FEATURE: World Rallycross – everything you need to know about track design.

2021 World RX of Germany.
PHOTO CREDIT: Red Bull Content Pool

Love it, or loathe it… Circuit racing has been around for centuries, whether it be on cordoned off roads or airfields. 

Through the years, the motor racing spectacle has not only entertained but captured the imagination of fans, and future stars. 

In recent years more disciplines have joined the likes of Extreme E, MotoE, Nitro Rallycross, etc. but one thing they all have in common is a defined course, a track or route. 

Circuits are designed per discipline, which means, the likes of MotoGP, Formula 1, WTCR, WEC, etc. would share the same venue, whilst Rallycross, Extreme E, Dakar, Motocross all have their own specific designed tracks. 

If you were to focus on Formula 1, the pinnacle of motorsport has many of it’s newer circuits designed by Hermann Tilke. Whilst the more historic circuits like Silverstone, the Hungaroring or Spa-Francorchamps were not designed by Tilke. 

Tilke designed circuits have a bit more run-off zones allowing for more disciplines to use them. 

Other motorport championships such as, Extreme E have their own method of designing a course/track. The newly formed championship (Extreme E) has two contracted “championship drivers”, Timo Scheider and Tamara Molinaro who design the course for the each event. Whilst the Dakar Rally shares similar characteristics being an off-road event, but the concept of route design is completely different, because a team would go into the Saudi Arabian desert to plot the layout for the two week event. 

So, with those differences explained, the FIA World Rallycross Championship is slightly different, as its a duel-surfance discipline meaning tarmac and dirt makes up the track. 

As, we know rallycross has a rich 54-year history with some of the most historic venues that capture that imagination of drivers’ and fans alike, a perfect example is the hill side, Hell track in Norway.  

But, why Norway? Well! The Scandinavian countries eat, sleep and breathe rallycross, with their most successful rallycross driver of all-time, Kenneth Hansen, (14-time European Rallycross Champion) hailing from Sweden. 

Petter Solberg, is another legend from Scandinavia. A two-time FIA World Rallycross, whilst his former team-mate Johan Kristoffersson, the most successful driver in the FIA championship having won four-titles to date. 

Scandinavia has some of the most historic rallycross circuits, the likes of Holjes, Hell and Arvika to name a few, but do they really comply with the FIA regulations? Some may not at first but in order to host an FIA regulated event changes need to be made. They could either be safety related or just small tweaks. 

The World RX of Germany (Nurburgring) track layout overlay on existing circuit.
PHOTO CREDIT: World Rallycross of Germany.

So, what are the regulations set out by the FIA Off-Road commission for track design(s)? Let’s take a look below:

CHAPTER 3. RALLYCROSS CIRCUITS

1. Characteristics

Length (measured along the centre-line of the

course) : minimum: 950m; maximum: 1400m.

Width: minimum: 10m; maximum: 25 m

2. Composition

Sealed surface (asphalt, concrete, etc.): between 35 % and 60 %.

The remainder unsurfaced (consolidated /stabilised earth or gravel). In addition to watering, anti-dust treatment is obligatory.

3. Gradients

Must not be steeper than 10 %.

4. Starts

There must be at least 100 m of straight from the starting line to the first bend. The starting grid will have a uniform surface of asphalt, tarmac, or concrete, this to continue for at least 30 metres after the starting line. The width of the track at the start line (minimum 14.50 metres) will be maintained up to and through the first bend, which must have a maximum radius of 25 metres and result in a change of direction of at least 45°; measurements will be calculated from the centreline of the course.

5. Marking

Should there be a deviation in the course (e.g. an artificial chicane included to reduce speeds), this must be marked in an obvious and entirely unmistakable way.

6. Joker lap

Characteristics:

Length: must be such that the time needed to cover a lap is at least 2 seconds longer than the best lap time achieved in Division 1. at least 2 sec longer than the time needed for the replaced distance of the circuit.

Width: minimum 10 m, maximum 12 m.

The entry and the exit cannot be on the racing line.

A safety protection, to separate the two roads, must be in place. At the exit it must be possible for the cars to have the same speed as on the traditional circuit.

A marshals’ post will be put in place if judged necessary for safety reasons.

An Approval by of the FIA circuit safety inspector is required.

With a more clearer idea of how circuits should be designed for the FIA World Rallycross Championship, there are a number of other factors and elements that need to be taken into account. 

So, in order to get a better understanding of this, we chat to the World RX Championship coordinator, Tim Whittington who will give us a bit more insight into track design. We also delve into a bit more detail regarding the switch to the electric championship this year. 

After a six-year stint as promoters of the championship, IMG stepped aside paving the way for Rallycross Promoter GmbH, who immediately made changes with new broadcasting portals, etc, but one of there biggest tasks would be managing the switch to electric power in 2022. 

So, what involvement does Rallycross Promoter GmbH have when it comes to circuit design? 

Tim Whittington: “The Promoter is almost always involved. It’s generally a question of sharing information and knowledge, trying to ensure that every new track is as good as it can be. (For detail, the Off-Road Commission does not approve circuits, this is the Circuits Commission and the Circuits/Safety dept at FIA).”

World Championship status means championships can travel to all corners of the globe, a scene last seen in 2017 when the FIA World Rallycross Championship traveled to all corners of the globe from the USA, to Africa and Europe. 

2017 World Rallycross of Cape Town with Table Mountain in the backdrop.
PHOTO CREDIT: FIA World Rallycross Media/Jaanus Ree 

How are new tracks designed? Is it based on facilities at hand or solely around the FIA regulations? Or is there a free reign element when it comes to designing a track for the world championship?

Whittington: “This really depends on the venue and varies quite a lot. Let’s take Cape Town as the example here, but many points are relevant to all new circuits. We need to achieve a track that meets the FIA regulations and which fits within the existing venue. It needs to be in a part of the venue that is good for spectators on-site and is going to create a good TV image. In Cape Town that very quickly became the T2, T3, T4 section of the Killarney circuit. It offered the space required, areas of infield that could accommodate the unsealed sections that would need to be added and gave the backdrop of Table Mountain so there was an immediate and obvious visual connection to the location.”

