09:15

Q1: 11:36

Q2: 13:06

Q3: 14:36

Semi-Finals and Final: (from) 16:00

Grid Wrap Up Show: 17:00 [RX+ only]

SUNDAY:

WARM-UP: 09:15

Q1: 10:06

Q2: 12:06

Q3: 14:06

Semi-Finals and Final: (from) 16:00

Grid Wrap Up Show: 17:00 [RX+ only]

FREE LIVESTREAM

Red Bull TV (FINALS) ROUND 8 & 9 [Satuday and Sunday] - at 17:00 UTC+2 - https://www.redbull.com/int-en/events/fia-world-rallycross-championship-germany

ESmotorsport cites sustainability as a key factor in its decision step up to World RX in 2022.

PHOTO CREDIT: Red Bull Content Pool

European Champions ESmotorsport joins Kristoffersson Motorsport and ALL-INKL.COM Muennich Motorsport in confirming its 2022 FIA World Rallycross Championship plans. 

The Lithuanian squad was founded by ex-racer Ernestas Staponkus, who competed in Euro RX’s Super1600 category and claimed a podium finish in Germany in 2014 before hanging up his helmet two years later to focus on establishing his own team.

ESmotorsport entered the World Championship scene for the first time in 2019, with Kevin Abbring driving their Škoda Fabia to fourth place in both Norway and Sweden that year.

Former FIA European Rallycross Champion and World RX race winner Reinis Nitišs stepped up and climbed behind the wheel of the Fabia Supercar for the double-header in Riga last year. 

In 2021, the team ran Andreas Bakkerud and Jānis Baumanis in Euro RX1, the Latvian famously winning on home soil last month and the Norwegian clinching the title at Spa-Francorchamps at the end of a thrilling season-long battle – although the primary aim of its combustion-engined activities was always to accumulate experience before embarking upon World RX’s exciting electric era, which is Staponkus’ overriding passion.

"After long internal discussions, we are excited to confirm that ESmotorsport will enter World RX in 2022. Even just a couple of years ago, it seemed inconceivable that we would have this kind of evolution in rallycross but here we are, with a brighter future just around the corner and we are excited to be a small part of this big transition," Robertas Maneikis, Team Manager, ESmotorsport, said.

"The results that we have managed to achieve in Euro RX1 this season ignited a new fire for us to fight amongst the most skilled and experienced competitors in the world next year – and whilst that will clearly not be easy, we are more than up for the challenge. 

"We believe that the new promoter alongside the FIA,  Kreisel and the other teams are doing a fantastic job looking at ways to make improvements for 2022, and Ernestas [Staponkus] is delighted by the decision to make the championship more sustainable – not to mention the awesome new RX1e beasts. Jaws are definitely going to drop when people see these cars on-track..."

ALL-INKL.COM Muennich Motorsport confirms two-car assault for World RX’s new electric era in 2022

PHOTO CREDIT: Red Bull Content Pool

ALL-INKL.COM Muennich Motorsport has formally confirmed a two-car entry in the 2022 FIA World Rallycross Championship, with team manager Dominik Greiner hailing the forthcoming electric switch as an ‘exciting new dawn’.

The German squad first entered World RX with René Münnich at the Estering midway through the inaugural season in 2014, with the German already a regular on the FIA European Rallycross Championship since 2007.

Over the next few years, the team became a stalwart in the rallycross scene at both World and European level, fielding cars for Münnich, 2015 Euro RX Supercar Champion Tommy Rustad, double DTM Champion Timo Scheider, and World RX event-winner Reinis Nitišs.

In 2017, Münnich achieved the team’s first European podium finish at Höljes, before reaching the podium again in Germany en route to a career-best fifth in the overall standings in 2019.

Team-mate Timo Scheider added to the silverware collection with a third-place finish in Sweden in 2020, paving the way to a strong season for the squad this year in which the squad has been a consistent front-runner and podium-challenger on the World Championship stage, despite being dealt more than their fair share of ill-fortune (electrical issues, battery issues, and prop-shaft failures).

René progressed through to the World RX final for the first time with a fifth-place finish in the Catalunya curtain-raiser, but the best was yet to come. At Lohéac last month, the team principal/driver made history as the first German ever to win a round in the top class of the European Championship in the series’ near 40-year history, going on to secure the sixth place spot in the points table at season’s end.

