PREVIEW: Kristoffersson hunts seventh crown at season finale in Türkiye.

PHOTO CREDIT: Red Bull Content Pool

It all comes down to this... For one final time in 2024, the FIA World Rallycross Championship's 'Battle of Technologies' reaches its climax with the championship-deciding double-header in Türkiye.  

With a handy 46-point lead heading into the title decider, Johan Kristoffersson stands on the brink of an extraordinary seventh title. 

This year, the Super Swede has not had it all his own way with the challenging 'Battle of Technologies' concept, where sustainably fuelled, internal combustion-engined cars would go up against electric machinery but with his wealth of experience and skill, he overcame any obstacle, to quite comfortably lead the championship. And, following on from a two-month break, the championship returns in Turkey, but nothing can be taken for granted.

Kristoffersson's main championship rival is none other than Kevin Hansen who leads the EV charge, and last time out in Montalegre, he quite confidently showed that he is no walkover, finishing third, and returning just a day later to register his first win of the season after an intense battle with Johan Kristoffersson. 

Ole Christian Veiby, currently third in the drivers' championship has been a regular front-runner this season but has the 2015 World RX of Turkey event winner Timmy Hansen hot on his heels, just two points a drift. 

Behind the top four, are CE Dealer Team's duo Niclas Grönholm and Klara Andersson who have had blistering launches and shown fine form on occasion – with the Finn winning in Hungary, and Andersson coming within a whisker of doing the same on home soil at Höljes. 

With the surprise omission of Rene Munnich and Anthony Pelfrene on the final entry list, there are intriguing and exciting additions, the likes of reigning Euro RX1 and British RX Champion Patrick O'Donovan, ice-cool but fast Juha Rytkönen, who finished second to Kristoffersson on home soil in Kouvala in 2020, and newly-crowned French champion Steven Bossard, who will line up for PGRX (Hyundai i20s).

Who will come out on top at the 1.35km Istanbul Park Circuit? LET THE BATTLE COMMENCE!

THE TRACK: ISTANBUL PARK

THE TRACK INFORMATION:

Track Length: 1,351.8 meters in length

Number of Corners: 14 

Tarmac/Dirt: 58%/42%

Previous Winner [2015]: Timmy Hansen

World RX Debut: 2014

PHOTO CREDIT: Red Bull Content Pool

TALK THE TALK:

KMS-HORSE Powertrain

DRIVER: Johan Kristoffersson: 

"Nothing is settled yet. As I remember it, it was tight at the start and very slippery on the gravel. I will keep my cool, be patient and try to stay out of trouble, but in addition to my own result, we will also try to get Ole Christian up on the podium."

DRIVER: Ole Christian Veiby

"The goal is to maintain the medal position, but with a little luck, it is quite possible to finish second as well. It would of course be fun to finish at the highest level and to win a race for a change. I think this track can suit us quite well. The slippery surface can be an advantage for us. Competitive drivers, and all fighting for the points. That can be positive."

HANSEN WORLD RX TEAM

DRIVER: Timmy Hansen

“It is the final race of the season, and it feels like we’re on good form. At the last two events this year both Kevin and I have won a race each, and the car is feeling great. I’ve always enjoyed the track in Istanbul. I took pole position in both Finals the two times we have been there and went on to take the win in 2015. I’m very excited to go back. Hopefully, we can dial everything in and secure two podium finishes in the championship.”

DRIVER: Kevin Hansen

“I’m very excited for Türkiye and I enjoyed the track when I drove it in RX2. Türkiye is a big motorsport-loving country, so it’s great to have the World Championship there and open to the public. A great run last time out in Portugal in September means we’re extremely positive, but we may struggle with the extra weight of the electric car at this track. With three good drivers joining I also think it will be great entertainment. Hopefully, we can leave with a double win and at least second place in the championship standings.”

CE DEALER TEAM 

DRIVER: Niclas Grönholm

“Our goal in Türkiye is to get back to the strong performance we showed at the start of the season. A third-place finish in the drivers' championship is still within reach, so I'll be pushing hard for that and of course the teams’ championship. The track is new to me, so there will probably be a learning curve throughout the weekend, but we're determined to end the season on a high note"

DRIVER: Klara Andersson

"I am excited to be back racing again. It's my first time in Türkiye, and a new track for me, which is a thrilling new challenge. Our goals and ambitions are high, we want to finish the season on top and score as many points as possible. Of course, it’s tough with a larger field and many fast drivers. Hopefully, we’ve learned from the past two weekends and can show the true potential of this groundbreaking team."

2024 FIA WORLD RX OF TURKIYE: ENTRY LIST

Johan Kristoffersson (KMS-Horse Powertrain) - VW Polo KMS 601 RX

Ole Christian Veiby (KMS-Horse Powertrain) - VW Polo KMS 601 RX

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

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

Niclas Gronholm (CE Dealer Team) - PWR RX1e

Klara Andersson (CE Dealer Team) - PWR RX1e

Patrick O'Donovan (Team RX Racing) - Peugeot 208 WRX

Juha Rytkonen (PGRX) - Hyundai i20

Steven Bossard (PGRX) - Hyundai i20

Round 9 & 10 - World RX of Turkiye (CAT Times)

SATURDAY:

HEAT 1: 11:00

HEAT 2: 13:00

SEMI-FINAL: 15:00

FINAL: 15:42

PODIUM + CLOSER: 15:50

SUNDAY:

HEAT 1: 10:30

HEAT 2: 12:00

SEMI-FINAL: 12:00

FINAL: 15:42

PODIUM + CLOSER: 15:50

2024 FIA WORLD RALLYCROSS - CHAMPIONSHIP STANDINGS [AFTER ROUND 8]:

1) Johan Kristoffersson (KMS-HORSE Powertrain) - 206 POINTS

2) Kevin Hansen (Hansen World RX Team) - 160

3) Ole Christian Veiby (KMS-HORSE Powertrain) - 149

4) Timmy Hansen (Hansen World RX Team) - 147

5) Niclas Gronholm (CE Dealer Team) - 139

6) Klara Andersson (CE Dealer Team) - 122

7) Rene Munnich (ALL-INLK Munnich Motorsport) - 76

8) Anthony Pelfrene (JDM Raptor Racing) - 71

9) Gustav Bergstrom (Kristoffersson Motorsport) - 33

10) Jankó Wieszt (Impossible RX Team) - 28

11) Sondre Evjen (Kristoffersson Motorsport) - 15

World Rallycross “best suits manufacturer support to privateer teams” - Kenneth Hansen.