“Once those basic decisions had been made it was a question of designing a track that met the regulatory requirements, that was safe, which did not unnecessarily disrupt other activities at what is a busy race circuit and which could be built within a budget that allowed a viable business case for all parties involved.”

With an action-packed championship like World RX. Why are most of the circuits designed quite tightly? Meaning there is only one racing line, and once you're following it's difficult to make a pass or overtake. 

Can racing be improved by altering track design to allow more door-to-door racing in the future?

TW: “Rallycross Promoter is working with circuits, drivers and others to define how existing circuits can be changed to improve racing and how future newbuilds should be designed to encourage passing. We want circuits that provide great racing, encourage more passing and challenge the drivers.”

“Rallycross tracks are quite short, FIA regulations say between 800 and 1400m, circuits have generally been in this kind of range. Many of the traditional tracks in Europe date from the 1970s and 80s. Cars were smaller and technically less sophisticated then so there was more space on the track and because the cars were not as good, more difficult to drive, the drivers made mistakes more often. All of that made passing easier. The modern cars are outrageously good and, compared to cars from previous generations, easier to drive, so mistakes are much less frequent and drivers have more time to think about racecraft where in the past just keeping the car on the circuit was as much as many could do. We want to make the tracks more challenging to redress that balance.”

Many championships have their own historic tracks, Lydden Hill (UK) or Holjes (Sweden) for example. Each have their own rich history, so are any changes made to cater to the FIA championship? And, if so what changes are or can be made to them?

TW: “We want the racing to be better and are working with the existing venues to make changes.”

With a better understanding of circuit design and an understanding of how the championship aims to improve racing. The World RX championship has a number of high and low grip tracks. Are these characteristics decided by venue or championship promoters? 

TW: “The greatest difference in the circuits is the degree to which the unsealed surfaces have been stabilised. In most of the environments in which we race some form of stabilisation is necessary. It is also required by the current FIA regulations. We have tracks like Riga and the traditional French tracks which are heavily stabilised. There are also circuits which have a lower degree of stabilisation such as Montalegre or Estering. Many factors can influence the degree of stabilisation; materials available, cost of construction and ongoing maintenance, how the rallycross track fits within other activities at the venue, etc. The mix of surface types is important because it gives the different circuits their own identity and each presents its own challenge. The mix could probably be shifted to include more circuits with lower levels of stabilisation where we have the opportunity to do that.”

Curve ball time, which track on the current calendar presents the best action, and why?

TW: “I think all of the tracks have their good points and can offer some good racing even if none of them represent the ‘best possible’ rallycross track at the moment.”

I guess he’s going to keep quiet on that one. 

In the Americas, the Red Bull Global Rallycross Championship (GRC) was the very first rallycross championship, but it, unfortunately folded in 2018, which paving the way for the previous World RX rights holders IMG, to start an American based series, Americas Rallycross (ARX) it also folded after two-years.

2019 World Champion Timmy Hansen's ideal rallycross track layout.

In 2018, Rallycross joined the Nitro World Games and instantly made waves due to the "extreme" nature of the circuit designs and the close action-packed racing. 

World RX driver Timmy Hansen won the inaugural event. 

A few years later, Travis Pastrana announced the Nitro Rallycross Championship, which would see teams race at five unique circuits designed by himself. It went off without a hitch and produced some thrilling action. 

In 2019, we spoke to a number of World Rallycross drivers, and asked them to draw their ideal circuits. A number of them designed Nitro RX themed circuits with jumps and high banked corners. So, could we soon see similar Nitro Rallycross concepts in the FIA World Rallycross Championship calendar?

TW: “There are elements of the Nitro tracks which could be used within an FIA World Championship circuit, but also some that I do not think FIA would approve.”

The 2021 FIA World Rallycross Championship was the final season of internal combustion engines. So, with the move to electric power this year. Can fans expect to see circuit modifications to spice up racing?

TW: “We are working to introduce changes to circuits for the 2022 season, but that is not directly influenced by the switch to electric cars, and the new cars in themselves do not require changes.”

“A factor of the change of car that is likely to play a part in improving racing is that all cars will use the same powertrain kit, and so the differences between the cars will be reduced. Performance should be more even and racing closer.”

Having now learnt a bit more about track design, and what is allowed according to the regulations. We look forward to a thrilling new era in 2022. The championship will visit seven countries, including South Africa (tbc), with seven confirmed entries across four teams. Are you ready? Let’s go racing!

We would like to thank Tim Whittington, the FIA World Rallycross Championship co-ordinator for taking the time out of his very busy schedule to talk to us! 

Kristoffersson commits to World RX title defense with Volkswagen.

PHOTO CREDIT: Red Bull Content Pool

Four-time FIA World Rallycross Champion Johan Kristoffersson has set his sights on a fifth drivers' title, following confirmation that he will return in a Kristoffersson Motorsport-run Volkswagen, as the series prepares for its inaugural electric era. 

Kristoffersson is the most successful driver in World RX history, having clinched a fourth World Championship in dramatic circumstances at the Nürburgring last November overturning a 17-point deficit to fellow countrymen Timmy Hansen to win on countback.

That achievement came behind the wheel of an EKS JC-prepared Audi S1, but the 33-year-old's three previous titles were all secured in Volkswagen machinery, meaning Kristoffersson will return in familiar surroundings.

KMS will field three electric Volkswagens during the inaugural electric season in 2022, with the precise model and Kristoffersson’s team-mates yet to be unveiled. 

"Johan Kristoffersson is one of the biggest motorsport names Sweden has ever known. Four FIA World Rallycross Championship titles is an outstanding accomplishment, and we wish him all the best now that he is taking the step into the sport’s new electric era – most importantly, with a Volkswagen emblem on the front of his car," Sten Forsberg, CEO, Volkswagen Sweden, said.

Every car will be powered by the Kreisel RX1e kit that produces around 500kW with twin motorsport equivalent of 680bhp with 880Nm of instant torque. 

"It feels inspiring to be involved in developing the new concept. The last time we undertook a project on a scale of this kind was in 2014, when we built our own cars for the first season of the World Championship. The big difference is that back then, I was completely inexperienced in rallycross – whereas things are a little different now," Kristoffersson said.