ALL-INKL.COM Muennich Motorsport has Kristoffersson Motorsport in confirming its 2022 World Championship plans. 

"We are delighted to be entering two cars in the FIA World Rallycross Championship in 2022. René has been a great supporter of the series for many years now, and he strongly believes in the new promoter’s vision for a more sustainable future," Dominik Greiner, Team Manager, ALL-INKL.COM Muennich Motorsport, said.

"As a team, we are very open and enthusiastic about embracing new technologies, and rallycross is the ideal discipline for electrification with its short, sharp format. For us, it makes complete sense to sign up right from the start of World RX’s exciting new dawn, alongside our continuing commitment to the FIA European Rallycross Championship’s combustion-powered Euro RX1 category. Everybody at ALL-INKL.COM Muennich Motorsport is extremely motivated to be engaging in these two complementary programmes in 2022."

A total of 14 electric kits have already been reserved from Kreisel Electric, the company behind the cutting-edge RX1e car for next year, with faster acceleration and greater all-round performance than ever before courtesy of 500kW delivered to the twin motors – equivalent to 680bhp – and 880Nm of instant torque.

"It’s great to be able to reveal ALL-INKL.COM Muennich Motorsport as our second team for the 2022 FIA World Rallycross Championship campaign," Arne Dirks, Executive Director, Rallycross Promoter GmbH, said. "Since setting the team up 15 years ago, René’s tremendous passion for the sport has driven both his and his ALL-INKL.COM Muennich Motorsport’s performance to new levels, and we were all delighted to see him deservedly claim his first European Championship victory earlier this season."

Grönholm claims unexpected win in thrilling Portugal final.

PHOTO CREDIT: GRX-SET World RX Team.

'Cometh the hour, cometh the man' as Niclas Grönholm claims victory in a pulsating FIA World Rallycross Championship final in Portugal.

The flying Finn was there-or-thereabout throughout round seven in Montalegre – and after placing fourth in the intermediate classification, a lightning-quick start in the second semi-final propelled him into contention for victory.

Having led five of the six laps, he had to sustain the pressure of a hard-charging Johan Kristoffersson. With a semi-final victory within sight... Johan sent it up the inside of the Hyundai driver at the long right-hander forcing his way through to claim the semi-final win.

The FIA Stewards investigated the incident after the semi-final and deemed both Niclas and Johan were responsible for different infringements, and therefore both would be reprimanded. 

World RX of Portugal Final - Turn One. 
PHOTO CREDIT: Red Bull Content Pool

The scene was set for a humdinger of an FIA World Rallycross final in Portugal, with Timmy Hansen and Johan Kristoffersson on the front row. Both title contenders had good starts and tried to out-brake each other into turn one. 

Whilst Grönholm had an incredible launch and immediately darted to the joker on the opening lap - it was a tactic that would pay off handsomely as the race progressed. 

Timmy Hansen led the way with Kristoffersson hot on his heels, and younger brother Kevin following in third. As the leading trio dueled ferociously at the front of the field, they were also holding each other up – allowing Grönholm to close the gap.

Approaching the mid-way point, Kristoffersson tried to prise the door open for the lead but drifted wide. That enabled Kevin Hansen to edge alongside for second place, with the KYB EKS JC driver sliding across the gravel trap and plowing through the track markers as Kristoffersson kept his foot planted firmly to the floor coming out in second.

With Grönholm closing the gap, all three left their jokers to the very last lap in a bid to put some clean air between themselves and the flying Finn, but he undercut them to assume the lead he would not relinquish, in so doing cementing a fifth career win in World RX.

"It feels great – I didn’t expect this after qualifying. I  didn’t have much choice but to take the joker at the start of the final, and I was actually a bit surprised that Timmy, Johan, and Kevin all chose the standard lap," Grönholm said.

"We had slightly better pace than in the qualifiers and when they began battling, that allowed me to catch up and I just tried to stick as close as possible to the back of them. I really didn’t know if we had enough, but thankfully it turned out that we did."

Championship leader Timmy Hansen claimed second at the end of a weekend he had largely dominated, claiming three fastest times in qualifying and a semi-final triumph. 

Despite missing out on victory, the Swede has nonetheless extended his advantage at the top of the title table to 17 points, with 60 remaining to play for in the season finale (double-header).