PHOTO CREDIT: Red Bull Content Pool

In a career spanning nearly 40-years, Kenneth Hansen’s journey through rallycross has been nothing short of exemplary, earning 14 FIA European Rallycross Championships along the way, but after hanging up his helmet at the end of 2012, he now remains at the helm of Hansen Motorsport. 

Hansen's career started with karting back in 1976, before the transition to rallycross, were he won the first of many FIA European Championships in 1989, and to this day, his desire to win remains as strong as ever.

Through his career, Kenneth secured an impressive 14 European, and 10 Swedish Rallycross championships - and he explains just how he managed to achieve the record setting fourteen titles: "It was a long journey from the beginning. When I started with motorsport, I was not successful from the beginning. So, I needed to work it out and learn. My career started with karting, before I switched to rallycross. It took me four years to win the national title, before moving into the European Championship, and how I could manage 14 titles? That is because I’m quite stubborn, and I don’t like to lose."

“So, when that happened, then of course, I focussed more on the equipment and everything around it. I think it’s not easy to pinpoint a specific thing [to win 14 championships], it’s a combination of everything, but most of all, I’m quite stubborn [he laughs].”

In the early days of competitive motorsport, racing drivers had somewhat of an easier time fans fans and media, compared to the scrutiny faced in the new social media era. And, whilst being the team principal at Hansen Motorsport, Kenneth has been exposed to both the positivity and negativity on social media, which he believes affects drivers very differently.  

“I think that it depends on the driver. So some drivers don't care, and some of them are quite affected. When I go onto social media sometimes, and see what people are posting,and I wonder how they spend their time being so negative. But of course, we have a lot of people that are very positive. And, if I don't like something, I wouldn't put the effort in to posting it on [social media]. I would do something else instead,” the 14-time European champion said.

That winning feeling!
PHOTO CREDIT: Hansen Motorsport

Whilst the joy and elation of winning championships is one thing, facing an uncertain future is a completely different story after the four manufacturers [Audi, VW, Peugeot and Ford] withdrew from the world championship in 2018, but regardless of that, the Hansen name has remained in the championship since it's inception in 2014, and through the hard work and perseverance, one could liken them to the Frank Williams story. A man [Sir Frank Williams] who went through so much adversity, but despite everything he soldiered on to establish a historic team, which remains in the sport today. 

When asked what's the secret behind continuing in the world championship during the turbulent era, Kenneth Hansen said: “First of all, I really love the rallycross format, and the way to race in this championship. I've been in the rallying, I've been in circuit racing, karting, et cetera. This championship, it's something that really is close to my heart because there is such good competition."

"And of course, I think you target the season, you target the championship, but for me it's also to perform as best as you can on that day. So you don't look too far. Of course you have a vision of where to go, but you need to be in the game from where you are,” he adds. 16

Kenneth Hansen spaeking to his sons Timmy [left] and Kevin [on the right].
PHOTO CREDIT: Red Bull Content Pool

The future of the World Championship seemed bleek, but with the co-operation, hard work and determination of the existing teams, and the promoters, World RX continued in 2019 with full privateer teams, including the Hansen's under the name - Team Hansen MJP, after the team partnerd with Austrian businessman Max J. Pucher. 

2019 proved to be one of the most captivating, and thrilling seasons to date, with four drivers going head-to-head for championship glory. 

Finn Niclas Gronholm seemed to be the driver to beat, but unfortunately, he missed two rounds due to appendicitis, which dropped him out of contention. Heading into the finale in Cape Town, it was a three-way fight between Andreas Bakkerud, and the Hansen brothers'. Where Timmy, ultimately came out on top winning the drivers' championship in dramatic fashion, whilst also wrapping up the teams' championship in the process. 

World Rallycross continued for two more years with internal combustion engine [ICE] cars before the switch to an all-electric powertrain, which is supplied by Austrian firm Kriesel, and retro-fitted into the existing cars, but following a devastating fire at the 2023 World RX of the United Kingdom that destroyed two Special One Racing cars, equipment and a truck. The FIA World Motor Sport Council [WMSC] took the unprecedencted decision to continue the championship with equal machinery. 

With some form of equal machinery, and the rising push for sustainability in motorsport, and environmental solutions, ie. electric mobility, hydrogen fuels and bio-fuels, the World Championship almost certainly is ready for manufacturer involvement. 

“We had four manufacturers in the Rallycross, and we saw it climbing very quickly, in fact too quickly. I think there were positive aspects, but there were also some negative things as well. So, I think we learned a lot from these years,” Hansen explained.

“What I think would suit rallycross best is to get manufacturer support to the private teams. So not the manufacturers coming full-time themselves because it would be cost effective. And the way to get the return of investment best would be to support the teams that are there, and of course it would be, one of the let’s say low cost world championships, because rallycross is very cost efficient. It's a very small championship and a very efficient, you don't need a lot of crew. You don't need a lot of equipment, but of course you need experience. And, clever people.”

Speaking of expenses, reaching world championship level is quite challenging, if not impossible for younger drivers, and potential championship winners due to the costs of renting cars and everything needed to run them, but like Kenneth, his youngest son Kevin formed a junior team - #YellowSquad, which was establisted to develop and find future stars, which has come to fruition since the signing of Patrick O'Donovan, who competed in European Rallycross, RX2e and in the final round of the world championship in Hong Kong, where he claimed a podium finish on debut. 

There are other drivers’ like Nils Andersson, who is the 2023 FIA RX2e champion, but due to budgetary constraints, he is unable able to compete with the worlds best. So, what can the championship do to make the sport easier for junior drivers to rise up the ranks? 

“I think we need the world championship to shine in order to get the full grids,” Hansen explains. “For me, that would be 16 cars, to have that set number and then to have a really good world championship to show the grassroots where to start to climb, to dream about. The young girls and boys should dream to be world champions one day, and that’s the way, it needs to be determined. It's not only the top, it's also the bottom. So, it's all together.”