"There are obviously a lot of unknowns when everything is so new. In recent years, we have all followed proven concepts, so the development steps have been comparatively small – but there is much greater potential with these new cars. Electricity is the future for both motorsport and the automotive industry in general, and helping to drive that development is one of the most fascinating aspects of the sport for me. I expect an incredibly tough and competitive season ahead, and I’m excited to get started!"

The team founded by former FIA European Rallycross Championship front-runner and multiple Swedish Champion Tommy Kristoffersson is under no illusion that the switch to electric will be a challenge, but they are ready to tackle it head-on.

"This will be the largest project in KMS’ history, with a small family business building and developing three new cars in accordance with a new concept. That clearly comes with great personal responsibility, but we can rely upon a team of extremely skilled individuals as well as a wealth of knowledge and experience from Germany and within our own workshop in Arvika," Tommy Kristoffersson said.

"It’s a great privilege to work in such an environment, and at this level, you realise that the more you learn, the more you understand how little you actually know! We are looking forward to putting to use all the lessons we have learned over the years in this exciting new adventure – and to challenging for the world championship under our own steam once again."

The 2022 championship is set to get underway in Höljes on 2-3 July, followed by rounds at the Nürburgring, Norway, Rīga, Montalegre, Belgium, and Cape Town (TBC).

"I gave it everything until the very end" - Timmy Hansen.

PHOTO CREDIT: Red Bull Content Pool

Timmy Hansen left satisfied despite coming out second best to title rival Johan Kristoffersson in the tense World RX of Germany final at a snowy Nürburgring on Sunday. 

Having entered the final weekend (double-header) of the season with a 17-point advantage, Timmy Hansen had one target in mind, and that was to limit the gap between himself and countrymen Kristoffersson. 

On Saturday, the gap was brought down to just four points, after Timmy was disqualified from the final for contact with Niclas Gronholm. Had he not been penalized the gap would have been 9 points to Kristoffersson heading into the final day, but that was not to be. 

Sunday saw Timmy Hansen top the one-lap morning warm-up session just fractionally faster than Johan, but the three-time World Champion fought back to win Q1 with Hansen right behind in second. 

With two qualifying sessions remaining (Q2 and 3), Kristoffersson maintained his lead at the front claiming the top qualifiers spot, sealing pole position for the all-important semi-finals. 

Just requiring a handful of points on Sunday, the Hansen World RX Team claimed their third FIA World Rallycross Teams’ Championship with the semi-finals and finals remaining.

World RX of Germany - FINAL
PHOTO CREDIT: Red Bull Content Pool

Johan Kristoffersson won semi-final one sealing pole position for the final, whilst Timmy Hansen had to win semi-final two to line-up alongside his rival and have a chance to win the title. But, after a slow start, Niclas Gronholm had other plans after his very good start immediately bolting over to try and cover off Timmy, but because he was not 100% clear of the Peugeot driver. They made contact sending the Finn sideways... and off at turn one. Hansen won the semi-final but was later handed a 7 second time penalty dropping him to third.

Kristoffersson on pole for the final, with Kevin Hansen alongside on the front row, and Timmy Hansen on the back row of the grid with a 3 point lead in the championship. It was all to play for... 

From pole, Kevin had a very good start from second place immediately blocking Kristoffersson, with Timmy right behind. As the final progressed, the younger Hansen brother slowed down the pace hoping that Timmy would be able to overtake his rival, but due to dirt blocking his windshield the visibility was very low hampering his pace. 

Johan went on to finish third and Timmy fourth, which meant the drivers’ championship ended level on points. A scene last-seen in 2019, where Timmy Hansen came out victorious, but this time around with three wins to his name. It was Johan Kristoffersson who clinched a fourth world title on countback. 

"This has been a fantastic season we've had with plenty of success and some great rallycross action. I gave it everything I had right until the very end but it feels a bit unfair with the size and number of penalties that were handed out this weekend. Opportunities to get the job done were taken away because of that and I don't agree with the outcome of those judgments, of course," Timmy Hansen said.

"We were on the top of our game today, doing everything we could and should have, and were right where we had to be. In the end, we finished equal on points and that explains the story of the season really. Johan was unlucky when we were on form and winning three events back-to-back with one-two finishes; towards the end, we had our own fair share of bad luck.

"It's a hell of a story, one that's great for the sport. I'm proud of this season and proud of my performance this weekend, my team, and my family. I'm looking forward to the future."

Despite coming out second best to Kristoffersson this season, the 2021 runner-up Timmy Hansen congratulates the newly crowned four-time World Champion.

"Johan did a fantastic job this weekend," Hansen said. "He knew he had to come here and win everything. He pulled off a great performance and if you are going to lose, I suppose that is the way for it to happen. It's a great sporting achievement by him."

Kristoffersson within touching distance of fourth-title, as title rival Hansen is disqualified in Germany.

PHOTO CREDIT: Red Bull Content Pool

Timmy Hansen's lead in the FIA World Rallycross drivers' championship has been cut to four points, as three-time World Champion Johan Kristoffersson reigns supreme in a tricky World RX of Germany - Round 8 on Saturday afternoon. 

After overnight snow at the Nurburgring, conditions were quite treacherous, and that was seen when practice eventually got underway after a 30-minute delay. Driver's were slipping and sliding trying to find the ideal line, etc.

Whilst the Hansen brothers' topped the practice session, Kristoffersson was right behind ready to strike back.

Kristoffersson topped Q1 ahead of newcomer Yuri Belevskiy, with title rival Timmy Hansen in third after winning his respect heat, but the most worrying moment of the first qualifying session was when Herve Knapick's Citroen launched off a kerb on the entry to turn four, which launched his car into the trackside catch fence. 

Race control later reported that Knapick was "okay" and was transported to the hospital for precautionary checks. No updates have been provided as yet [find the update on @JunaidSamodien_ on Twitter]

Herve Knapick's Citroen following the collision with the barriers.
PHOTO CREDIT: Red Bull Content Pool

The FIA Stewards later announced the cancellation of Q3 due to time constraints meaning two qualifying sessions would dictate the top qualifying positions for the semi-final and final.

With a good start, Niclas Gronholm went on top Q2 ahead of Yuri Belevskiy and Johan Kristoffersson, with Timmy Hansen in fourth. 

