Kristoffersson overturns deficit to clinch fourth title, as Grönholm wins dramatic final at the Nürburgring.

PHOTO CREDIT: Red Bull Content Pool

Johan Kristofferson overturned a four-point deficit to claim a record-breaking fourth World Rallycross title, as Niclas Grönholm won the final round of the season at snowy Nürburgring.

Before proceedings kicked off for the final day in Germany, the FIA issued Herve Knapick with a €250 fine for a breach of the COVID-19 quarantine protocol after the Frenchman tested positive for COVID-19 after two positive tests (Antigenic and PCR tests). This all happened after he was transported to the hospital following a scary accident in Q1 yesterday. 

Having demonstrated that he is a force to be reckoned with just a day earlier (Saturday), a calm Kristoffersson approached the final in the same attacking fashion.

Q1 saw the three-time World Champion lead from the front winning the session by 1.541s over Timmy Hansen followed by Krisztian Szabo, Anton Marklund, Niclas Grönholm, Yuri Belevskiy... with Kevin Hansen down in tenth. 

The conditions were a lot better on Sunday, as Timmy Hansen beat rival Kristoffersson in the Q2 heat, but it was Enzo Ide who won the session by 0.366s ahead of Hansen. After a strong second qualifier, Kevin jumped up the rankings to fourth followed by the GRX-SET duo of Szabo and Grönholm. 

PHOTO CREDIT: Red Bull Content Pool. 

With one qualifier remaining (Q3)... who will come out on top? 

It was a straight fight between the two-title protagonists - Timmy Hansen and Johan Kristoffersson.

Belgian Enzo Ide was on pole for the final qualifier with Hansen alongside, Kristoffersson and Kevin Hansen right behind.

The 2019 Champion had a very good start from second but ran deep into turn one, and with a smart cutback, Johan took the lead where he would remain to the checkered flag with Timmy Hansen right behind in second. The result meant that the KYB EKS JC driver claimed the top qualifiers spot ahead of Niclas, Timmy, and Kevin Hansen. 

The Hansen World RX Team were declared teams' champions after the three qualifying sessions.

Having finished second behind Johan - the three-time World Champion took one point out of Hansen's 4 point lead. The race to be World Champion was well and truly on! 

In semi-final one, Johan was in pole position with team-mate Enzo Ide alongside. Ide did not have the best of starts, as he hit Szabo (in the rear bumper), whilst Yuri Belevskiy also hit his rear bumper sending the Hungarian into a spin. 

The FIA Stewards failed to note or investigate Ide for the incident placing the blame solely on Belevskiy who was later disqualified from the semi-final. 

Kristoffersson won his respective semi-final ahead of Ide with Guerlain Chicherit claiming the final spot in the final.

The dramatic turn one incident in semi-final two
PHOTO CREDIT: Red Bull Content Pool

The second semi-final was rather dramatic... Timmy Hansen had a rather poor start from pole position, as Niclas Grönholm immediately tried to cover him off by blocking the inside line, but because he was not entirely clear. The momentum of both cars sent Niclas sideways and he slid off at turn one. 

The Hansen World RX Team driver lead from turn one to the checkered flag with younger brother Kevin right behind followed by Gronholm, Anton Marklund, Stefan Kristensson, and Davy Jeanney. 

Hansen was later handed a 7-second time penalty for "pushing and overtaking" demoting him to the final row of the final in Germany. 

With a one-point between the championship protagonists. Everything indicated that Johan would be champion if he makes it through turn one first...

Snow began to fall, as the tension built up on the grid for the season finale. Johan Kristoffersson on pole with Kevin Hansen alongside, and Timmy Hansen on the back row. 

Pole wasn't the place to be, as Kevin Hansen pulled clear of his fellow countrymen to lead into turn one, as Enzo Ide, Timmy, and Niclas got too close for comfort... a rallycross sandwich, with Ide on the outside spinning before the aggressive kerb at turn one.

Through turn one Kevin lead the way from Kristoffersson, Timmy Hansen, Niclas Gronholm, Chicherit, and a recovering Ide.

