Monday 9 March 2020

Marklund aims to start World RX campaign with a bang at GCK Bilstein.

PHOTO CREDIT: GC Kompetition
Anton Marklund returns to World RX in 2020 at the helm of "GCK Bilstein" with the sole focus of challenging for the drivers' world title. 

Starting with GCK in 2018, Marklund showed his commitment to the team in the development of the Mégane R.S. RX. Following additional work over the winter break, including development on the engine and a new evolution of the Bilstein dampers, the Swede is perfectly poised to battle at the top of the field in 2020.

In France, Anton claimed a second-place finish GCK's best ever result in the championship.

"I just can’t wait to get started. Together with Bilstein we made great progress last year and showed really good speed, and with the extra time and better preparations over this winter we are ready to start 2020 with a bang," he said.

"Being able to build on the real developments with the Mégane R.S. RX. from last year, and the existing relationships I have with the team and technical partners, allows us to start the season strongly."

"I want to say thanks to Bilstein for all the support they’ve given me and the team so far and for committing to us, even more, this year – together we push to be the best and it’s the kind of partnership we need to be successful."

GRX Taneco field unchanged line-up for 2020 campaign.

PHOTO CREDIT: GRX Taneco.
GRX Taneco's driver line-up will remain unchanged in 2020, with the Finnish outfit retaining Niclas Grönholm and Timur Timerzyanov for a third consecutive season.

The Finland-based team expanded to a two-car team in 2018 after acquiring a pair of former Hyundai Motorsport i20 WRC cars rebuilt to rallycross specifications. 

In 2018 the team came fourth in the World RX Teams’ standings, while in 2019 it climbed up to second, with Niclas Grönholm claiming a fourth place in the Drivers' Standings having claimed two-event wins and two other podium finishes. The Finn was regular in the finals and could have won the drivers' championship had he, not missed two events due to appendicitis surgery. 

While Grönholm's teammate Timur Timerzyanov finished fifth overall in the drivers' standings, a noteworthy achievement was the Russians maiden claimed World RX win in Belgium. 

"After two years of running, I can say that I am happy with our progressing performance, and I hope we can do even better in 2020," Marcus Grönholm, GRX Taneco Team Principal said.

"We have retained the driver line-up of Niclas and Timur, both of whom are fast and know the car extremely well, so we just need to keep our focus clear, stay out of trouble and hope that both drivers keep healthy this year. If we can succeed in all of this, the success will follow."

Over the course of the winter break, GRX Taneco worked on re-engineering various components of the Hyundai i20 and completing an extensive testing program, in order to perfect the performance of the team’s Supercars and prepare the drivers for the upcoming challenge.

"We had a strong package last year – the combination of the team, car, and drivers was a real fit, so I feel confident going into the 2020 season," said Niclas Grönholm. "Obviously, I’m hoping to continue where I left off in Cape Town last year."

"I also think we have focused on the right things during the winter break and feel that, as long as we continue our hard work, it will pay off in the best possible way. This will be one hell of a season for GRX Taneco."

Three-time European Rallycross Champion Timur Timerzyanov has been competing in rallycross since 2014 and claimed his maiden World Rallycross win at Spa-Francorchamps last year with GRX Taneco. 

"For the third year in a row, I’m maintaining my FIA World RX commitment with GRX Taneco – a team with so much passion, hardworking people and really fast cars," he said. 

"We’ve proven that we can win and fight for the titles, so in 2020 I will be even more focused and motivated on achieving my life-long dream."

Sunday 8 March 2020

Scheider retained alongside Muennich for 2020 World RX season.

PHOTO CREDIT: FIA World RX Media
Two-time DTM and World RX podium finisher Timo Scheider will remain with ALL-INKL.COM Muennich Motorsport for the full FIA World Rallycross Championship alongside team owner Rene Muennich. 

In 2019, Scheider qualified for the finals in Abu Dhabi and South Africa. The German claimed a fourth-place finish in Silverstone (Great Britain) his best result of the season.  