A quick turnaround saw the top 12 line-up on the grid for the semi-final. 

The KYB EKS JC driver did not have the best start, as Gronholm led on the run to turn one, but outbroke himself and ran wide allowing Kristoffersson to slip past and take the lead. A position that he would remain to the checkered flag sealing pole position for the final. 

The GRX-SET World RX duo Gronholm and Krisztian Szabo progressed to the final as well, as Guerlain Chicherit, title hopeful Kevin Hansen and Stefan Kristensson would go no further. 

Having finished fourth after the two qualifying sessions, championship leader Timmy Hansen started alongside Yuri Belevskiy, and with a slightly better start, the Swede tried to capitalize on his speed into turn one but ran a touch wide, with Belevskiy sliding through to take the lead. From there, the debutant was untouchable winning semi-final 2 ahead of Timmy Hansen, Enzo Ide, Davy Jeanney, Anton Marklund, and Tamas Karai. 

Timmy Hansen was later handed a five-second time penalty for contact with Ide, demoting him to the back row of the grid for the final.

A messy turn two with drivers battling for position on track in the final.
PHOTO CREDIT: Red Bull Content Pool

The scene was set for a mouth-watering final (round eight), with Kristoffersson on pole and Yuri Belevskiy alongside him (in a recently purchased EKS Audi S1).

Could the RX3 Champion beat the reigning World RX Champion? It was time to find out!

Johan had a great start off the line, as Yuri bogged off the line. Starting from row two, Enzo Ide quickly jinked right to try and cover off Timmy Hansen who started behind on the last row. 

Trying to capitalize on track position should Kristoffersson run wide, Gronholm slotted in behind the bumper of the Swede. 

Belevskiy's poor start sent him backward, whilst Gronholm took a heavy hit from Enzo Ide launching his Hyundai i20 into the air, as the cars slowed for turn 1. But that was not all for the ice-cool Finn. He also had a slight nudge from Timmy Hansen who jumped on the side... the contact from both drivers send Niclas off at turn one rejoining in last. 

With the drama behind, Belevskiy capitalized and slide up the inside of Hansen into turn 2. The latter tried fighting back up gave up the ghost following the debutant with Krisztian Szabo, Enzo Ide, and Niclas Gronholm behind. 

On the run down to turn four, Enzo Ide pulled off the track with some sort of issue, but soon rejoined, as Krisztian Szabo immediately opted for a first-lap joker. 

As Kristoffersson slowly began to draw clear from the pursuing Belevskiy, Timmy Hansen hung onto his bumper ready to pounce should he make an error. But, having seen that he was fractionally faster, Hansen ducked into the joker lap trying to gain an advantage. 

Hansen emerged from the joker lap right behind Niclas Gronholm and ahead of Szabo who jokered on the first lap.  

On a full push from lap 3, Kristoffersson was already 2.237s clear of second-place running Belevskiy, as Hansen continued his charge. 

In a formation for at least two more laps... the KYB EKS JC driver continued to stretch an advantage over Belevskiy.

With just a joker lap to go for the top three runners: Kristoffersson, Belevskiy, and Gronholm. Would Timmy Hansen be able to gain a few places? 

At the merge, Kristoffersson came out comfortably in the lead, but it was Timmy Hansen who just about came out ahead of Belevskiy to take second, with Krisztian Szabo in fourth followed by Niclas Gronholm and Enzo Ide (in fifth) at the checkered flag. 

Kristoffersson describes the day, as "mentally tough" due to the delays and other drama behind the season. 

"The day started with a lot of snow and I really enjoyed that. Such tricky conditions! Then I tried to adapt to a new track with snow, and no studded tyres. It was tricky but very eventful," Kristoffersson said.

"I didn't have the good starts today, but I managed to overtake Niclas [Gronholm] in the semi-final when he outbroke himself. 

"The visibility in the final was very difficult with the low sun and I was out first. So, I can only imagine how it was for those behind me. Timmy coming from the back row to finish second is good. He is up for a fight tomorrow, so it's going to be a very eventful day." 

A couple of minutes after the final, Gronholm was seen walking over to Timmy Hansen opening his door and voicing his dissatisfaction for what had happened at turn one.

The Stewards later announced an official investigation into the turn one incident involving Niclas Gronholm, Enzo Ide, and Timmy Hansen in the final, and after some deliberation. They disqualified both Timmy Hansen and Enzo Ide for "pushing and overtaking".

With the penalties awarded, Kristoffersson was the victor, whilst Yuri Belevskiy moved up a step to second with Krisztian Szabo to third. 

Having had a challenging opening half of the season due to punctures and technical issues, Johan Kristoffersson has taken a mighty leap towards clinching a four World title. He might be four points behind Timmy Hansen, but his performance today should that he was on a mission. 

If Timmy Hansen hopes to win a second title, he would have to outperform a highly motivated Kristoffersson, and outperform him in nearly every area, as the slightest area will be costly. 

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.

The Hansens aim to keep winning streak alive.

PHOTO CREDIT: Red Bull Content Pool

The Hansen World RX Team looks to continue their winning streak, as the World Championship rolls into northern France this weekend. 

A near-perfect start to the season has seen the Swedish squad become the first team ever to take two consecutive one-two finishes in the FIA World Rallycross Championship. 

Championship leader Timmy Hansen and Kevin Hansen have one win apiece, while the team is already 40 points ahead of its nearest rival in the teams’ standings.

But there’s no time for the team or its drivers to rest on its laurels – less than two weeks since the last round in Sweden, they’re back at the team’s second-home in Lohéac to try and keep the winning streak alive.

PHOTO CREDIT: Red Bull Content Pool

Just six points behind older brother Timmy, Kevin Hansen has one goal in mind this weekend, and it's to reclaim the championship. 

"My goal this weekend is clear – I want to get the lead of the championship back. I feel like the circuit suits me and suits the car but as we saw in Sweden, the grid draw makes such a huge difference. It's the main reason I am not tied on points with Timmy right now. And annoyingly this is the one thing I can’t control," Kevin Hansen said. "So I will cross my fingers, my toes, my arms, my eyes if I have to, everything – my grid positions in qualifying last time were terrible and I don’t want to go through that again!