"This weekend has been fantastic for me. We scored lots of good results throughout qualifying and that battle with Kevin in the semi-final was so close, decided purely on pace. While the results say I won plenty of sessions this weekend, every one of those sessions was hard-fought and very close," Timmy Hansen said.

"The final was super tough – Johan kept the pressure on and it's impossible to close the door at this track given how sideways you need to be on corner entry.

"The moment I had some space to Johan behind I did everything I could, both to stay clear of him and also try to build a gap to Niclas further behind. I couldn't quite manage to find enough to stop Niclas from coming out ahead but regardless, it was a brilliant race. That's why we love this sport."

His younger brother Kevin Hansen was classified third after Kristoffersson was handed a five-second time penalty for his track marker transgression, which dropped the three-time world champion to sixth.

"There was a possibility to do more in the final but the first turn didn't quite go right. I locked up the brakes and stalled, so I didn't have any turbo pressure for exiting the turn and Johan zipped away after I'd nearly got him for second place. That changed the story of the final. But I'm happy with my weekend overall," Kevin Hansen said.

Grönholm’s GRX-SET team-mate Krisztián Szabó claimed a fourth, in what he calls "a quite okay weekend" in Montalegre. 

"We missed a little bit overall through the weekend, but I managed to find some speed in myself for the final. I changed my driving style but I was also at the back of the pack from the start. From there I had to fight for some positions, which I could gain in the last lap," Szabó said.

Belgian Enzo Ide in the second KYB EKS JC entry claimed fifth ahead of his team-mate Johan Kristoffersson (in sixth).

A few hours after the final, the FIA Stewards received a protest in relation to the five-second time penalty handed to Johan Kristoffersson, but they deemed that the protest was admissible but unfounded, and therefore no further action would be taken. 

The 2021 World RX season will conclude at the Nürburgring on 27/28 November, with an eagerly anticipated doubleheader set to crown the World Champion. 

World RX of Portugal - FINAL RESULT:

1. Niclas Grönholm (FIN) GRX-SET World RX Team 6 laps

2. Timmy Hansen (SWE) Hansen World RX Team + 0.537s

3. Kevin Hansen (SWE) Hansen World RX Team + 1.977s

4. Krisztián Szabó (HUN) GRX-SET World RX Team + 2.270s

5. Enzo ide (BEL) KYB EKS JC + 3.762s

6. Johan Kristoffersson (SWE) KYB EKS JC + 5.754s

FIA World Rallycross Championship - Drivers' Standings (top 5):

1. Timmy Hansen (Hansen World RX Team) 178 pts

2. Johan Kristoffersson (KYB EKS JC) 161 pts

3. Kevin Hansen (Hansen World RX Team) 159 pts

4. Niclas Grönholm (GRX-SET) 149 pts 

5. Krisztián Szabó (GRX-SET) 127 pts

FIA World Rallycross Championship - Teams' Standings: 

1. Hansen World RX Team 336 pts 

2. GRX-SET World RX Team 275 pts

3. KYB EKS JC 252 pts 

PREVIEW: Will Kristoffersson take the championship lead or will the Hansen's fight back in Portugal?

PHOTO CREDIT: Red Bull Content Pool

After a 2-year absence, the picturesque Montalegre track returns... and is set to host round 7 of the 2021 FIA World Rallycross Championship this weekend (16 to 17 October).

The 2021 championship has taken a swing in the direction of three-time World Champion Johan Kristoffersson who trails Timmy Hansen by 12-points at the head of the drivers' standings after a difficult start to the season. 

Having clinched a second victory of the season last time out in Spa-Francorchamps, Kristoffersson will look to surpass his Swedish rival this weekend. But, the Hansen brothers' will certainly aim to extend their advantage at the top.

"I'm looking forward to Portugal where the circuit should suit our car a bit better. And I don't have to wait long either which is great!" Timmy Hansen said. 

Just three points behind Johan, the younger Hansen brother, Kevin will aim to reclaim second in the championship, whilst the GRX-SET duo who have shown an impressive turn of performance in recent rounds will aim for the top step of the podium in Portugal. 

Krisztián Szabó finally broke his podium duck last time out in Belgium, whilst Niclas Grönholm had a weekend to forget after being muscled out in a few races. The Flying Finn is hungry for a second victory?