Sixteen car grids have been achievable for years, but since the transition to electric cars, it’s become a touch more challenging due to costs. And, with the Lydden Hill fire, and the ongoing investigation, equal cars were used for the final four races of the season, in both Cape Town and Hong Kong, which added some extra spice to the championship. So, with that in mind, should the championship have some form of equality? 

“I think you are onto something there, but I don't think it should have a one marque category. Perhaps it should be a little more locked to keep the cost level down, but not fully locked. So, we have some freedom, because that has been the key point for Rallycross to do things and to develop things and so on,” he explained. “But of course, if we let it become to free, the cost will get too high. The RX1e car today is quite expensive. So, I think I would look to get some sort of limitation there.” 

Kenneth Hansen smiling after receiving the Slipstream SA draw your ideal track challenge [his sons track layouts in picture as well]
PHOTO CREDIT: Rhea Morar [PitCrew Online]

As customary with Slipstream SA, we asked Kenneth Hansen to design his ideal World Rallycross track, but in order to design his perfect track, he asked us, if he could take some time to design the layout, and surpringly, the inventor of the 'Joker Lap' did not add a joker to his ideal track. 

Take a look at the 14-time European Champions track design below.

TRACK DESIGNED BY KENNETH HANSEN

It's 'truly something special' racing against childhood heroes - O'Donovan

PHOTO CREDIT: Red Bull Content Pool

Rising star Patrick O'Donovan has many reasons to smile after securing a podium on his debut in the FIA World Rallycross Championship. 

O'Donovan's rallycross career began in 2018, and in only his second second in the Motorsport UK Junior Rallycross championship, he went on to finish runner-up in the standings. Moving over to the RX150 Rallycross Championship for buggies in 2020, he clinched the title a year later and was recognized as the 2021 Motorsport UK’s Young Driver of the Year. That same year, he competed in the FIA RX2e championship, finishing fourth overall and reaching the podium in Höljes [Sweden]. 

Having established himself, as one to watch, the Brit lifted the British Rallycross Championship 5 Nations Trophy Championship on debut, and a year later successfully defended his crown, whilst simultaneously competing in the FIA European Rallycross Championship with the support of the Hansen's #YellowSquad junior development programme.

Hansen Motorsport along with the Volkswagen Dealerteam BAUHAUS announced that they'd field a third car in the series finale double-header in Hong Kong, and with his experience, talent, and involvement in the #YellowSquad, it was a no-brainer to put Patrick in the third Zeriod X1 machine. 

The Brit made his intentions known by qualifying third on the opening day in Hong Kong, whilst the two heats did not go according to plan, he sealed a place in the semi-finals and added experience to his belt. 

Returning just a day later, he was right up there again with a fourth-place finish in SuperPole, and a heat race win, picking up the pace to challenge the best of the best in the dual surface discipline, and even beating 2019 world champion and team-mate Timmy Hansen to the podium on his debut.

"I'm over the moon, it was a weekend full of highs and lows, but it was amazing to finish on the podium on my World RX debut, especially in Hong Kong," O'Donovan said. "I had better pace today [Sunday] than on Saturday – my race win in the Heats was one of my highlights, but to move up from the back of the grid in the final to go up the inside to P3 and hold on to the finish was just amazing. After the first corners, the suspension wasn’t in the best condition, and the handling wasn’t perfect, but I just pushed as hard as I could to keep a World Champion in Timmy behind me, to cross the finish line in third."

The 19-year-old Brit admits that racing against his childhood heroes is something truly special.

"To be up here with some of my childhood heroes is just amazing," he said. "I think I worked it out with Timmy [Hansen], and it's probably similar to Johan - that I've been watching them since I was seven or eight years old when they were either competing in World or European Rallycross. To be up here and to be racing against them is truly something special."

Having had his first taste of the World Championship, the highly-rated teenager, acknowledges that his outing in Hong Kong was the highlight of his career, despite competing in other national championships. 

"The European, French, and British Championships are amazing, but up in the World Championship, it's the best of the best. And, I am racing against some world champions - there were two world champions in that race [the final]. To come out and beat one of them, and be only a few seconds behind Johan [Kristoffersson] is amazing. This is definitely my career highlight." he said.

Would you like to see Patrick O'Donovan in a full-time FIA World Rallycross Championship seat in 2024? Have your say in the comment section below! 

Kevin Hansen shines in maiden Hong Kong event as Kristoffersson clinches a record sixth title.

PHOTO CREDIT: Red Bull Content Pool

Kevin Hansen returned to winning ways after a masterful drive at the World Rallycross of Hong Kong earlier today, as Johan Kristoffersson clinched his sixth world championship having made the final. 

In a stunning track – sandwiched between Hong Kong’s iconic downtown skyscrapers and the waters of Victoria Harbour – the day's action was shortened due to unforeseen construction delays, but that failed to dampen the mood. 

SuperPole was canceled, as a result of the format change for the day, with qualifying practice ultimately deciding who would start in pole position for the first heat. In addition, the starting grid for the qualifying "shoot-out" practice was decided based on reverse championship order.

Having had four laps to get to grips with the shortened 1,125-meter track, one-by-one the drivers' were released onto the track, with OC Veiby finally getting one over his teammate, but it wasn't all that simple for Johan Kristoffersson and championship rival Kevin Hansen who both encountered puncture, which meant they'd both start in the slowest heat race. 

Out of position both Kevin and Johan would start on the outside in Heat One, with Rene Munnich in pole position, but as soon as the lights went out Kevin Hansen had a superb launch to lead the chequered flag ahead of Kristoffersson and Klara Andersson. In the second race, it was iceman Niclas Gronholm who got one over Ole Christian [pole sitter], as Timmy Hansen battled with debutant Patrick O'Donovan and Timo Scheider. 

Topping the heat meant that Kevin would start from the pole position in Heat 2 with championship leader Johan Kristoffersson alongside. Klara Andersson, Niclas Gronholm, and Mikaela Ahlin-Kottulinsky filled out the remaining spots, with the fastest going first. 