"It’s best to focus on the positives though and we have lots of those. Our speed at Höljes shows that our car seems to be competitive everywhere on all surfaces. And my confidence is really high – not only from the feeling the 208 has given me so far this year".

The Hansen's have exclusively used French cars at the top level of rallycross – both in World RX and Euro RX before it – since the 1993 season. The team’s 17 World RX victories and three world titles have all been achieved with a Peugeot 208 WRX.

Timmy Hansen currently holds the lap record around Lohéac, having set a 35.843s (laptime) on World RX’s last visit to France in 2019. 

"This is one of my favourite tracks on the calendar – maybe it helps that our car has always performed well here but it’s a nice circuit regardless. It’s really old-school but also quite a fast track – there are not many technical corners on the lap aside from a final couple of turns, where lacking precision with your inputs costs a lot of lap time," Timmy Hansen said.

The 2019 World Champion admits that the real difference this year is reliability and consistency. 

"It is easy to focus on how fast each team and driver is but what has really made a difference so far this year is reliability and consistency. It’s important we don’t lose sight of that," he said. "Getting to the finish line is not always a guarantee but everyone in the team has done a superb job of making sure we’ve finished every race without problems so far this season. I believe that will end up being a key factor when we get to the end of the season.

"I am the reigning winner here so of course, the target has to be to go out and do the same thing again. Let’s wait and see what happens but I’m optimistic that I will be competitive this weekend."

Bakkerud to make EuroRX return at Lohéac.

PHOTO CREDIT: FIA World Rallycross Championship

Fresh off the back of a third-place finish in the FIA European Rallycross Championship curtain-raiser at Höljes just over a week ago, Andreas Bakkerud returns with ESMotorsport at the Bretagne World RX of Lohéac this weekend. 

The Norwegian is eager to build on the momentum from round one, this weekend at Lohéac – a scene of two prior podium finishes at World Championship level and Euro RX victories in 2012 and 2013.

Bakkerud will replace Aleš Fučík at the ESMotorsport for the French round. 

"I’m stoked to be back in Euro RX1 again for Lohéac!" Bakkerud said. "It was awesome to return to racing at Höljes. I don’t like things being so last-minute like that, but I would always rather be a last-minute entry than staying at home on my sofa watching on the TV – that was a horrible feeling during the Barcelona weekend."

"I’m so thankful to ESMotorsport and all of my partners for making that happen – and now for Lohéac and Riga too. And in any case, my sofa is sold now so I guess I can’t stay home anymore...

"We took some big steps forward before the final in Sweden, and I think that showed with third place and fastest lap, which is really encouraging going forward – and we certainly need to be absolutely on top of our game, because the level in Euro RX1 this year is extremely high," he adds.

"I’ve raced against Thomas Bryntesson since back in our karting days, and he is one of the best drivers I’ve ever known. Unfortunately, he’s never had the budget to compete in the World Championship, but he’s definitely got the pace to do so. The same can be said for the Dubourgs – the effort DA Racing puts in and the professionalism of that team is really impressive. Then there are the Pailler brothers – every time I jump into esports to do some laps, they’re always there getting some extra practice in!"

The 2019 Vice-Champion has also confirmed his interest in participating in the World Championship with ESMotorsport in Portugal later this year. 

"From my experience of working with them so far, ESMotorsport is similarly a top team and one with great potential for the future," he said. "With that in mind, I’m keen to test the Škoda against the World Championship guys at some stage this season as well – maybe Portugal could be a possibility – but first, let’s focus on Lohéac."

ESMotorsport Team Manager Robertas Maneikis is delighted to have extended the relationship with Andreas Bakkerud after achieving the teams' first podium in Euro RX1. 

"The whole team has been lifted by Andreas’ result, but we are well aware that it will not be easy moving forward and we still keep finding small details on the car to improve its pace," Maneikis said. "We hope that we can complete the whole Euro RX1 season with Andreas to find even more synergy with the team for a bigger future next year."

Ide claims career-best result as Kristoffersson suffers deflating exit.

PHOTO CREDIT: Red Bull Content Pool

Enzo Ide offered KYB EKS JC some consolation with a fourth-place finish at the second round of the FIA World Rallycross Championship at Höljes in Sweden on Sunday, as Kristoffersson suffered a deflating exit. 

In only the second event of his first full World RX campaign, Ide claimed a third-place finish in the semi-final (with a puncture). Having saved a set of new tyres for the final. The Belgian driver had a decent start from the back row but opted for a first lap joker, which as the race progressed provided key as he secured a fourth-place finish. 

"It’s been fun to drive in Höljes again and I’m really, really happy with the result. The weekend has been a bit up and down for me, but EKS JC has done a good job of getting the car where I want it. I am very grateful to compete with this team, which constantly helps me to be comfortable in the car, develop myself, and push forward," Ide said.

"After the semi-finals, I had some mixed feelings, as I had a puncture but was able to make it to the final. I chose to take the joker straight away in the final and that allowed me to set good pace and pick up places. I lost some focus for a while, but my spotter pushed me to focus and I managed to keep it together. I set some good lap times and coming fourth, in front of two very fast drivers, feels really good."

Whilst team-mate and reigning World RX Champion Johan Kristoffersson had a weekend to forget despite topping Q1 and Q4 with the fastest times and qualifying second overall in the Intermediate Classification to start on pole position for semi-final two. 

The Swede aced the start in the semi-final to lead the race through the first corner. He led from the front and looked set for a place in the final. But, on lap 3, a double puncture caused by landing over the jump meant he would go no further. 

"The weekend started really well with the fastest time in Q1. Then in Q2 and Q3 we did not really have the speed we wanted, but we changed the setup a bit and got into Q4 with good speed," Kristoffersson said. "It felt really good before the semi-finals, and I felt more comfortable in the car again. In the semis, I made a good start and took the lead but on lap three I got a little too sideways, in turn two, and landed on the kerb after the jump. I got a double puncture and it was over."

Having failed to make the final, Johan now lies joint fourth in the Drivers’ Championship.

"It’s still early in the championship. At the same time, the margins are getting smaller, and our situation is a little more difficult now," he said. "But it is what it is, and I won’t think about it. We all know how fast things can happen in motorsport, these first two races I have raced the new car to me and I am still learning. We have to take the lessons from here with us, and simply try to do better next time." 