Feeling like he was being held up, the Audi driver immediately took the joker lap with Timmy on full attack diving into the joker carrying so much speed and momentum that the two made contact. They both emerged from the joker ahead of Enzo Ide... The race was on!

In an attempt to come out ahead of a flying Kristoffersson, Kevin Hansen took his joker a lap later and merged right in front of Chicherit, Kristoffersson, and Timmy. 

Into turn one, Kristoffersson used his straight-line speed to immediately dive up the inside of UNKORRUPTED driver to claim third in the running order. Whilst Timmy Hansen got stuck behind Chicherit but a few corners later he took the joker lap allowing Hansen to close on his rival ahead. 

Halfway through the final, Kevin Hansen began to slow the pace down controlling an attacking Kristoffersson behind in hopes of his older brother closing in and overtaking him. With the pace slowing down, Niclas was able to keep pumping in faster laps and create a good buffer for Hansen in second. 

As Kristoffersson continued to pile pressure on Kevin, his older brother slowly started dropping off the pace The younger of the Hansen brothers' did not buckle under the immense pressure holding him off as best as possible.

With just one lap in the final, the KYB EKS JC driver had another look on the inside of Kevin Hansen into turn two, as the Finn took the last lap joker to comfortably win the final by +4.011s ahead of Kevin Hansen closely followed by Johan Kristoffersson, Timmy Hansen, Guerlain Chicherit and Enzo Ide.

Directly after the final, Grönholm said: "The target was to try and win at least one race this season and we achieved that. We had quite good speed all weekend. There was some carnage in the first corners. It didn't look good for me after turn one, but I managed in the end. The guys calmed me down after the semi-final incident. It was good at the end and good tactics with the two cars in taking the joker, and I knew if I was the third car I would lose out. After that, I pushed hard for six laps." 

Kristoffersson finishing ahead of Timmy Hansen in the final meant the title rivals were level on points, a scene similar to that seen in 2019 in Cape Town, where Timmy Hansen came out on top, but this time it was not to be for the Swede, as he's fellow countrymen Johan Kristoffersson claimed the 2021 FIA World Rallycross Championship title on countback (of victories).

"To be able to take the fourth title with a new team, a new car/brand is just fantastic. It's been an extremely hectic season as well," Kristoffersson said.

"In Q1 Race 1, Barcelona we got a penalty and were disqualified at that point we didn't think about it because it was going to even itself out over the year. But, when it comes down to the last race in the last event then when every point counts it's extremely important.

"So, I am just very happy to be able to be here we had an extremely difficult start to the season, especially in France when we were looking good for a win and when I came back to the team they were just in tears. Now, I am looking forward to going back to them with a championship-winning trophy, and they will be in tears again."

FINAL RESULT:

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

2. Kevin HANSEN (SWE) Hansen World RX Team +4.031

3. Johan KRISTOFFERSSON (SWE) KYB EKS JC +4.259

4. Timmy HANSEN (SWE) Hansen World RX Team +5.480

5. Guerlain CHICHERIT (FRA) UNKORRUPTED +8.759

6. Enzo IDE (BEL) KYB EKS JC +16.091

2021 2021 WORLD RX DRIVERS STANDINGS:

1. Johan Kristoffersson, KYB EKS JC - 217pts

1. Timmy Hansen, Hansen World RX Team - 217

3. Niclas Grönholm, GRX-SET World RX Team - 197

2021 WORLD RX TEAMS STANDINGS:

1. Hansen World RX Team - 408pts

2. GRX-SET World RX Team - 359

3. KYB EKS JC -  342

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. 

Timmy Hansen feels "much more relaxed this year" heading into the World RX finale.

PHOTO CREDIT: Red Bull Content Pool

The Hansen World RX Team is heading to the FIA World Rallycross season finale with a lead in both the drivers’ and teams’ championships, as Timmy and Kevin Hansen prepare to do battle at the famous Nürburgring circuit.