Gronholm had a quick start and took the lead ahead of Kristoffersson and Hansen, which were the positions that they'd remain to the chequered flag, whilst Klara Andersson finished fourth, and Ahlin-Kottulinsky encountered some issues after contact with a barrier. 

Starting from pole position in heat 2 race 2, Veiby led Timmy Hansen, and Timo Scheider, as Patrick O'Donovan and Rene Munnich dropped back from the championship regulars, however, the O'Donovan's pace was on par with those ahead. 

After the two heats consisting of two races, it was straight into the semi-finals with the clouds going away, but it was still reasonably wet. Starting from pole, the younger Hansen brother swept into the lead, as Timo Scheider set it up the inside of Kristoffersson at turn one, whilst O'Donovan and Timmy Hansen battled for the first of the loose spot. 

With victory in semi-final one, Hansen sealed pole position for the all-important final ahead of Scheider [middle row] and Kristoffersson [back row], it was all down to semi-final 2 to decide who would join the fastest three of the day. 

And, like clockwork, it was Construction Equipment Dealerteam's Gronholm who claimed victory against Veiby yet again, with Klara Andersson securing a start in the final, whilst Rene Munnich and Mikaela Ahlin-Kottulinsky, who was piloting the third Kristoffersson Motorsport RX2e machine crashed into the barriers on lap one. Thankfully, she was not harmed in the incident. 

With Kevin Hansen and Niclas Gronholm on the front row, and a rocket-fast Johan Kristoffersson and Timo Scheider behind, it would be difficult to keep them behind on a drying track. 

As the lights went out, Hansen had a very good launch, and immediately gapped the field, as Niclas Gronholm somewhat stalled off the line, and got swallowed up by those behind. With championship leader Kristoffersson up to second with Veiby and Scheider going door-to-door fighting for third.

Into turn 3, Veiby maintained third, whilst both CE Dealterteam drivers jokered on the first lap. With a touch more pace compared to OC Veiby, and in an attempt to cover Gronholm, Scheider took the joker lap but came out behind Niclas. 

The pressure was on, as Kristoffersson closed right up on Kevin, and with two laps to go, he took the joker lap aiming for an almighty push to claim victory on the final lap, but that was not to be, as his Zeriod X1 [RX2e] machine switched off on the line lap. 

Hansen took a final lap joker and claimed victory ahead of Niclas Gronholm with Timo Scheider rounding out the podium in third ahead of OC Veiby, Klara Andersson, and six-time World Champion Johan Kristoffersson - who was able to restart the race and finish. 

The result marked Kevin's third World RX victory – with his maximum score strengthening his grip on second position in the championship standings.

"It was a tough start to the day with a puncture after the first corner of qualifying practice, and I just could not put a lap on the board. Then I had a good start in heat one, got around the outside, and took the lead to register a first-place finish. The semi-final and final were so smooth, I did my race. On dry tyres, the track was so fun to drive," Kevin Hansen explained. 

"In the final, I think Niclas [Gronholm] had a bad launch, which meant that I was quite alone into turn one, which was great for a change, but it was a tough final because it was such a tough track. You had to stay perfectly in line, or any little bump would take you out. I don’t think one lap was the same as the other."

"It has not been many wins, but I know that I am capable of it," he added. "I knew this was a great opportunity and I know I have a better understanding of this car. The team has also been on it – not a single moment has been left unanalyzed, with a lot of work even right up to the final where we were making changes to improve. It’s really been a team effort. I really enjoyed the challenge of those five laps. My third win feels like the best."

Uncharacteristically, Kristoffersson did not top a single session on the first day of action in Hong Kong, but having reached the final together with teammate OC Veiby, it was more than enough to clinch both the 2023 FIA Drivers' and Teams World Rallycross Championships.

"It’s a nice feeling [to clinch both titles]. We had a very good start to the season, I was able to win the first three rounds," Kristoffersson said. "The team has done a good job over the course of the season to improve the car. So, very happy with that! It’s been great to be able to wrap up both the teams and drivers’ championships today. The season has been quite enjoyable."

"But on a day like today, when the car decides to stop on the last lap it is very difficult to keep the consistency of scoring points, so not ideal."

The Volkswagen Dealer Team BAUHAUS driver apologized to the fans, saying: "I am sorry to the Hong Kong fans for depriving them of seeing two cars coming out of the last corner next to each other for the victory. We did all we could, but it was not enough. I can only say sorry to the fans for not putting on a good show." 

Following the final, the FIA Stewards summoned Niclas Gronholm, Timo Scheider and Ole Christian Veiby, and asked for their onboard footage, but after thorough review - no further action was taken.

With the action resuming tomorrow, there is no doubt that Kristoffersson will look to exact revenge after a challenging first day on Hong Kong... let's gooooo racing! 

Winning 2019 title 'would've been impossible without Kevin' - Timmy Hansen.

PHOTO CREDIT: Red Bull Content Pool/Joerg Mitter

Theodore Roosevelt, the 26th President of the United States of America, once said: "Nothing worth doing was ever easy."

The future of World Rallycross seemed bleak after the simultaneous withdrawal of manufacturers: Audi, Peugeot, and Volkswagen at the end of the 2018 season. 

Many questions arose: Who will race in 2019? Will they race? And more... These questions were soon answered with an array of privateer teams signing up to the dual-surfaced championship, followed by a last-minute entry of the Hansens who beat the clock having secured two Peugeot 208 cars, and the necessary funding for the season.

Timmy Hansen 21 explained the challenges that his family-run team faced when speaking to Slipstream SA in 2019: “Many hours of work went in to secure an entry, but it’s more than just hours, it was everything. My whole passion. It’s quite hard to describe all the things that we have put together and our ambitions. You don’t achieve this by working for hours. It took a lot, it really took everything that we had, but we made it.”

Despite all these obstacles and challenges, the 2019 season was arguably the best season to date with a healthy entry list at every round. 

The season will also live long in the memories of Niclas Gronholm, Andreas Bakkerud, and Timmy Hansen, who had to overcome highs and lows to achieve a childhood dream. 

Moments before Andreas Bakkerud hit Hansen.
PHOTO CREDIT: FIA World Rallycross Media

The 2019 campaign got off to a bang for Timmy who led the way through the qualifying heats in Abu Dhabi but was involved in an accident with Andreas Bakkerud who thought that the race ended a lap earlier.