GRX-SET endures 'another difficult weekend' at Höljes.

PHOTO CREDIT: GRX-SET World RX Team

Finnish Squad GRX-SET has had yet another difficult weekend at round two of the FIA World Rallycross Championship despite displaying pace worthy of challenging for top results in Höljes (Sweden).

Fastest overall in Free Practice to start the weekend, then third and fourth fastest times in Q1 and Q2 placed Niclas Grönholm third at the end of day one, but traffic in Q3 on Sunday morning, followed by a penalty for missing the joker lap in Q4 left the Finn fifth in the Intermediate Classification. 

The three-time World RX winner had a great launch from the second row of the grid in the semi-final and immediately took the joker lap, but contact from Peter Hedstrom pushed him into the track markers on the edge of the circuit. And, although he finished in a place good enough to qualify for the final, the Finn was handed a time penalty for hitting the track marker and didn’t make the final.

"On pace, we were a bit better on Sunday than Saturday and made some better launches, we improved quite a lot in that area actually, but unfortunately in Q4 we didn’t take the joker lap and got a penalty. That’s something that can happen quite easily – it was just an honest mistake from us," Grönholm said.

"We had quite a good starting position with good grip for the semi-final so I had a good launch, decided to joker on the first lap because I really didn’t have the chance to go on the normal lap with two cars inside me. It was really slippery in the joker where the track had been watered so I took it carefully, then took a hit from behind and couldn’t really do anything. I couldn’t take the normal route so I had to go across where the track marker was and got a penalty for hitting it and didn’t make the final. I don’t agree with the decision as I had no chance to take the normal line, so I’m a bit upset about that, a lot of points have been lost in the two first race weekends."

 

Team-mate Krisztián Szabó impressed yet again with solid pace, following a fourth-place finish in the opening round of the season. 

Sixth and third on day one put the Hungarian in the fight, before a pair of fourth fastest times on Sunday gave him a front-row start for the semi-finals. Battling throughout both the semi and final he ran as high as third in the final but didn’t have the pace to close out a podium finish and he finished fifth.

"It was a good weekend," he said. "I beat Johan Kristoffersson in our race in Q3 and I was very happy with that performance, that meant a lot to me, but compared to Saturday, Sunday wasn’t so good in general."

"I was hoping for better results on track, even if I was P4 in both Q3 and Q4. I started on the front row for the semi-finals which is something I’ve never achieved before, but for sure I missed something in the semi and final, I don’t know yet what that was but I will sleep on it."

 

Jussi Pinomäki (team principal) admits that it was yet another difficult weekend for the team, despite new recruit Szabó showing a good turn of speed. 

 

"It was another difficult weekend for us. I’m again pleased with the progress Krisztian is making. With more work he can really challenge in this championship," the Finn said.

The GRX-SET team principal leaves Sweden with a sour taste in his mouth, as he believes Niclas should not have received a penalty for hitting a track marker in the semi-final. 

"We totally disagree with the stewards’ decision for Niclas in the semi-final, which put an end to a hard weekend for him that started already in Q1. We fully understand that hitting track markers gets penalized, but when you are pushed there by another car then it is out of your hands," he said. "But, we have had difficult weekends before, and we have already put Holjes to the back of our minds. We have to do a lot better next time in France, and we will!"

Abbring claims first ever podium in the FIA World Rallycross Championship.

PHOTO CREDIT: Kevin Abbring/UNKORRUPTED

Flying Dutchman Kevin Abbring claimed his and the teams' first-ever podium at round two of the FIA World Rallycross Championship in Höljes. 

After showing a glimpse of speed in the first round of the championship last time out at Circuit de Catalunya-Barcelona, Abbring had a very good start to the weekend finishing second in the practice sessions.  

Following a good start to the weekend in Q1, the 32-year-old was turned into the barrier by Enzo Ide on the inside line of the joker. He was able to restart the car and then proceeded to put the fastest lap times (42.897s) on the clock as he caught up to the pack, finishing in 4th with the 8th fastest time in the first qualifier.

Q2 saw Abbring avoid contact into the first corner slotting into third-place but lost time in traffic following the joker which saw him cross the line fourth. Placed eighth overnight, he admitted that there was more pace to come on the following day. 

PHOTO CREDIT: UNKORRUPTED.

A day later, Abbring posted the fastest time in the morning warm-up. Q3 saw the UNKORRUPTED driver get a good start slotting into second in the first corner, from there he jokered straight away. Having battled into the lead, he took the chequered flag to win the qualifier (heat), with another fastest lap time as well as the fastest time of the qualifier moving up in the standings to third overall.

On pole for Q4, Kevin took another first lap joker coming out in 4th. His pace allowed him to chase down the pack over the remaining laps, claiming two positions to cross the finish line in second, securing a spot on the first row of the semi-final.

Having started the final race from the second row of the grid, Abbring pushed ahead into the second before diving into the joker coming out in fifth. He used his pace to his advantage quickly chasing down those ahead (Rytkonen and Szabo). After a few laps, Kevin was right behind Rytkonen and Szabo quickly gaining positions when they took the joker lap, bagging his and UNKORRUPTED's first-ever rallycross podium. 

"I’m super pleased with this result - the team has been working so hard, it’s great to see us convert on the track and end up on the podium, really proud of everyone," Abbring said. "We started off the season showing promising pace and here in Holjes, kicked it up a notch again."

"We put down leading times in both the semi and the final, which gives the whole team such a boost ahead of the upcoming event in France. I absolutely loved this spectacular track here in Sweden, and it was great to race in front of fans to take my first podium in the FIA World Rallycross Championship. Now onto France, where I'm hoping for even better results."

Kevin Abbring leaves Sweden fourth in the championship standings on 37 points. 

Hansen NRX Team makes Nitro Rallycross return to defend its crown.

PHOTO CREDIT: Hansen RX Team/Red Bull Content Pool

Red Bull Hansen NRX Team, the winners of the last two editions of Nitro Rallycross, are back for the newly revamped series with both Kevin and Timmy Hansen to defend their status as reigning champions.