UNKORRUPTED's Kevin Abbring was on course to win the World RX of Spa-Francorchamps last weekend, but after being turned around by Timmy Hansen at the Raidillon hairpin. His chances were over... Can the Dutchman fight for victory? He certainly can! 

KYB EKS JC's second driver Enzo Ide achieved his goal on home soil last weekend reaching the final, and will look to do the same this time out. 

The battle is on... Can Kristoffersson take the championship lead? Or will the Hansen brothers' extend their lead at the top of the drivers' standings? Find out this weekend!   

THE TRACK:

Portugal’s picturesque and historic Montalegre track formed part of the original FIA World Rallycross Championship calendar back in 2014, and its undulating layout and unpredictable weather has produced many breathtaking battles over the years.

The 945m track is located 1,000m above sea level, requiring engines to be finely tuned to deal with the altitude. From a long start/finish straight, drivers brake hard for the first corner – a tight right-hand hairpin – before taking a little bit of kerb as they flick through the left-right chicane that follows.

A fast left-hander then leads downhill into a right as the surface turns from asphalt into the loose and sandy gravel that characterises Montalegre before a steep uphill climb precedes another left followed by a long, fast right-hander. The final section of the lap is marked by a tricky surface change and a series of chicanes – inviting drivers to brush the barriers on both sides, but without getting too close...

Track Length: 945m

2018 Winner: ROUND 2: Johan Kristoffersson (PSRX Volkswagen Sweden)

Fastest lap: Johan Kristoffersson 38.064s (in semi-finals)

Asphalt/Dirt: 60%/40%

Joker Lap Loss: 3.9s seconds (approximately)

2021 FIA World Rallycross Championship standings (drivers):

Timmy Hansen (Hansen World RX Team) 151 pts

Johan Kristoffersson (KYB EKS JC) 139 pts

Kevin Hansen (Hansen World RX Team) 136 points

Niclas Gronholm (GRX-SET) 123 pts

Krizstian Szabo (GRX-SET) 108 pts

Kevin Abbring (UNKORRUPTED) 97 pts

Timo Scheider (ALL-INLK Munnich Motorsport) 75 pts

Enzo Ide (KYB EKS JC) 72 pts

Juha Rytkonen 52 pts

Mattias Ekstrom 37 pts

Hervé Knapick 18 pts

Rene Munnich (ALL-INLK Munnich Motorsport) 16 pts

Oliver O'Donovan 16 pts

Anton Marklund 14 pts

Attila Mozer 13 pts

Peter Hedstrom 11 pts

Tamas Karai 9 pts

Oliver Bennett (Xite Racing Team) 8 pts

Dan Oberg 7 pts

Mandie August (ALL-INLK Munnich Motorsport) 4 pts

Patrick Guillerme 2 pts

Round 7 - Cooper Tires World RX of Montalegre (CET Times)

SATURDAY:

PRACTICE: 10:30

Q1: 13:06

Q2: 16:06

SUNDAY:

WARM-UP: 11:00

Q3: 12:06

Q4: 15:36

Semi-Finals and Final: (from) 18:00

Grid Podiums and Wrap Up Show: 19:00 [RX+ only]

FREE LIVESTREAM

Red Bull TV (FINALS) ROUND 7 [Sunday] - at 17:45 UTC+2 - https://www.redbull.com/int-en/events/fia-world-rallycross-championship-portugal

Bakkerud crowned Euro RX Champion on 30th birthday.

PHOTO CREDIT: FIA World RX Media

Andreas Bakkerud was crowned FIA European Rallycross Champion for the third time in his career at Spa-Francorchamps on Sunday.  

At first, the 29-year-old looked destined to miss the 2021 season after struggling to put the budget together, but with all the pieces of th puzzle falling into place. Andreas was able to ink an 11th-hour deal to join the grid in the Euro RX1 category with ESMotorsport.

Having clinched a podium finish at round one in Sweden. There were signs that Bakkerud had the potential to fight for victories, if not the title, but the question remained: Would he return for the full season? Well! As the weeks progressed it became fairly clear that he would return for a few more events, which in the end resulted in him completing the full season. 

With one podium finish under his belt, Andreas found himself in championship contention with one round remaining. The scene was set... the title would be decided at the iconic Spa-Francorchamps circuits. 

The ESmotorsport driver claimed the top qualifiers spots and won his respective semi-final setting the scene for a thrilling finale in the Ardennes. 