His Peugeot 208 WRX suffered extensive chassis damage, but after 9 days of hard work, the car was rebuilt, and back on the grid in Barcelona where he and his younger brother Kevin claimed a 1-2 finish becoming the second-ever siblings to finish first, and second in an FIA World Championship event.

The 31-year-old Swede claimed three more wins that season, in Great Britain, France, and Latvia on his way to a dramatic season finale in Cape Town. With a championship on the line, preparation is always key, “I think the key is to not treat [the championship decider] any differently. To treat it as [a normal weekend], because like, you're just gonna get in the car again and drive again. So, the secret is in keeping it simple,” Timmy Hansen told Slipstream SA.

“And I tried hard to do that, but also the nerves are there, you know what's on the line. It is that was kind of the balance to stay focused, and not to make any mistakes. But I think both me and Andreas [Bakkerud] did well. And, he delivered very, very well. And, and so did I.”

The weekend had been building up towards a winners-takes-all battle between Timmy Hansen and championship rival, Andreas Bakkerud, whilst Kevin had an outside opportunity, had the two ahead encountered bad luck. 

With a solitary point separating the two with one race remaining, the Hansen Motorsport driver knew that taking maximum points at the final race of the weekend would be enough to hand him his first FIA World RX title, and admits that his younger brother Kevin played an instrumental role in clinching the title.

“I wouldn't have been able to win that year without Kevin and I, working together,” he said. ‘’Before the semi-final, he was also in the title fight. He [Kevin] was only eight points behind coming into this final race. And, he had also done a fantastic season, but after the heats, it kind of looked like, it was going to be me and Andreas. And then he said: ‘Okay, I've got your back now.’ So, I chose to run the semifinal with used tires, because Kevin was in second place and he would cover up the inside and stay behind, you know, have my back. So I was able to run that semifinal with used tires to have four new tires on the car for the final. It would've been impossible without Kevin."

After a strong performance in the semi-final stages, the Hansen brothers secured the World RX Team Championship for Team Hansen MJP. 

The launch of a lifetime for Andreas Bakkerud at the 2019 World RX of SA.
PHOTO CREDIT: Junaid Samodien/Slipstream SA.

Having both won their respective semi-finals, it was a pretty simple, but a tense situation - Bakkerud had to win the final to become world champion, and if Hansen won, he’d also take the title. 

It all came down to this… the final! Andreas Bakkerud took the holeshot off the line, ahead of Timmy who applied tons of pressure from behind, pushing hard to overtake. The Norwegian ran a touch wide opening a gap, as Timmy launched an overtake, with slight contact between the two, Bakkerud clipped the outside wall, and hit Hansen who spun off the track and onto a grass bank. His younger brother Kevin also took avoiding action, whilst Niclas Grönholm took the lead to deny Andreas the race win, but as the race progressed Timo Scheider stopped on track, handing fourth place to Timmy, a position, which would mean the two rivals would finish the season tied on 211 points each.

Following the final, the FIA launched a rather lengthy investigation into the collision at turn seven, and later deemed that ‘no further action’ would be taken.

Ayrton Senna da Silva, once famously, said: “If you no longer go for a gap that exists, you're no longer a racing driver.” 

Returning to Cape Town, after four years, Timmy Hansen explained how things really went down in the tense final: “I put a lot of pressure on him early in the lap. And, then he he overshot that fast right-hander before the hairpin. He went a bit too wide, caught in the dirt. He was wide, there's a gap, and you go into the gap. The reason we spun was because he touched the wall and went into me and spun me around. That was really unfortunate, but I think, you know, I had the move don. I was passed, but then, then we collided.”

Timmy fulfilled a life-long ambition and dream to be an FIA World Champion. 

“It’s a title that not many people have reached, and the ones that have reached it are the very greatest to have been in motorsport,” he told Slipstream SA prior to the 2019 final. 

Relive the 2019 World RX of SA with Andrew Coley. 

Achieving ‘perfection the quickest’ will make the ‘biggest difference’ with equal cars.

PHOTO CREDIT: Red Bull Content Pool

The 2023 FIA World Rallycross Championship returns after nearly 3 months following a destructive fire at Lydden Hill in July, which destroyed two Lancia Delta Evo-E’s, the Special One Racing’s equipment, and a truck. 

As the extensive investigation continued over weeks and months, the 2023 championship seemed in doubt, however, the FIA World Motor Sport Council [WMSC] took an unprecedented decision through an e-vote to continue the season with equal machinery citing ‘logistical complications and the continued investigation.’

The decision was taken that all drivers will compete in equal cars – the ZERIOD X1 [RX2e] vehicles. A car that was designed to ‘emphasize the drivers' abilities behind the wheel, prioritizing his or her skill and ingenuity.’

The ZEROID X1 vehicles generate 270kW (362bhp) of power and up to 510Nm torque, but with equal machinery, what will be the defining difference between winning and losing with four rounds remaining?

“It’s got a lot to do with the driving,” Kevin Hansen explained. “When the cars are so similar. It then goes down to the driving and the very fine engineering details. Everyone will have the same or similar adjustments, so it will all come down to the absolute smallest of ideas, compared to when we develop our own cars.”

“It will all come down to finding the perfect balance with this type of car. I think for sure, it’s going to be a big challenge, but we have some experience, and hopefully, we can put that together.”

The Hansen brothers’ together with Kristoffersson Motorsport competed in the ZERIOD X1 cars earlier this year in the penultimate round of the RX2e championship in Mettet [Belgium], with championship leader Kristoffersson claiming victory. 

The 25-year-old Hansen, admits that the ZERIOD X1 car “suits my driving” style. 

“The ZERIOD X1 cars, which I actually used to drive [earlier in my career]. It is very similar in the base, and I have had good results, and a lot of learning from that style of car,” Kevin said. 

“It’s a style of car that really, really suits my driving. and I really enjoy driving it a lot. I drove in the car in the last few months, we competed in Mettet [Belgium] earlier this year, where for the first time, we set the pace, as the Hansen team, and Kristoffersson team had to play a bit of catch-up.”