After a one-year hiatus due to COVID-19, Nitro Rallycross makes a bold return, expanding from a one-off winner-takes-all event to a five-round series.

The Utah Motorsports Campus in Salt Lake City, USA, previously hosted standalone Nitro RX events but will now be joined by four new purpose-built tracks for the expanded 2021 calendar featuring: ERX Motor Park in Minneapolis, MN; Wild Horse Pass in Phoenix, AZ; Glen Helen, CA; and The Firm, FL.

Kevin Hansen will defend his status as the reigning champion in NRX with a full campaign to take the top spot.

"Coming back to the US to take on Nitro Rallycross again is going to be mega. Utah Motorsports Campus is a circuit unlike anything I’ve driven elsewhere in the world – and now there’s going to be five of these insane tracks!" Kevin Hansen said. "How could I not come back and try to win it again? Travis Pastrana has done a super job with the original Nitro track, so I can’t wait to see what he has in store for us at the other locations."

"I want to win NRX again this year, of course, but it’ll be more difficult than ever before. There are some quality teams and drivers in this series so it will be a big ask to finish on top."

Due to other racing commitments, Timmy Hansen has only confirmed his entry for the opening round at Salt Lake City.

"I am so happy to be coming back – I have such great memories of Nitro Rallycross from 2018 and 2019. Going over the jump in Utah was unlike anything I’d experienced before; this track is a rollercoaster with its big air and banked turns. And to be in history as the first-ever winner of an NRX event is a really cool achievement. I can’t wait to go back," Timmy Hansen said.

"I’d love to do the whole championship but it’s a bit tricky to know if that is possible – between NRX, World RX and Extreme E I have a lot of driving and travelling to do!"

"So I’m going to go to Utah aiming to win, and then hoping I can come back and do some more races. It would be awesome to try out the new tracks," he adds.

2019 Nitro World Games Rallycross.
PHOTO CREDIT: Red Bull Content Pool

The Hansen NRX Team will join the likes of Dreyer & Reinbold Racing, Olsbergs MSE, the Monster Energy RX Cartel, Loenbro Racing, and the Xite Energy Racing on the 2021 grid. 

Kevin reveals that the team's Peugeot 208 WRX's will be slightly different from their FIA World Rallycross Championship specification cars. 

"We are relishing the challenge; we’ve got a slightly different spec of car for NRX compared to the world championship, so all the hard work the team has been putting in to perfect my US 208 will hopefully put me in a great position to compete at the top," he explains.

Kenneth Hansen, team boss admits that since his team raced in Utah two years ago, they've always wanted to return and are thrilled to be back on the grid in 2021. 

"I would say there are only two premier categories in rallycross right now – the world championship, of course, and Nitro Rallycross. Since we packed up our container in Utah two years ago, we’ve wanted to come back and race here again, so we’re very happy to have made it back onto the grid," he said.

"We are pushing as a team to bring the best package possible to the US. With the drivers we have the best line-up possible; they are currently the top two drivers in the world championship and the only past winners of NRX after all! But also on the technical side, we have been hard at work preparing a car that is perfectly suited to the big jumps and slippery gravel the US circuits have."

"We want to give Kevin and Timmy the best tools to go out and win more races here – hopefully, we’ll achieve that with this version of the 208."

Reading the race was key for Barcelona 1-2 finish.

PHOTO CREDIT: Red Bull Content Pool.

Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya has proven to be a happy hunting ground for the Hansen World RX Team in years past, with Kevin Hansen leading home team-mate Timmy Hansen in a 1-2 finish in the 2021 FIA World Rallycross Championship season-opener.

Having finished second and third behind Johan Kristoffersson on Friday (day one) in the first and second qualifiers, news soon came that Johan was disqualified from Q1 due to a disconnected FIA data logger, which meant the Hansen brothers were promoted to 1-2 overnight. 

Whilst Kristoffersson launched a fightback on day 2 in the Catalunya heat, Timmy Hansen was right behind the defending World Champion in the third and fourth qualifiers, with the older Hansen brother coming out as the top qualifier with younger brother Kevin in second in the intermediate rankings sealing a front row start in their respective semi-finals. 

Timmy Hansen explaining the movement of his car, whilst Kenneth Hansen listens behind.
PHOTO CREDIT: Red Bull Content Pool

14-time European Rallycross Champion and team principal, Kenneth Hansen admits that his team did not quite have the ultimate place over the weekend, but they focussed on tyre saving hoping to gain maximum performance. 

"We didn't quite have the ultimate pace during the whole weekend – Kristoffersson was extremely quick in the Saturday qualifying sessions," Kenneth Hansen said. "But we had good tyres for the semi-finals and very good tyres for the finals – we had decided to put our eggs in a single basket strategy-wise early on, taking a gamble aimed squarely at winning the later races."

"We had to take additional risks to win those races too, especially with the joker lap. We did a really good job in that area, it couldn't have gone better."

Pulling out all the stops in the final, with a front-row lockout for Hansen brothers. With a clear strategy in mind, they covered off the immediate challenge behind, but the race for victory was not over from there. 

Kristoffersson kept them very honest, as he opted for clean air and took his joker on lap two posting the fastest time of the weekend - 43.536s. The fight was on! Fending off the chasing Kristoffersson, Timmy took the joker a lap later and cleared the three-time World Champion, but unfortunately got held up by Krisztian Szabo handing Kevin Hansen a few tenths to play with, and ultimately coming out alongside his older brother and sweeping into the lead where he would remain to claim his first-ever win on the road.

"The situation we faced in the opening laps of the final was Kevin potentially dropping to third, but we were able to read the race and ensure we took a 1-2 and maximum points for the championship," Hansen explains.

Kenneth Hansen credits his technical team, and engine partner ORECA for the work they have done not only in Barcelona but in preparation for the 2021 campaign.

"Our technical team has done a fantastic job all weekend, and we especially need to thank ORECA for their hard work on engine upgrades," he said. "Our starts were consistently strong this week, which is a great reward for all the work that's been put in since last year's season finale."

"No way we leave" disappointed as Abbring fights with 3 gears.

PHOTO CREDIT: UNKORRUPTED.

The 2021 FIA World Rallycross Championship got underway with a bang at Barcelona in Spain, where UNKORRUPTED's Kevin Abbring claimed a sixth-place finish, leaving the curtain-raiser with 14 Championship points.  