"I am super happy to go straight into my second season with ALL-INKL.COM Muennich Motorsport. Last year we expected to be better, which means our expectations for 2020 are even higher," he said.

“We should have been on the podium from time to time last year but this year podiums are a must-have."

"The car has been developed over the winter in different areas, so we hope to have taken 2-3 steps forward. Let’s get the season going to see where we are," he adds.

Scheider will be joined this season by team owner Rene Muennich. Muennich returns to World RX after a one-year hiatus.

"I’m glad to be back in the FIA World Rallycross Championship, joining Timo in our two-car team. Last year the racing in World RX was very competitive and we produced some solid results. We expect the same high level of close racing this season and I am personally looking forward to testing myself against the best drivers in the sport once again," he said.

2020 will be the last year of pure internal combustion engines [ICE] in the FIA World Rallycross Championship. In 2021, the World RX Supercar division will have a combination of ICE [petrol powered cars] and electric cars. 

In addition to taking part in the full 2020 campaign, ALL-INKL.COM Muennich Motorsport are planning to run electric cars in World Rallycross next year. 

"We welcome the plans for the FIA World Rallycross Championship to phase in electrification from 2021 and we are making plans to be part of this exciting future," Dominik Greiner, ALL-INKL.COM Muennich Motorsport team manager said.

Friday 6 March 2020

Chicherit and Baciuska to disrupt World RX order with newly formed GCK UNKORRUPTED

PHOTO CREDIT: GC Kompetition
GCK UNKORRUPTED has become the first team to announce their participation in the 2020 FIA World Rallycross Championship. 

Team owner Guerlain Chicherit and Rokas Baciuška join forces with one aim in mind and that is to shake things up with the World RX front runners.

Having competed in the World RX championship for the last two years with a pair of Prodrive developed Renault Megane R.S.RX Supercars, the new team will field two Renault Clio R.S. RX cars.

The cars have undergone major developments in the off-season including a new engine update from ORECA, new BOS dampers, and significant work was done to improve weight distribution. 

"I won’t pull any punches: we’re here to cause trouble! I’m stoked to be bringing UNKORRUPTED into World RX, and together we will push the limits and not be afraid to ruffle some feathers," Chicherit said. "I’ve spent my whole career taking on new challenges and ‘changing the rules’, and this time is no different."

"I’m already psyched for the season to start, it feels like we’ve been waiting forever. Nothing in motorsport offers a bigger adrenaline rush than rallycross, and ever since my first time in World RX (back in 2015) I’ve had the rallycross bug."

"After getting some of my best results  and performances last season, and seeing all the work and testing that has gone into the Clio R.S. RX for this season, I can’t wait to get started with UNKORRUPTED."

PHOTO CREDIT: FIA World RX Media
20-year-old Rokas Baciuška completes the GCK UNKORRUPTED pairing for the 2020 season.

Baciuška won the European S1600 Championship in 2018, then joined the World RX field with ES Motorsport LABAS-Gas, before splitting with the Lithuanian team due to contractual issues. Soon after the split, Rokas joined the GCK Academy in a Megane R.S. RX, impressing everyone with his immediate pace. In only his third race, he took GCK’s (and his) first-ever qualifying win and first-ever overnight top qualifier at Loheac RX – a feat he repeated at the next race in Riga (Latvia).

"It’s awesome to be driving alongside Guerlain again – I loved the opportunity to join GCK last year and am super excited to be part of UNKORRUPTED this season," Baciuška said.  "2019 was a massive year for me as it proved to me and to others that I have the speed to compete right at the top of World RX.”

"But in 2020 I want even more. After seeing all the developments on the Clio R.S. RX, I just want to get started and push for the very top."

"I’m no longer the new kid on the block, so it’s time for me to take the gloves off and get to work."

It remains to be seen if GC Kompetition will field the Renault Megane R.S. RX in World RX this season.

Written By: Junaid Samodien

Wednesday 4 March 2020

Nürburgring reveals fast-paced World RX track.

PHOTO CREDIT: Nürburgring
The Nürburgring has revealed its new rallycross track at the circuit's official launch today.