PHOTO CREDIT: Red Bull Content Pool

A lights-to-flag victory cemented a hugely popular title triumph for Bakkerud, as Pailler followed him home to seal the runner-up spot with Jānis Baumanis in the second ESmotorsport Škoda Fabia completing the top three in both the event and the championship standings.

"This is absolutely crazy!" Andreas Bakkerud said. "I owe ESmotorsport a big ‘thank you’ for giving me the opportunity to compete in Euro RX1 this year – it really didn’t look like that would be happening before the start of the season. Everybody in the team has done such a great job. I’m very proud of them all, and there’s more to come."

"Hopefully, we have an even brighter future together."

Kristoffersson's title resurgence continues with Spa victory.

PHOTO CREDIT: Red Bull Content Pool

Three-time World Champion Johan Kristoffersson continued his championship fightback at Benelux World RX of Spa-Francorchamps, celebrating a second consecutive victory.

The Swede had never competed around the challenging Spa-Francorchamps track prior to this weekend, but the KYB EKS JC driver did not let that hold him back. Second in the intermediate classification after the qualifying stages, he proceeded to win the semi-final before sprinting into the distance in the all-important final to cap off a close to perfect score that has carried him to just 12 points behind the championship leader (Timmy Hansen).

"This was a successful weekend and victory feels great. I think it suited us very well that they have turned the gravel at Spa into a harder surface because even if I hadn’t driven here before, I felt comfortable from the first practice. We had a very good Saturday but I didn’t get the best start in Q3, which meant we were not able to be top in qualifying," Kristoffersson said. 

"In the semi-final and final we had incredible speed, the car really came to life and it felt really good. In the semis, I got off to a good start and was able to lead all the way, and in the final, we got an incredibly good start too. From there it was just a matter of taking the car to the finish. We are only 12 points behind Timmy [Hansen] now, that is good."

Kevin Hansen kept his own title aspirations on track with a solid run to second.

"The first couple of laps in our semi-final were hectic and it's really unfortunate that it turned out the way it did for a couple of guys. But this is rallycross – the luck can be both for and against you. We got through and were able to convert our front-row grid slot into a podium finish," Hansen said. 

A delighted Krisztián Szabó claimed a maiden podium finish (a third place). The Hungarian has reached the final in every round to date this season and produced a defensive masterclass behind the wheel of his Hyundai i20 to keep Timmy Hansen, Enzo Ide, and Anton Marklund at bay right to the chequered flag.

"FINALLY! This feels good," Szabó said. "This weekend I was maybe not the fastest out there, but I was in the right place at the right time and you have to always be there in rallycross."

Championship leader Timmy Hansen won the first semi-final but was handed a 5 second time penalty for "pushing and overtaking"  at the hairpin which resulted in Top Qualifier Kevin Abbring hitting the barrier and finishing the semi-final dead last. 

The Dutchman was in outstanding form and deserved better results, but he proved that both he and the UNKORRUPTED squad will be a force to be reckoned with over the remaining three rounds.

Kristoffersson's team-mate Enzo Ide claimed a fifth-place finish on home soil.

"I’m very happy with the weekend and the result. To make it to the final was always the goal for me, so to do it at home and to hear all of the Belgian fans in the stands was a wonderful feeling. My best rallycross memory was fourth place in Holjes, but now this is top of the list. It wouldn’t be possible without KYB EKS JC," Ide said. 

Swede Anton Marklund made his rallycross return in the Hedströms Motorsport's run Hyundai i20, and clinched sixth place in Spa. 

There was disappointment, however, for GRX-SET's Niclas Grönholm - who was forced wide at the start of the second semi-final.

"There was a lot of crashing and banging this weekend which is unfortunate but we just need to move forward. Now we go to Montalegre next week," Grönholm said. "That is a nice track, a proper old rallycross track which will be much nicer to go to, so I’m looking forward to that."

FINAL RESULT - Benelux World RX of Spa-Francorchamps: 

1. Johan KRISTOFFERSSON (SWE) 6 laps

2. Kevin HANSEN (SWE) + 2.601s

3. Krisztián SZABÓ (HUN) + 5.338s

4. Timmy HANSEN (SWE) + 5.663s

5. Enzo IDE (BEL) + 6.119s

6. Anton MARKLUND (SWE) + 6.648s

Kristoffersson Motorsport commits to a three-car team for the new electric era.

