Super Swede Kristoffersson sets sights on victory at Höljes

PHOTO CREDIT: FIA World Rallycross Media

Defending World RX champion Johan Kristoffersson heads home, with four wins and 31 points clear at the top of the table. The Swede can not be happier with how his 2018 title defense has begun. 

Last time out in Hell, Kristoffersson entered the history books with the second ever World RX "clean sweep" with wins in all four qualifiers, semi-finals and the final. "Norway was really perfect, everything came together so well in Hell," said Kristoffersson. 

Regardless of the four wins, the Swede found it difficult to put together a clean weekend often struggling on Saturday's, but he turned it all around in Norway. 

"At the earlier rounds [this year], I was maybe struggling a little bit to find the perfect place – the real sweet spot – in Saturday’s first two qualifying rounds," he explains. "Sunday was going well, but I needed to hit the ground running a bit more."

Johan hit the ground running in Norway posting the fastest lap time: 37.777 in the first practice session. The Swede went on to post the third fastest time in second practice, a mere 0.256 off the fastest time. 

“Free practice was good, then as soon as we went into Q1 the car felt fantastic," said Kristoffersson. "The Volkswagen Polo R Supercar was just brilliant for me, the team has worked so hard for this and I’m so grateful and so happy."

Despite Johan's four wins, his rivals are closing in with new developments and updates. Both PSRX Volkswagen Sweden drivers feel that there is more pace in the Polo R Supercar. 

"We did some testing before Hell and everything worked, it gave us some time to test some options on set-up for the car and we’ve gone in a good way," the Swede said. “Petter and I both think there is a bit more to come from the car still, so this is exciting. And I think we will need it – for sure the competition is coming closer." 

Johan Kristoffersson claimed victory at his home event in front of a record 45,000 Swedish fans.The Swede aims to replicate the result this coming weekend. “Winning at home was one of the most special results of my career in Höljes last year and all I can do is try to repeat that result next week," he said. "Competing in front of so many thousands of fans is unbelievable, when you see the flags everywhere the atmosphere is just going through the roof. I love it.”

Can the 'Super Swede' take his fifth win of the season?