Germany returns to the FIA World Rallycross Championship calendar after a one-year hiatus. 

Based around the Mullenbachsleife section of the Grand Prix circuit, the new one-kilometer track features alternating asphalt and gravel surfaces as well as fast corners and long straights. 

The start line for the World RX track is located at turn six (Nürburgring circuit), the highest point of the rallycross track, heading into a 90-degree right-hander to start the lap. From there the track drops down steeply after turn 2, transitioning from gravel to tarmac, before a second tarmac section at turn three, with the joker lap section positioned around the outside of turn 4, a left-hander followed by another gravel section before reaching the timing line positioned on the back straight. 


The circuit has an elevation change of over 15 meters across the lap and gradients of up to 12%.

"The track looks amazing and we are confident that the racing will be highly competitive and that World RX will become an important date on the German motorsport calendar," Paul Bellamy, Senior Vice President of motorsports events at IMG, said. "We are particularly looking forward to bringing Projekt E, our new rallycross electric racing series, to the Nurburgring."

Why South Africa needs a Formula E race.

PHOTO CREDIT: Panasonic Jaguar Racing.
The ABB FIA Formula E championship may soon make its way to a second African city (as it was announced today that Jaguar and the City of Cape Town are helping e-mobility to secure a round in the Mother City). In this article, we will look at why precisely this is such a great new opportunity for the City of Cape Town. 

You might not be a motorsport fanatic or even consider yourself as one, but this new thrilling silent form of motor racing could soon see you become a fan soon. Wherever you are on the spectrum, the announcement that the ABB FIA Formula E championship would make its way to South Africa is one of the biggest in motorsport (for South Africa) yet. 

Silently (pardon the pun) creeping into the motorsport fray since 2014, the Formula E championship has been a large investment opportunity for manufacturers and fans alike. While each motoring series (some more so than others) are pushing the technologies of road-legal automation ahead, Formula E should surely be considered as being on the forefront. 

South Africa and Africa has seen the resurgence of international motorsport on local soil in the past few years, welcoming the FIA World Rallycross Championship to Killarney in Cape Town, the Intercontinental GT series to Kyalami in Midrand, the Safari rally to Kenya, the Marrakesh ePrix in North Africa, and the World Endurance Championship for Kyalami in 2021. 

With both Formula E and Formula 1 (potentially) also being on the cards for the continent, Africa can again see itself at the forefront of the motorsport world. 

Here are a few reasons as to why the Cape Town ePrix will be in such high demand: 

    1. Cape Town as a world-leading city 

Cape Town has already set its targets for being a world-leading city. In many regards, this goal has already been reached. Not only does Cape Town see an annual increase in the influx of tourists, but it has also shown its strong citizen camaraderie by fighting off a complete drought. 

Except for being one of the happiest cities, with its lush beaches, sunshine and heaps of tourism activities, the City of Cape Town now aims to become the first city in South Africa to climb out of the Eskom darkness. For this to be done, governing bodies and the private sector will have to cooperate in creating new clean energy sources. 

Bringing clean motorsport to the streets of Cape Town will not only bolster the image of Cape Town but also stamp a firm aim as to what the city is aiming to achieve. 

    2. Manufacturer investment in South Africa 

In the world of motor manufacturing, both China and India are seeing exponential growth in car manufacturing plants. There are numerous reasons for this significant growth, which we will not delve into at this moment. 

However, South Africa is also seeing more and more investment, with brands like Volkswagen, Isuzu, Nissan and Mercedes recently investing more into their local plants. 

A racing series, luring 9 manufacturers (currently racing) and many others also watching, South Africa can not only see a boost in its local development but also potentially a surge into the development of alternative production to internal combustion engines. 

    3. Economic boost for the city and South Africa 

Again, many would state that an electric racing event will not lure as many spectators and tourists as many of the current championships in the country. Yet, Formula E is at the pinnacle of manufacturers’ involvement. 