Abbring impressed with promising pace from the offset, demonstrating the work that had gone into improving the Mégane R.S. RX. He won his first qualifier and continued in the same way in the 2nd qualifier, leading the pack until he clipped a track barrier and damaged his front right wing on the last lap, pushing him wide off the track, from where he finished that race in 4th.

Having finished day 1 in seventh overall and with the team having fixed the car overnight following the impact in Q2, the Dutchman kicked off day 2 in style, posting the 3rd fastest time in the morning warm-up.

Back in fighting form on Sunday morning, the Dutchman won his third qualifier despite some contact with Attila Mozer on the straight costing him significant time.

The last qualifier saw Kevin race into the lead for another qualifier win with the 6th fastest time of the qualifier and eighth overall in the intermediate rankings, bagging himself a spot on the 2nd row of the 2nd semi-final.

The semi-finals saw plenty of drama and following a massive fight into the first corner, where he managed to race into second despite losing two gears through the impact. He dropped into third upon re-joining the track following his joker and defended his position until he crossed the finish line for a place in the final.

With no time to get the car fixed in time for the final, Kevin lined up on the third row of the grid and carried his Mégane R.S. RX across the line in 6th place overall.

"It’s been a fantastic race weekend here in Barcelona and so good to see fans in the race stands again. We put down some great fights, showed good pace, and I’m pumped about the work we’ve put in as a team," Abbring said. 

"There’s always room for improvement but to race into the final despite having only 3 gears and having waited to race for so long, there’s no way we leave this place disappointed. We’ve shown we deserve to be amongst the top of the FIA World Rallycross Championship and I’m super excited to head to Sweden next."

An emotional Kevin Hansen claims closely fought Catalunya win.

PHOTO CREDIT: FIA World Rallycross Media

Sweden’s Kevin Hansen claimed victory in a closely fought World RX of Catalunya, round one of the FIA World Rallycross Championship.

The Hansen World RX Team driver claimed his first win on track beating his older brother and three-time World RX Championship Johan Kristoffersson. Statistically speaking it's his second ever win in the championship but his first on-track win.

One could argue that the entire weekend revolved around Johan Kristoffersson's disqualification from Q1 on Friday evening after a "data logger" was not connected for the session, which meant Timmy Hansen took the overall lead after day one. 

Whilst Kristoffersson launched a fightback winning both Q3 and Q4, he finished sixth overall in the intermediate rankings meaning he made the semi-finals but would start behind the Hansen brothers on the second row of the grid.

The semi-final(s) was action-packed from start to finish with Timmy leading into turn 2 covering off an attacking Krisztian Szabo and Timo Scheider behind. Unfortunately, Scheider came off worse ending up in the barrier and ripping off a wheel. His dream of making the final was over!

Kevin, hungry for victory in Barcelona lead off the line but behind his Peugeot 208, it was pretty messy as Niclas Gronholm's race ended in the barriers. And, as the semi-final progressed, Kristoffersson was a man on a mission, but the younger Hansen brother hung on and to win semi-final 2 meaning he would line up alongside Timmy for the final. 

All set for the final in the cooling Catalan evening, the Hansen brothers had good launches off the line with Kristoffersson trying with all his might to get through from the second row of the grid. However, with a clever strategy, the Hansen World RX Team duo covered off the drivers behind and hung on to 1-2 on lap one. 

Opting for an alternate strategy Kristoffersson on lap 2, he took the joker lap, and we all know that over the years if you offer the three-time World RX Champion clean air he'd likely close the gap and win. 

But, with a strategic masterstroke played by Hansen brother, Timmy jokered on lap 3 to cover off the KYB EKS JC driver and comfortably come out ahead, but he got stuck behind Krisztian Szabo who jokered a lap later. 

A lap later, Kevin took his joker (on lap four) and came out alongside his elder brother to sweep into the lead from the outside line where he would remain until the checkered flag.

Kevin ended the final 0.141s ahead of his older brother Timmy Hansen and ahead of Johan Kristoffersson to claim an emotional victory in Catalunya. 

"If I look to the left or I look to the right. There are four world championships on either side of me and I beat both of them," Hansen said. "I worked so hard for this when I put a lot of effort during this winter to make changes."

"We had an opportunity when Johan did a mistake with their car (Q1 DSQ) and we took that opportunity. We had to fight for it for sure, but we had the advantage of track position. And it's so important to get the points."

"I'm super happy how I came back and, you know, took revenge on myself and just head down and worked for it. So I mean, to get a win in the championship like this. And I think leading the world championship to you know, it's been three years since I did last time," he concluded.

Kevin Hansen leading the World RX of Catalunya final.
PHOTO CREDIT: FIA World RX/Red Bull Content Pool.

The 2019 World Champion admits that he is super proud of his younger brother winning in Barcelona today, despite finishing second and holding off a fast-charging Kristoffersson. 

"I'm super proud of Kevin," Hansen said. "He did a fantastic job, of course. And I think both of us keeping it cool through qualifying and the first quarter through the final."

"We had a plan of how to exit the first few corners in first and second place and we executed that. After that, of course, Johan was incredibly fast. So to kept track of position, we had to copy his strategy."

The 29-year-old Swede admits that he lost time behind Szabo and could have won, but it wasn't to be.

"Because I covered Johan I was held up, although I wouldn't have needed more than a few hundredths coming out of that last corner," he said. "So I mean, could have been mine today, but it wasn't in the end. But still, this feels like a win for four for our team and for our family."

After the disappointment of being disqualified from Q1, Kristoffersson can be proud of his fight back! He admits that he was hoping for more this weekend after the pace he had shown. 

"We're on the podium. So, you said that to me on Friday morning. I will definitely take it. But after the pace we've shown, of course, we would like to have more. But at the same time, you know, like in semi-final and final, I don't want to be to risk it too much and be on the wrong side to pick up the penalties or try to to be aggressive but still driving fair. So there was no real way around," Kristoffersson said. "The pace of the car is fantastic and the team has done a great job. So that's that's bright for the future."

The action returns next month with round two of the FIA World Rallycross Championship in Holjes, Sweden (20-22 August).