“[So, I think] we are in a good place, and we are hopeful, that we continue that strong performance. Obviously, Johan [Kristoffersson] is leading the championship, and he is a very strong driver, and my brother will be in the most similar material as well. So, it’s going to be very challenging. But, I think we have great support from our family team. And, I think we have the best chance coming down to Cape Town to win the race.” 

Kevin Hansen [left] and Timmy right] chatting in Belgium.
PHOTO CREDIT: Red Bull Content Pool

With a healthy 23-point lead in the 2023 FIA World Rallycross Championship, Johan Kristoffersson is the favorite to lift a sixth title this year, however, Timmy Hansen admits that despite a sizeable gap in the championship, adapting to the RX2e cars will be crucial. 

“He [Johan] has had a fantastic season, and, he has a big lead in the championship. I’ve had two retirements earlier in the season. On two occasions, the FIA safety light came on after big G-force [impact], and I had to retire from the race[s], so me being in fifth, and Kevin is third. Of course, we want to get there, but it’s more about this stage of being in the middle and having to adapt to these new cars. You need to drive in a different way,” Timmy Hansen said. 

The 2019 World Champion admits that he struggled to adapt to the ZERIOD X1 cars when driving in Mettet earlier this year. 

“I was struggling a bit at the race in Belgium. I struggled with not having the power on the exit of the corners that I’m used to. These cars have about 200kW’s less. So, they are 300kW instead of 500 now,” he said.

“I need to adapt, but also I’ve been working super hard. I’ve been driving different cars, and I have been trying to get my head around this different driving style. That is really where my head is at, and I am going to arrive in Cape Town giving it my everything. I am going to do things differently from what I did in Belgium. I need to figure out exactly how to get the most out of this car, and then hopefully, we can fight for the win and whatever that means at the end of the story, whatever that means for the championship is a different story, but I want to be competitive, and that is the focus.”

“I think this is all very interesting – it’s a new equal playing field for us all, and it’s about who can get to that perfection the quickest, and it’s not going to be a big difference between the cars that we are in. It’s going to be more about the driver. So, I need to be sharp on the day, and just go fast.”

It's hard to tell who will reign supreme in Cape Town, so make sure you get your tickets today for the 2023 World Rallycross of South Africa. 

The Hansen's endure nightmare weekend in Hell.

PHOTO CREDIT: Red Bull Content Pool

The Hansen brothers have endured a weekend to forget in Hell, Norway, at the second round of the FIA World Rallycross Championship, following incidents on track for both Kevin and Timmy.

Having made steps to close the gap to the front of the order following the opening round of the season in Portugal two weeks earlier, the Hansen World RX Team entered the weekend in Hell with high hopes.

"We found speed and some surprises to us that helped us move forward, but the ending was not good - first with Timmy’s incident and then with Kevin’s puncture. It’s just one of those weekends, but now we are only looking forward to try and start on a new platform at the next races to get closer to the top. We will continue to work with that objective," Kenneth Hansen, Hansen Motorsport Team Principal, said.

Changes to the all-electric Peugeot 208 RX1e machines through the Norwegian encounter also improved the performance step-by-step on the hillside circuit, as round-one podium finisher Kevin Hansen set the second-best time in Heat 1, with teammate Timmy Hansen third overall, to get qualifying underway.

Never making it to pole position and the favored inside spot on the grid, the Hansen brothers several times tried an outside move in the opening corner and Kevin Hansen finished second in the Ranking order after Heat 4.

Timmy Hansen's Peugeot rebounded after hitting a bump, and ultimately blue-lighting the Kriesel battery upon landing.
PHOTO CREDIT: RX+ LIVE SCREENGRAB

But for Timmy Hansen, his weekend was cut short in Heat 4. Pushed onto the grass over the finish line while trying to overtake another car, and leaped into the air. When it landed, the Blue Light came on to signify a large impact, meaning that the single-specification battery pack used by all World RX cars needed to be checked by specialists, putting Hansen out of the event. The other competitor from the incident was disqualified.

"There were a lot of good signs this weekend. What we’re working on is taking the battle to win some races and this weekend we got a lot closer to be able to do that," Timmy Hansen said. "Hopefully we can be back for the next race to prove what we can do. Things can change quickly and we will keep pushing. We have big motivation in the team to move forward for better results in the coming races."

For Kevin Hansen in the Semi-Finals he made another good start, but contact on the way into turn one caused a front-right puncture, which ended his hopes of making the Final.

"The weekend didn’t end like we wanted. I had a great start in my Semi-Final, was almost completely clear of Johan Kristoffersson into turn one but we had contact and I got a puncture directly," Kevin said. "It felt like we had a good car and could challenge for the podium and if we put everything together we could challenge Johan for the win. It’s a really big shame, overall though we qualified well and we’re making good progress. We will bounce back!"

A formidable performance in Hell sees Kristoffersson claim a 37th career victory.

PHOTO CREDIT: Red Bull Content Pool

Reigning World Champion Johan Kristoffersson produced a formidable performance in Hell to win World RX of Norway, whilst team-mate Ole Christian Veiby was disqualified for a technical infraction. 

Kristoffersson was untouchable around the Lånkebanen circuit, maintaining his flawless SuperPole record before dominating all four heats, his semi-final, and the final to tally his 37th career victory in the FIA World Rallycross Championship’s milestone 100th round.

That secured the five-time world champion a second consecutive maximum score behind the wheel, extending his advantage at the top of the championship standings to 13 points.

"The track was changing so it was difficult and easy to make mistakes," Kristoffersson said. "But I feel comfortable. We have the tools and the knowledge to make the changes we need to make things work, and I played it smart and tried not to get involved in too many incidents. Now, we look ahead to Höljes. Driving there with these new electric cars will be super-fun!”

Behind the Swede, a battle played out for ‘best-of-the-rest’. Ultimately, it was CE Dealer Team's Niclas Grönholm who prevailed in that particular fight as the Finn secured the runner-up spot.

"It has not been an easy weekend; we have been really working hard. It feels good to head home with a second place and a solid points haul after all. We need to keep working hard, stayed focused, and try again in the next race at Höljes," Grönholm said.