Not only will it lure die-hard manufacturer teams, but also spectators, hoping to combine the beauty of Cape Town with an action-packed form of street racing. 

The ABB FIA Formula E championship not only significantly boosts the international image of a city (as has been proven during the last 6 seasons), but also combines the best of both worlds. 

It showcases the potential of silent autonomy within cities, whilst also providing close thrilling racing.  

In addition to the economic investment that comes with the Formula E championship, job creation is another benefit for South Africa. Returning year after year, Formula E will increase both annual and seasonal employment, whilst also creating new jobs across a number of industries.

    4. Taking new leaps towards city-friendly mobility 

Whilst the City of Cape Town is certainly aiming for this, South Africa is yet to see a true paradigm shift into electric mobility as seen in many other European countries. Electric and alternative sources for mobility will not only create fewer emissions and less of a financial burden on the consumer’s pocket but can ultimately change how we view current cities as a whole. 

Combined with new forms of energy sources and consumption, the cityscape as we currently know it can completely change. 

    5. A truly close championship 

The ABB Formula E championship has always seen very close racing. Even in its silence, the championship is much livelier than many other forms of open-wheel racing formats. 

Porsche and Mercedes joined the championship in season 6, joining the likes of Mahindra, BMW, DS (Citroen), Nissan, Audi, NIO, Andretti Autosport, and Jaguar. With this, the championship also sees a star-studded line up from the worlds of Formula 1 and endurance racing. 

While all the teams have similar parts on their GEN2 cars, teams still have the freedom of tweaking some parts in order to give them the edge. 

The competition has been extremely close during the past six seasons, with only Jean-Eric Vergne (DS Techeetah) managing to win two championships. 

All five of the previous championships have come down to the wire, with all of them being decided within the last race weekend of the season. 

Last year saw the first eight races with different race winners, while the 2019/2020 season has seen five different individuals, winning the first five races. Jean-Eric Vergne became the first driver during the fifth season to break the streak in 2019, by winning his second race of the season in Monaco. Whereas pole position is somewhat a given in other open-wheel racing formats, this season alone has only Alexander Sims race from pole to win in Diriyah and Da Costa from pole to win in Marrakesh. 

The announcement that the ABB FIA Formula E championship will be making its way to Cape Town, is a truly marvelous new development. It will bolster the motorsport image and economy of South Africa alike. 

We are certainly looking forward to this! 

Written By: Franco Theron (PedalFest SA) & Junaid Samodien.

e-Movement declares intention to host Formula E in Cape Town.

PHOTO CREDIT: e-Movement/Jaguar Racing.
The Cape Town Formula E Bid Company, e-Movement has today confirmed its intention and plans to host an ABB Formula E race using a street circuit in the heart of Cape Town.

Last year the City of Cape Town announced that they had been approached by a Cape Town Consortium to host a Formula E championship event in the Mother City. A feasibility study was soon launched following the announcement. 

Momentum soon gathered when Iain Banner, Chairman of e-Movement announced at an FIA World Rallycross Championship press conference that they "will" the ABB FIA Formula E championship to Cape Town. 
PHOTO CREDIT: Audi Sport.

The ABB Formula E championship has grown from strength-to-strength since it's inaugural round in Beijing in 2014, and to date, the championship has seen some of the biggest manufacturers, namely: Jaguar, Porsche, Mercedes, Audi, BMW, Mahindra, etc. signing up. 


While Formula E entered its sixth season this year (2019/20), the championship will gain world championship status from the 2020–21 season.


Iain Banner, Chairman of e-Movement, confirmed that positive progress has been made following the feasibility study. “The objective of the study was to assess the suitability of Cape Town as a possible venue for a round of the ABB FIA Formula E Championship in future seasons," he said. 


"Three possible circuit layouts have been identified and we are now in the process of exploring these possibilities with the City of Cape Town and other interested parties."

“As a starting point, the preliminary track layout and how it fits into the existing fabric of the precinct – as well as the future development proposals around the identified track – were all key factors in assessing the City of Cape Town’s suitability.