The older Hansen brother, Timmy arrives in Germany with a 17-point lead in the drivers' standings over nearest rival Johan Kristoffersson, putting him in a strong position to chase after a second world championship title to add to his 2019 success.

"While the stakes are high this weekend I'm going to be boring and be my normal self, approaching it as normal! No tactics, no extra send, just racing the same way as I always do. I'll be trying to drive fast, be smart, and not taking too many risks. That's the only approach that we can have. From a driving perspective you can only really do worse if you rethink your approach for a title decider," Timmy Hansen said.

"It's a much nicer feeling going for a second world championship title than the first time back in 2019. I feel much more relaxed this year; I'm two years older which also probably helps! Last time I was very nervous and it was a tough weekend but now I'm feeling great and looking forward to racing these ICE cars one last time."

Whilst the 2021 season draws to a close. It also marks an end of an era. Which era you ask? Well! It will be the final weekend of the internal combustion-engined (ICE) era, as the FIA World Rallycross Championship goes fully electric in 2022. 

"This definitely feels like the end of an era, with the ICE cars going into retirement after this weekend, and we should treat it that way too," Hansen adds. "It's an opportunity to say thank you to these cars and the racing they have produced over the years. While it's sad to say goodbye to them, it's also exciting as rallycross is moving to all-electric cars next year, which should be faster than anything we've seen in rallycross before. I hope I can help the 208 WRX bow out in style."

Younger brother Kevin also remains in the title fight and is only two points behind Kristoffersson in third, ensuring he still has an opportunity to claim a first-world title.

"Coming into the season finale third in the title race and looking to make things happen at the last round isn't a new situation for me! I'm a little further behind now than in 2019 but I learned a lot that time around. This time I'll be able to enjoy it much more and try to do my best for myself and the whole team to finish off the year in style," Kevin Hansen said.

"It will be two very action-packed days; the sun goes down early at this time of year so we're doing a lot of racing in quite a small time window. That means we need to find a very clever balance between pushing and taking risks to win with avoiding mistakes, as there's so little time to make changes and repairs between sessions."

"I'll be hoping for a good grid draw and if that goes well, then it's about focusing on getting the small details right."

Both drivers’ excellent form has put the family-run team in the driving seat to clinch a third World RX teams’ championship crown in eight years, as the team holds a comfortable 61-point lead over GRX-SET with only 112 available at the last two rounds.

Guerlain Chicherit replaces Kevin Abbring at UNKORRUPTED for German double-header.

PHOTO CREDIT: GCK Motorsport

Following a headline-grabbing announcement earlier this week confirming GCK Motorsport's return to the FIA World Rallycross Championship in 2022. 

Guerlain Chicherit has today confirmed that he will replace Kevin Abbring for the season finale (double-header) at the Nurburgring this weekend. 

"I couldn't turn down a chance to visit..." Chicherit said. "Really excited to come back to World RX this weekend for a double-header at Nurburgring with UNKORRUPTED, standing in for my friend Kevin Abbring."

Abbring, who has raced the UNKORRUPTED Renault Megane R.S. RX this season qualified for the finals on three occasions this season, including a podium finish in Sweden and a fourth place in France a round later. He, unfortunately, missed the Portuguese round last month which resulted in a 10,000 euro fine for the team. The Dutchman will finish the championship in sixth overall (on 97 points). 

The team will avoid another penalty this weekend, as Guerlain takes the steering wheel of the Renault Mégane R.S. RX, he last raced in 2019. 

The team confirms: "Kevin was unable to make it so Guerlain jumped in."

After a 13-month absence from the World RX grid, the Frenchman returns in what is expected to be a proper wintery affair (snow). 

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

GCK confirms World RX comeback with iconic Lancia Delta Integrale.

PHOTO CREDIT: GCK Motorsport

GCK Motorsport has announced its return to the FIA World Rallycross Championship for the new electric era in 2022 with a iconic model based around the Lancia Delta Integrale.