In only his second outing in World RX’s electric era, Timo Scheider reached the podium [with a third-place finish] for the first time in almost three years behind the wheel of the ALL-INKL.COM Münnich Motorsport’s SEAT Ibiza RX1e.

Replicating the result achieved on her impressive World RX debut in Hell last year, Klara Andersson took the chequered flag fourth. The Swede had some of the most impressive/quickest launches this weekend.

"We had some issues in the semi-final, so I was really lucky to be able to make the final. There I got a very good launch but got hit twice," Andersson said. "After that, the wheels were pointing in every possible direction, so it was not easy to drive that’s for sure. We did not have so much luck this weekend."

Sébastien Loeb finished fifth in the World RX final in his Lancia Delta Evo-E RX, whilst hometown hero Ole Christian Veiby finished fifth on the road, but following first corner contact that removed the boot and rear wing of his car, his Volkswagen RX1e was subsequently found to be +-3.3kg under the minimum weight.

Speaking before receiving the penalty, Veiby said, "In the final, I got hit in the first corner and thus the car was very difficult to handle, so I just couldn't keep up with the others. I feel that I get too little reward for some good driving."

If it was a bad weekend for Veiby, the Hansen Motorsport stable had a weekend to forget, as Kevin Hansen exited proceedings at the semi-final stage after picking up a puncture in a Turn One clash with Kristoffersson, whilst older brother Timmy was withdrawn after his car battery sustained a high g-force load after hitting a big bump whilst attempting an overtake on Veiby. The latter was disqualified from Heat 4. 

Hansen was later fined 1,000 euros for walking onto an active circuit, and hitting Veiby's car whilst gesticulating. Due to the FIA Safety Regulations related to the battery g-force load the battery will have to undergo testing in Austria before it could be used again. 

FINAL RESULT - WORLD RX OF NORWAY

1. Johan KRISTOFFERSSON - Volkswagen Dealerteam BAUHAUS

2. Niclas GRÖNHOLM - CE Dealer Team + 1.755s

3. Timo SCHEIDER - ALL-INKL.COM Münnich Motorsport + 3.675s

4. Klara ANDERSSON - CE Dealer Team + 5.438s

5. Sébastien LOEB (FRA) Special ONE Racing + 6.798s

6. Ole Christian VEIBY - Volkswagen Dealerteam BAUHAUS DSQ

From elation to disqualification - Kenneth Hansen explains.

PHOTO CREDIT: Red Bull Content Pool

Kevin Hansen was disqualified from the World RX of Germany final on Sunday afternoon due to a technical infringement on the "lower wishbone".

The younger of the two Hansen brothers had a pretty solid weekend at the Nurburgring, despite Johan Kristoffersson's dominant drive, but after great drive to second place in the final, and almost a guaranteed third-place in the drivers' championship. The Swede was stripped of the result, which promoted Niclas Gronholm to third in the championship. 

So, what happened? Well, after post-race inspections, the Stewards determined that "the lower wishbone from the left side of the car did not comply with the declaration form" meaning it was overweight. 

Kenneth Hansen explained: "I was really surprised because I am the one who checks the parts and weights – we had one front wishbone that was 90 grams too heavy. The wishbone had been repaired, it shouldn’t have been on the car and it was only on one side, but still it was too heavy."

The Hansen World RX team principal clarified that there was no performance gain from the technical infringement, however, they accept and took the penalty. 

"There was no performance gain but it should conform and we took the penalty," Hansen said. "It’s a hard punishment, but we just have to take it. It’s my responsibility and it was purely a mistake. Overall, our 2023 season already starting this weekend and it’s a very positive feeling."

Hansen Motorsport explains chassis selection and performance differences for new electric era of World RX.

PHOTO CREDIT: Red Bull Content Pool.

It’s been four years in the making, but finally, the electric era of World Rallycross is upon us!

The dawn of a new era, an era that is set to thrill us in more ways than one… not talking about the electrification, but an era that could potentially see the championship thrive. 

Manufacturers could return, and the racing could be a lot closer than before, not forgetting the return of Kristoffersson Motorsport with four-time World Champion Johan Kristoffersson in a Volkswagen Polo R5 (chassis), Guerlain Chicherit in a Lancia Delta Evo-e, and Hansen Motorsport.

Hansen Motorsport is the most decorated team in rallycross, and they have recently announced a multi-year commitment to the championship with the Hansen brothers returning in new-look electric cars, based on the previously used Peugeot 208 platform but re-engineered to adopt a homologated powertrain from Kreisel Electric, which generates 500kW – equivalent to 680bhp and 880Nm of torque. 

Having competed in World Rallycross since the series inception in 2014. The Hansen's have tons of experience in building race-winning cars, having fielded the Peugeot marque since the very start.

14-time European Rallycross Champion and team principal Kenneth Hansen has explained why his team has chosen to stick with the Peugeot 208 platform for the electric era rather than switching to the Rally2 specification chassis, which is permitted by the FIA Regulations. 

"You can choose two different specifications. You could either choose a Rally 2 regulation car or you can retrofit old cars, and Hansen Motorsport have chosen to retrofit our old cars. We think that is the most efficient for our team. It's cost-efficient. We also recycle something, so that's good, but it's also performance-wise. We also think it's good. We think also with the electric coming now, it's such a lot of other things we need to learn. So, if we have the same platform, we don't need to start all over with that at the moment," Kenneth Hansen said.

The possible electric powertrain layout in the Peugeot 208.
PHOTO CREDIT: Hansen Motorsport

With a clear explanation for continuing on with the Peugeot 208. Where does the Swedish outfit see a performance difference coming from when all teams run the same powertrain kits this year? 

Well! 2019 World Champion Timmy Hansen expects the performance differences to come from the installation of the new powertrain kits, development of the chassis, as well as the technology in the car, such as the dampers, etc. 

"I think we are going to have the same power train, and we don't quite know exactly the regulation yet, but I expect there to be performance in finding the set-up of the drive train. But then, as always, as part of what we love Rallycross for, we're still developing our own chassis, and if you knew what was going on behind the scenes, like the technology in the Dampers, for example, with Ohlin’s, it’s mind-blowing, and there is a lot of performance to find," Timmy Hansen said. 