“The primary objective was to design a suitable circuit layout that will have minimum impact on the City, require minimum construction work, cause minimum disruption to general public and traffic, and, crucially, leave a lasting legacy”.

Banner added that the proposed event will simultaneously anchor a renewable energy week, comprising a major conference and exhibition in an industry which is poised for rapid growth over the next decade.

JP Smith, Cape Town's Mayco Member has welcomed a positive outcome of the feasibility study. 

"The event is so much more than an E-Prix - it provides an opportunity to position the City of Cape Town and the Western Cape region as the pioneering renewable energy hub of South Africa," Smith said.

"The event would not only showcase the natural beauty of our City but such an event places Cape Town at the forefront of alternative and green energy initiatives, and serves as a catalyst for attracting investment and the creation of employment in a sector for which major growth is projected in the foreseeable future".


In addition, e-Movement has announced that they secured the backing of Jaguar South Africa as Founding Partner for the initial stages of the project in Cape Town, as a potential Formula E candidate host city.

“Partnering with e-Movement to bring this premier motorsport event to South Africa, will assist in showcasing the tangible efforts Jaguar has made in infrastructure and carrying the momentum of all Electric Vehicles on a local level," said Lisa Mallett, Marketing Director: Jaguar Land Rover South Africa and Sub-Sahara Africa.

"We look forward to introducing South Africans to our Panasonic Jaguar Racing Team and reaffirming that racing is in our blood - even when powered by electricity. We wish the entire project, including the broader alternative and green energy activities associated with this event and the simultaneous Energy Week proposed by the Bid Company, success."

Written By: Junaid Samodien

Thursday 20 February 2020

Formula 1 to return to SA with F1 Fan Festival in March.


Formula 1®, together with Heineken® have announced the sport’s return to South Africa with an immersive fan festival.  On 29 March 2020 the Heineken® F1 Joburg Festival, in partnership with Gauteng Province, will treat Johannesburg residents to a thrilling fan event, and live car run featuring three F1 teams.

The Festival will give fans the opportunity to see 2019 Formula 1 World Championship runner-up Valtteri Bottas and F1 legend David Coulthard tear through the streets of Sandton as they bring the Grand Prix atmosphere to the heart of the city.

"We are excited to announce that F1 will be heading to South Africa this season, with the Heineken® F1 Joburg festival. South Africa has a very special place in Formula 1 history and we remain committed to returning to South Africa in the future," said Ellie Norman, Director of Marketing and Communications. "The festival will be an incredible opportunity for the people of Johannesburg to see F1 up close and personal, with live car runs, fan experiences and incredibile live music acts."

The amazing exhibition will be a must-see for Gauteng and all African F1 fans, who will be immersed into the world of F1, as the Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula One Team, Aston Martin Red Bull Racing and Renault F1 teams roar above the reef at Africa’s first-ever F1 festival.  The day will be packed with fun-filled activities catering for all; including a fan zone featuring interactive activations such as the ‘DHL esports Challenge’ and the ‘Pirelli Pit-Stop’ Challenge along with spectacular car displays including supercars, SA Karting, F1600 and historic single-seaters.

Formula 1 legend and former Formula 1 World Championship winner, Jody Scheckter will also make a rare appearance in his 1979 title-clinching Ferrari as F1 marks its return to South Africa.

"I’m delighted that Formula 1 and SAGP have come together to bring an F1 Festival to South Africa for the first time and I am very excited to be involved in what promises to be an amazing spectacle on the streets of Joburg, South Africa has a long history with F1 and the Festival will provide a chance for fans to get up, close and personal with the sport," Scheckter said.

The Heineken® F1 Joburg Festival will be broadcast live on SuperSport and will feature live track activity starting at 1:30pm with the main F1 Live car run commencing at 3:30pm. From 5pm, Festival-goers will be treated to live music, with the festival closing at 8pm.

Tickets are available from Computicket from just R60 for a general admission ticket and can be purchased here: heinekenf1joburgfestival.computicket.com  

*NB - grandstand tickets will be made available at a later date. 

