Turkiye serves up thrilling finale with two new winners, whilst Johan Kristoffersson cements his name in history with a seventh title.

 Juha Rytkonen leads seven-time world champion Johan Kristtoffersson.
PHOTO CREDIT: PGRX

After eight intense rounds, the FIA World Rallycross Championship’s inaugural ‘Battle of Technologies’ drew to a thrilling conclusion at Istanbul Park in Turkiye for the season finale. Champions were crowned, and new winners stepped onto the podium.

Before diving into the weekend's details, in 2024 World Rallycross introduced a new concept called the 'Battle of Technologies' (BoT), where sustainably-fuelled internal-combustion engined cars would compete with fully electric-powered RX1e cars. This concept was first introduced at RallyX Nordic in 2021 in an Open 4WD Category, which proved to be quite exciting.

And, since the introduction of electric powertrains in 2022, World RX ushered in a new era with BoT, allowing teams the opportunity to choose between ICE or electric, some chose electric, which they had run just a season earlier, with a few upgrades of course, and Kristoffersson Motorsport chose ICE, developing an all-new Volkswagen Polo, named the KMS 601 RX. But, how they would fair was anyone’s guess, as electric cars pack an instant push with their immediate torque deployment, which at the start of races is essential to getting off the line cleanly, but as with any car there are strengths, and then there are weaknesses, and to balance the performance, the FIA together with World RX adopted the Equivalence of Technologies (EoT), meaning some cars would carry more weight or less weight to somewhat balance the performance. 

World RX ushered in the new era at the iconic Magic Weekend in Höljes, where six-time champion Johan Kristoffersson opened his account with a double victory kick-starting the BoT era in favor of internal combustion engined cars, but with a dominant drive on home soil, could the KMS-HORSE Powertrain squad continue the momentum throughout the season, as Johan Kristoffersson looks to defend the drivers’ championship.

As the season developed, a strange pattern emerged beginning in Hungary, at Round 2, where Niclas Gronholm claimed the first victory for EV cars, but a day later, it was Kristoffersson back on the top step of the podium, this pattern continued for the next four rounds, with both Kevin and Timmy Hansen claiming a win a-piece in Belgium and Portugal, but as was in Hungary, Kristoffersson claimed an event win at both double-headers, despite the high elevation handicap for ICE cars in Portugal, to firmly establish a healthy 49-points lead heading into the season finale in China. 

However, plans to race in China were scrapped in early October, with a move to Turkiye announced, all eyes turned to the world-class Istanbul Park for the season finale, and boy did it deliver! Having previously hosted World Rallycross in 2014 and 2015, the classic nine-year-old layout returned, a venue and track, at which Timmy Hansen who in 2015, and looked to return to winning ways in 2024, but straight from the off-set, it seemed like the Peugeot 208 RX1e struggled with the slippery nature of the circuit, and the KMS-HORSE Powertrain Polo’s were right on the money from Free Practice on Saturday morning with Kristoffersson and Ole Christian Veiby topping the standings, but could they retain the morning pace for the remainder of the day?

PHOTO CREDIT: Red Bull Content Pool

The cars began to line up in pre-grid ahead for the first heat race in Turkiye.

It was finally time for the penultimate round of the championship to commence, and boy did it commence, when Niclas Gronholm had a rocket launch, so did the Hansen brothers', whilst the ICE Polo’s had okay'ish launches, and almost immediately got stuck in some traffic, as Gronholm nailed the laps at the front of the field. The seas parted Kristoffersson, as his rivals took the Joker lap ahead, allowing him to somewhat close on the leader, but try as he might despite an early Joker strategy, it was not enough to beat ice-cool Niclas Gronholm who won the heat by 1.75 seconds to Johan, Timmy, Ole Christian Veiby and Kevin Hansen, who sustained a front right puncture after a battle with Veiby.

One heat down, and another about to get underway, it was three versus one, yeah, three internal-combustion engined Supercars taking on Klara Andersson, in her CE Dealerteam fully-electric RX1e car, and from lights out, Andersson nailed the start leading the two PGRX Hyundai i20's, with 2024 European Rallycross Champion Patrick O’Donovan left on the line due to an overheating clutch. 