“So, we are going to push as hard as we've always been on the chassis side, it won't be exactly the same car. We are going forward in the best way that we can do together with our partners. There will be a lot of performance in that and also currently in fitting the electric battery and everything. This heavy part into the chassis in the right position is important.” 

Once all the hard work is done building the cars to specification, younger brother Kevin Hansen believes that it will then come down to the drivers putting in a lot of work to get on top of the changes to gain an early advantage, while others adapt to the new technology. 

“In the end, us (drivers) behind the wheel needs to do a really good job to put it together and be on top of these changes when they come out in the early stages before everyone starts to find their way through and looking what others are doing and so on,” he said.

The 2022 FIA World Rallycross Championship is set to get underway at Höljes on 2-3 July, followed by rounds at Germany (Nürburgring), Norway, Rīga in Latvia, Montalegre in Portugal, fan favourite Spa Francorchamps in early October, and Cape Town rounding out the season in November. 

Hansen Motorsport commits to electric rallycross future with "huge investment."

PHOTO CREDIT: Hansen Motorsport

The defending team champions', Hansen Motorsport have announced a ‘multiple-year’ commitment to the FIA World Rallycross Championship, hailing a ‘huge investment’ in the new electric rallycross era.

One of the most decorated teams in rallycross history, Hansen Motorsport has been at the forefront of the dual-surface discipline since founder and Team Principal Kenneth Hansen claimed the first of his record 14 European Rallycross Championship titles in 1989, prior to graduating to the headlining category four years later.

But, this year marks a major leap for the Swedish outfit in its efforts to increase sustainability and environmental awareness, while also continuing to challenge for wins and titles in the top flight as the World Rallycross Championship switches to all-electric cars.

"This a huge investment that we are making to the World Rallycross Championship, with a plan for multiple years – it’s the biggest thing we have ever done. It’s very new and very exciting for all of us," Kenneth Hansen said. 

“It feels a little like when we entered four-wheel-drive rallycross for the first time in 1993. We didn’t know many things then, and with the switch to electric technology there are many things we are learning about from scratch as well. It’s very refreshing to be focusing on something so new, with some people we have worked with for many years and some new faces around inspiring us as well. There really is a lot of fresh energy here to push forwards.

"The group of drivers at the top in World Rallycross are among the best in the world, and that mine and Susann’s sons, Timmy and Kevin, are part of that group and choose to drive with our team is very special."

PHOTO CREDIT: Hansen Motorsport

Three Teams’ World Championships is a testament to the caliber of the team – the most recent of those coming last season when Timmy Hansen waged a hard-fought fight with fellow countryman Johan Kristoffersson that culminated with the pair tied on points at the top of the Drivers’ standings, the 2019 champion ultimately missing out on a second career crown on countback.

"World RX is where I’ve built my career and it’s given me some amazing opportunities. The level of competition in World RX is the very best, but that’s what drives us to push ourselves further. I believe we will have a very strong package going into the new season, which I’m very excited about," Timmy Hansen said.

“It’s second nature to our family to look for solutions to be as competitive as possible, especially in rallycross; it’s just what we do, and we are all extremely motivated for 2022. This is a big step in a new direction that I’m super-happy to be part of, racing extremely fast cars on great circuits against the best drivers and teams in the world. There really isn’t anything better.”

Today's announcement has formally confirmed Timmy and younger brother Kevin Hansen will remain with their family team. The Swedish siblings will pilot new-look electric cars, based on the Peugeot 208 chassis, but re-engineered to adopt the homologated electric powertrain from Austrian firm, Kreisel. 

"It’s a super-exciting time for our company and team to embrace this new electric era. Since 2018 we have spoken about electric rallycross in the World Championship and finally, it’s going to happen," Kevin Hansen said. "The electric powertrain kits will be arriving at Hansen Motorsport soon and for me to be part of this World Championship winning team, with a great philosophy for what the car and everything around us should be, I couldn’t be prouder."

"I think it’s going to be even greater than people can imagine."

Timmy Hansen determined to 'write a new story' in World RX

PHOTO CREDIT: Red Bull Content Pool

Former World Champion Timmy Hansen has confirmed his return to World RX in 2021 with the family-run Hansen World RX Team and is determined to 'write a new story this year.'  

The 29-year-old has had a successful career having competed in World RX since its inception in 2014, and he is one of only three drivers' to have entered every round, achieving ten wins and 32 podium finishes at the wheel of a Peugeot 208. 

His 2019 campaign was his most accomplished to-date having claimed four wins from ten starts on course to secure both the drivers' and teams' titles for Team Hansen MJP alongside younger brother and team-mate Kevin Hansen, in a dramatic finale in South Africa, which saw Hansen and Andreas Bakkerud end the season on level points.  

A year later, it was a bit more challenging for Team Hansen, but after some thorough testing, they were able to find some improvements which resulted in a win and three podium finishes.

PHOTO CREDIT: FIA World RX Media

After Kevin's [Hansen] return was announced earlier this week, it was just a matter of time before we'd find out about Timmy's future, and his return to the World Championship is truly great news.

The Swede acknowledges all the challenges that his family-run team has had making it to the grid each season, and is very grateful to once have the opportunity to compete in 2021. 

"In the last few years since we've become a fully independent family team, being on the grid has never been a given each season. I'm very grateful I have the opportunity to come back and compete again this year," Timmy Hansen said.

"I love rallycross and it's always been part of my life, and it still is in a very big way. We run the family team every day and our involvement with rallycross goes back decades. It's in my blood since I was born so I'll always want to compete here."

Having recorded ten World Rallycross career victories, the Swede is more motivated to write another successful championship story in 2021. 

"Even though this will be my eighth consecutive season in World RX now, I'm as motivated as ever to write a new story this year: will we compete for the title, who will be fast this year, and how will we stack up?" Hansen adds. 

Could the Hansen's clinch the World RX title in the final season of the internal combustion engine? They certainly could, and Timmy believes that his team is better prepared this season than they were last year. 

"We've been working really hard ourselves and the car feels much better starting in 2021 than it did in 2020. All the great ideas and talented people working with us have made a big difference, even as a small team that's improving step-by-step," he said. "We might have a good shot at competing for the title this year, but let's see how it goes!"