PHOTO CREDIT: Johan Kristoffersson

Reigning World Rallycross Championship team Kristoffersson Motorsport (KMS) has become the first confirmed team to commit to the FIA World Rallycross Championship's new electric era by announcing a three-car team for 2022.  

Rallycross Promoter GmbH revealed last week that 14 kits have been reserved from Austrian firm Kreisel Electric, the company behind the RX1e car that is set to truly electrify World RX.

Founded by former FIA European Rallycross Championship front-runner and multiple Swedish title-winner Tommy Kristoffersson – father of three-time World Rallycross Champion Johan Kristoffersson – the eponymously-named Kristoffersson Motorsport outfit has achieved considerable success in both rallycross and touring car racing.

KMS entered the rallycross EC in the 1980s. Thereafter team-owner Tommy Kristoffersson, himself topped his career with a third-place finish in the 1993 European Championship. 

When Kristoffersson Motorsport returned to rallycross in the late 2010s, it was with son Johan Kristoffersson at the wheel. A few years later, in 2020 the team achieved their greatest success, the FIA World Rallycross Championship single handily. 

"We have already won one World Championship title with our own team last year,  but to fight for the first-ever World Championship crown with electric rallycross cars is the ultimate challenge and one that really inspires us – it was simply an opportunity that was far too good to turn down," Tommy Kristoffersson, Team Owner Kristoffersson Motorsport, said.

"We have a lot of history in rallycross – this is what we do best – and we had several options available to us for 2022, but I was not interested in starting something if we could not do it properly. Thankfully, like us, our new investors truly believe in the future of electric rallycross and are ready to embrace this exciting change.

"We have great faith in the promoter and believe these cars have fantastic development potential and will produce spectacular entertainment – they will be extremely fast. I am absolutely convinced that we will create a product that will make fans raise their eyebrows and drop their jaws."

Kristoffersson confirms that they are yet to put the important parts of the puzzle together for the new era of rallycross. 

"Now, our main focus switches to finding a manufacturer we can compete with and the right drivers to do the job..." he concludes.

PREVIEW: The title fight intensifies at Spa-Francorchamps.

PHOTO CREDIT: Red Bull Content Pool

The battle for glory in the 2021 FIA World Rallycross Championship is heating up as all roads lead to Spa-Francorchamps this weekend after the title fight was blown wide open in Latvia last time out.

The first three rounds of the championship all went the way of the Hansen brothers', but victories for Niclas Grönholm and Johan Kristoffersson in Riga mean just 23 points cover the four leading protagonists for the Benelux World RX of Spa-Francorchamps.

The Hansen World RX Team siblings are also the only two of the title-chasing quartet to have previously raced at Spa; Kristoffersson was absent in 2019, while Niclas was ruled out due appendicitis, whilst his team-mate Timur Timerzyanov clinched his first victory. 

KYB EKS JC's Kristoffersson is a three-time champion at the pinnacle of the discipline, and but for persistent ill-fortune, his current points total would be significantly greater. GRX-SET World RX Team’s Grönholm, meanwhile, was the highest scorer in Riga – form he is bidding to carry with him into the second half of the campaign.

There are a number of dark horses in the field, too. Grönholm’s team-mate Krisztián Szabó has been a model of consistency as one of just three drivers to progress through to the final in every round to date in 2021, and Kevin Abbring has shown flashes of speed in the UNKORRUPTED Renault Mégane. 

Enzo Ide in the second KYB EKS JC Audi S1 Quattro will carry Belgium’s hopes, while Timo Scheider is overdue a change of fortunes after proving to be on the pace but out of luck. Whilst All-Inkl Munnich Motorsport is hoping to have solved their driveshaft "supply part" issues that led to DNF's in Latvia. 

Anton Marklund is an intriguing addition to the entrylist. The 2017 FIA European Rallycross Champion rejoined the fray in Euro RX1 at Höljes and set the pace until his shocking roll in Q4. The Swede returns this weekend in a Hedströms Motorsport run Hyundai i20 and is sure to put up a fight.

THE TRACK:

The challenging, purpose-built 913m track located at the heart of the famous Ardennes venue is characterised by significant elevation changes and incorporates one of the most iconic corners in world motorsport, not to mention the ultimate test of bravery – the daunting Eau Rouge.