Friday 7 February 2020

SuperSport confirms live motorsport coverage for 2020.

IMAGE CREDIT: SuperSport.
SuperSport has confirmed that it will broadcast the record 22-race Formula 1 season in 2020. The F1 coverage will include SkySports F1 feeds and additional supplementary programming as per the 2018 and 2019 seasons.

In 2017, the South African pay-tv broadcaster announced a long-term deal with SkySports, which included the broadcasting of the race build-up and post-race shows, as well as Ted’s Notebook, and other supplementary programming. 

However, it remains unclear if SuperSport instead to broadcast any of the SkySports F1's supplementary programming live [Press Conferences, F1 Show, Paddock Live, etc].

In addition to the confirmation that F1 will remain on SuperSport, the broadcaster has also confirmed other motorsport championships that will be broadcast in 2020:

    • MotoGP
    • World Rallycross Championship
    • Virgin Australian Supercars
    • FIA World Endurance Championship
    • Le Mans 24
    • F2 Live & F3 HL

Plus SuperSport’s usual motorsport magazine shows, ie Paddock Pass, F1 Insights, Mobil 1 The grid & many other highlight shows.

The list provided does not include the Verizon IndyCar Series, and it remains unclear if SuperSport will broadcast the series in 2020. 

Tuesday 4 February 2020

Abbring joins GCK for 2020 FIA European Rallycross campaign.

PHOTO CREDIT: FIA WorldRX Media.
Kevin Abbring will return to supercars competition in the 2020 European Rallycross season with GC Kompetition, driving a Clio R.S. RX. 

The 31-year-old's motorsport career started off in rallycross in the Dutch Ford RST series, where he went on to win the 2005 and 2006 championships before moving to the Dutch Rally Championship in 2007. He impressed with class wins in both the WRC and IRC and made his top line WRC debut with Hyundai in 2015, scoring points and winning stages at the highest level of rallying.

After a decade in rallying, Abbring returned to rallycross making his World RX debut in Hell, Norway, with ES Motorsport where his debut appearance in dreadful conditions was nothing short of exceptional. He claimed a fourth-place finish in Norway and repeated that feat at the Swedish track in Höljes

The Dutchman will compete in his first full-time RX championship, and he is keen to get his first taste of the car.

"I’m very pleased to work with GCK, and engineering company FORS, from 2020 onwards! GCK is not only the team with arguably the biggest potential, it’s also a team with extremely experienced and motivated people, with whom I worked closely in the past," said Abbring. 

"The team has invested a lot in the car and our main focus now is to bring those pieces together and find the optimum balance. I can’t wait to get our test programme going and get a first taste of the car."

GCK has always been a team to push for sustainable motorsport developments and that is something that Kevin is equally passionate about.

"Guerlain and GCK have been leaders in the drive to find sustainable and environmentally friendly solutions in rallycross, as well as other motorsports. For me, it is a great opportunity to work on a sustainable future with a team that has a strong focus on future motorsport developments," he adds. 

"It also offers me the opportunity to fight for a championship again and that’s my key focus! I have a lot of respect for Guerlain and the team and I am proud to be part of GCK."

Guerlain Chicherit, the team owner of GC Kompetition, is excited that Kevin Abbring will join his team for the 2020 European RX championship. "I’m super stoked to have Kevin represent GCK in European Rallycross," he said. "Kevin has enormous talent and is super committed to the sport. I look forward to working closely with him and supporting him through our pre-season testing and the season to push for the Championship title."

GCK has also made several changes and developments behind the scenes over the off-season, including the appointment of Paul Bourion as General Manager. Bourion has more than 25 years’ experience in the motorsport industry.

Meanwhile, FORS have also reinforced their support to GCK through the recruitment of a new engineer, Sébastien Lessoneur who worked as Technical Director for Hyundai Motorsport, EKS Audi and ES Motorsport more recently on their rallycross programme. 

Following today's announcement, it remains unclear if the GCK Academy will remain in the World Rallycross Championship or move to the European Rallycross Championship.