Whilst the name "GCK" was not formally on the grid in 2021, Kevin Abbring still represented the brand with the Renault Megane R.S. RX under the UNKORRUPTED name. His results have been quite promising in the final internal combustion-engined season thus far, but unfortunately, missed the Portuguese round earlier this month.

A few months ago, GCK unveiled a new range of ‘Exclusiv-e’ electric restomods, based on the legendary Lancia Delta Integrale. 

The iconic Lancia Delta Integrale is steeped in motorsport success having clinched eight World Rally Championship titles between 1988 and 1992. But, after a 29-year absence, the iconic name returns to competitive racing in an electric form. 

PHOTO CREDIT: GCK Motorsport

Like all cars in the 2022 FIA World Rallycross Championship, the GCK Motorsport Delta Evo-e will use the Kreisel electric drivetrain, generating 680bhp and 880Nm of torque, allowing for acceleration faster than that of a Formula 1 car.

Not only will GCK Motorsport be back in the World RX driver’s seat in 2022, but GCK Energy will power the grid following a successful first season delivering green energy to the supporting FIA RX2e Championship.

GCK president and driver Guerlain Chicherit. said: "I’m super excited for us to be returning to the FIA World Rallycross Championship under its new electric banner. The race format suits itself to deliver one of the most exciting racing spectacles in electric cars launched so far." 

"We chose the Lancia Delta Integrale because it is a vehicle that made us all dream. It is the rally car par excellence – without doubt, the most incredible of its era – and one that remains hugely popular to this day.

"It’ll be a busy year for GCK Motorsport, and the whole team is looking forward to taking on this challenge. Motorsport is going through a significant change at the moment, with the impact felt across all industries. Playing our part in developing some of this change is what keeps us all motivated every day."

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 

Cape Town ePrix postponed due to the ongoing impact of Covid-19.

PHOTO CREDIT: e-Movement (Pty) Ltd

Cape Town's first Formula E race has been postponed to 2023 due to the ongoing impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic that continue to be felt in South Africa and internationally.

"While we are of course disappointed to postpone our first race in Cape Town, we have received a hugely positive response from those in our ecosystem, all of which are excited to visit. Over the past 18 months we have learnt to be dynamic and flexible when delivering the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship and we look forward to working alongside our local partners to experience Cape Town when delivering its maiden race in 2023," co-founder and Chief Championship Officer of Formula E Alberto Longo, said.

Formula E revealed a provisional calendar for its eighth season in early July, with South Africa set to make its debut alongside Vancouver and Seoul. However, due to the ongoing impacts of the coronavirus pandemic globally, Formula E and e-Movement (Pty) Ltd have agreed to postpone the city's inaugural race to 2023 pending FIA World Motor Sport Council confirmation (in 2022). 

PHOTO CREDIT: ABB FIA Formula E

e-Movement (Pty) Ltd and Formula E entered into a multi-year agreement to host the world’s only all-electric FIA World Championship in 2021 and remain committed to delivering a world-class event. 

"We have signed a long-term agreement with Formula E to stage the Cape Town E-Prix and look forward to delivering a marquee event for many years to come," Iain Banner, the Chairman of race promoters e-Movement (Pty) Ltd, said. 

"Bringing the Formula E to South Africa has always been part of a broader vision to accelerate the transformation of the Cape and South Africa into an innovation hub that can drive the renewable energy and mobility transition across the continent and make sure it remains relevant and positioned to thrive over the next 50 years." 

Due to the postponement of the inaugural Cape Town ePrix, eMovement (Pty) Ltd has laid out its plans for 2022, including the track reveal and an e-Investment seminar to map out a 10-year program.

Cape Town Mayor Dan Plato said, “When we evaluated Formula E, we found that it fits the City of Cape Town’s objectives including job creation, entrepreneurial opportunities for locals, destination marketing, and massive economic impact."

"The City of Cape Town views Formula E as one of the key events that could go a long way in being catalyst in the long-term recovery as well as the sustainability of the events and tourism industries. We are committed to working with e-Movement to ensure that Cape Town is ready to host this exciting race event in 2023."

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.