The spectacular ascent of the Raidillon and its 15% gradient is followed by a tight hairpin bend, before cars hurtle back down towards Eau Rouge. There is also a stadium section that features an extra-wide, banked corner designed to allow drivers to adopt various racing lines. There are parallel jumps in the standard and Joker Laps.

The amphitheatre atmosphere around the circuit offers fans a full view of the action from wherever they are watching.

Track Length: 913m

2019 Winners: ROUND 5: Johan Kristoffersson (Volkswagen Dealerteam BAUHAUS)

Fastest lap: Johan Kristoffersson 48.099s (in semi-finals)

Asphalt/Dirt: 60%/40%

Joker Lap Loss: 1.4s seconds (approximately)

2021 FIA World Rallycross Championship standings (drivers):

Timmy Hansen (Hansen World RX Team) 130 pts

Kevin Hansen (Hansen World RX Team) 113 points

Johan Kristoffersson (KYB EKS JC) 110 pts

Niclas Gronholm (GRX-SET) 107 pts

Krizstian Szabo (GRX-SET) 88 pts

Kevin Abbring (UNKORRUPTED) 79 pts

Timo Scheider (ALL-INLK Munnich Motorsport) 64 pts

Enzo Ide (KYB EKS JC) 57 pts

Juha Rytkonen 43 pts

Mattias Ekstrom 37 pts

Rene Munnich (ALL-INLK Munnich Motorsport) 16 pts

Attila Mozer 13 pts

Peter Hedstrom 11 pts

Oliver O'Donovan 10 pts

Herve Knapick 9 pts

Tamas Karai 9 pts

Oliver Bennett (Xite Racing Team) 8 pts

Mandie August (ALL-INLK Munnich Motorsport) 4 pts

Patrick Guillerme 2 pts

Dan Oberg 1 pt

Round 6 World RX of Benelux Schedule (CET Times)

SATURDAY:

PRACTICE: 09:30

Q1: 14:06

Q2: 16:36

Grid Wrap Up Show: 17:39 [RX+ only]

SUNDAY:

WARM-UP: 09:45

Q3: 12:06

Q4: 14:36

Semi-Finals and Final: (from) 17:00

Grid Wrap Up Show: 18:00 [RX+ only]

FREE LIVESTREAM

Red Bull TV (FINALS) ROUND 6 [Sunday] - at 16:45 UTC+2 - https://www.redbull.com/int-en/events/fia-world-rallycross-championship-belgium

World RX reveals 14-car field for inaugural season of new electric era.

PHOTO CREDIT: FIA World RX Media

The FIA World Rallycross Championship has formally confirmed the first stage of an exciting new era as the series goes fully electric in 2022.

"Since its inception in 2014, World RX has always been the absolute pinnacle of international rallycross, and there is tremendous prestige in being crowned an FIA World Champion – only five drivers receive that honour every year," Arne Dirks, Executive Director, Rallycross Promoter GmbH, said.

"Moving forward, we want to ensure that World RX remains the series that brings together the best drivers, the best teams, the best circuits and the best racing, and we have analysed and assessed every single aspect to ensure that ‘Generation Alpha’ rallycross is the very best version of the sport it can possibly be."

The electrification of rallycross is set to change the sport with interest on the steady incline. The new RX1e car has the capability to launch from 0-100km/h in just 1.8 seconds – faster even than Formula 1 cars.

The car has been developed and produced by Austrian firm Kreisel Electric, in close collaboration with Rallycross Promoter GmbH and governing body, the FIA. 

Fourteen kits have been reserved by new and existing teams, whose identities will be revealed in due course. While bodywork designs and liveries will be different, all cars will use the same electric powertrain. 

The 500kW delivered to the twin motors is the equivalent of 680bhp and is complemented by 880Nm of instant torque, while the battery has been specifically designed for optimum weight distribution.

GCK Energy will manage green energy recharging via a bespoke solution comprised of containers and mobile charging points. The containers will arrive at each event fully charged, having collected 900kWh back at base in France through a combination of solar panels and the local green energy network.

"We are delighted to be heading full-speed into 2022 with an electrified World RX. As promoter, we have a responsibility to nurture and grow this wonderful sport to ensure it continues to thrive for many generations to come – and teams and drivers have been enthusiastic in their support for our exciting new electric, more sustainable era. We are additionally in positive discussions with a number of manufacturers, who share our vision and our commitment to fully embrace the key pillars of sustainability – from economic to environmental and social," Dirks adds.

"Not only that but rallycross’ short, sharp races lend themselves perfectly to electric propulsion. With no need for energy conservation, drivers will have more power at their disposal than ever before and they can exploit it to the max at every moment. I’ve been lucky enough to go for a ride in the RX1 car myself and I can confirm, it is an absolute rocket!"

The race format is also under review by the promoter together with the FIA, World RX teams, and event organizers, with the aim of generating increased overtaking opportunities and even closer racing – all with the emphasis on providing competitors and fans with an electrifying experience.

Indeed, the whole concept of events has been re-evaluated, and over the coming years, Rallycross Promoter plans to engage with and entertain spectators both on and off-site like never before, preserving rallycross’ rich history and DNA while exploring new opportunities and diversifying in every area.

The Hansen brothers and Kristoffersson headlines 11-car World RX of Spa field.

PHOTO CREDIT: Red Bull Content Pool. 

The FIA World Rallycross Championship will return to action at one of the most iconic tracks next month - the legendary Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps on 8-10 October 2021. 

Nestled in the Ardennes forest, Spa-Francorchamps joined the World Championship calendar two years ago and was an instant hit amongst drivers and fans alike. After a year away due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it returns in two weeks' time, with the World RX of Spa-Francorchamps marking the sixth of nine rounds this season. 

The World RX title fight will click into high gear, with the Hansen brothers Timmy and Kevin currently leading the way from KYB EKS JC's Johan Kristoffersson who clinched his first win of the season in Latvia.

GRX-SET’s Niclas Grönholm has also climbed up the standings after victory at the World RX of Riga (Round 4), as his teammate Krisztian Szabo looks to turn his fortunes around after a string of fourth and fifth-place finishes. 

Kevin Abbring (UNKORRUPTED), who hails from Son en Breugel, is barely 150km away across the Dutch border. 

Having shown a strong turn of form in Latvia earlier this month, ALL-INKL Munnich Motorsport's Timo Scheider has set his sights on the trophy next time out. 

Juha Rytkönen will try to replicate his final appearance from Sweden last month, while Ollie O’Donovan and Hervé Knapick make their second appearance this season, and Anton Marklund will make his season debut this year after setting the pace on the European stage at Höljes.

Grönholm fights back to win first round of Riga double-header.

PHOTO CREDIT: Red Bull Content Pool

Niclas Grönholm fought back to take a commanding victory at round four of the FIA World Rallycross Championship despite a first-corner collision in Latvia earlier today. 

After a challenging start to the season thus far, Grönholm's season has finally taken a turn for the better. 

The Hyundai driver lined up alongside top qualifier Johan Kristoffersson in the final. With the pressure mounting, lights went out, and on the run into the first corner of the final, Kristoffersson and Grönholm had a door-to-door battle, as the Swede hoped onto the brakes later into the first corner and with some contact, Johan was rotated and slid backward into the outside barrier.

He led from the first corner with second-row start Timo Scheider climbing to second with Krisztian Szabo and the Hansen brothers behind. However, Scheider's second place was short-lived due to an electric issue that switched off his in Seat Ibiza after landing from the big jump. 

Scheider was able to complete a second lap but later retired. 

Fourth through the first corner, Timmy Hansen opted for a first lap joker, which would later gain him track position over Krisztian Szabo and his younger brother Kevin Hansen when they took their respective joker laps. 

Hansen's younger brother, Kevin had a tight battle with Szabo at the joker merge, but with his foot pinned to the gas. He was able to gain third on track, whilst Grönholm pulled out a healthy lead to take his joker rather comfortably and claim his fourth career victory, with the Hansen brothers rounding out the podium, despite a challenging first round in Riga. 

"It was a tough start to the season with two really bad races," Niclas Grönholm said. "France was a step towards something better, and we had good pace just a bit of luck that turned. It was a tough day but in the end quite a good one."

The 25-year-old Finn admits that he was a bit nervous about the first corner collision with Johan Kristoffersson. 

"I was a bit nervous because you always look at things a bit differently. I saw it as a racing incident. We both braked late, he braked a bit later than me and our wheels touched," he said. "I have no reason to take him out on purpose. It was just something that happened. I was a bit nervous coming over the line because I knew there would be an investigation, but now I'm happy."