After the start, it all became a bit dramatic, as PGRX team-mates ruled out any chances of a heat win following heavy contact between the two, whilst Patrick O’Donovan slid through on route to victory ahead of Andersson, Bossard, and Juha Rytkonen. 

With some data in the bank, and an opportunity to fine-tune the set-ups, the drivers returned to the 1.351.8-kilometer Istanbul Park track for the heat two races, with the slower seed first, and, as the lights went out Klara Andersson had a very good start, but incredibly, 2024 French Rallycross Champion Steven Bossard took the lead, with PGRX team-mate Juha Rytkonen right on his heels, as Andersson and O’Donovan took their compulsory joker immediately on the first lap. 

As the heat played out, Bossard extended his lead where he’d remain to the checkered flag by a mighty 3.586 seconds to Rytkonen, Andersson, and O’Donovan down in fourth. 

The championship protagonists were up next, and after a bad first heat for Kevin Hansen, heading into the final heat of Round 9, all Johan Kristoffersson required was to finish ahead of Kevin to be crowned the 2024 FIA World Rallycross Champion, but right as the lights went out, Timmy Hansen and younger brother Kevin had really good starts driving alongside each other into turn 1, blocking any path for a potential overtaking maneuver. 

Kevin immediately took his joker lap followed by Kristoffersson and Veiby, as Niclas Gronholm applied a ton of pressure to Timmy Hansen in front, Johan then began to close on Kevin, and with an over-under move, he overtook the young Swede, and began to pull away, as Veiby then had a look as well. And, in an attempt to clear and stay ahead of a charging Kristoffersson, Gronholm jokered to come out ahead, as they began to gain ground on leader Timmy Hansen, but incredibly enough, as the 2019 Champion rejoined from his compulsory joker, Niclas, and Kristoffersson was right behind him and both went in different directions to try and pull off an overtake in turn 6. Kristoffersson on the inside for turn 7 was able to pass Gronholm and then set his sights on Hansen ahead and biding his time, Johan slid through to take the heat win, and with it the 2024 Championship. 

Seven-time World RX Champion Johan Kristoffersson.
PHOTO CREDIT: KMS-HORSE Powertrain

Stepping out of the car after winning the heat, Kristoffersson was stunned that he had already wrapped up the championship telling Bryn Lucas, FIA World Rallycross reporter: "Is it done already? Wow!,” he said. “I didn't know. What a race to secure the championship, unbelievable!"

“First of all, that race was really, really nice. Had some great battles. This last section on this track... or the last section of the tarmac really creates a lot of great overtaking opportunities. And, when I was driving towards the hairpin, I saw the pictures of back in 2014 when Timmy (Hansen) and I, were driving towards that hairpin. So, it was a great heat."

After the two heats, Kristoffersson was not only the World Champion, but also the top qualifier, which would put him on pole position for the first semi-final, with Niclas Gronholm in pole for the second semi-final. 

Due to the slippery nature of the circuit, and the wet Hoosier tyre providing more initial grip, as it is a soft compound, all the drivers in the first semi-final bolted on a set, and like you’d imagine, Timmy Hansen, the sole EV car powered to the front, as Johan Kristoffersson and Steven Bossard tangled causing damage to the KMS 601 RX Polo’s front bumper and the left-hand side door, which swang open. 

Having played his cards smartly, as the race progressed, Ole Christian Veiby was able to clear the cars ahead of him and slot into second overall. And, with team game in mind, just before the checkered flag, Kristoffersson pulled aside to give Veiby the win, and with that pole position for the final. 

All eyes now turned to semi-final 2, could Kevin Hansen claw back vital points to secure second in the drivers championship after Veiby won the previous semi-final. Lights out, and away Klara and Kevin Hansen went, the Hansen Motorsport driver led through turn one, as Andersson and Patrick O’Donovan collided sending the Irishman spinning to the right. 

Opting to joker on lap 1, Andersson and O’Donovan tried to tactically gain some ground, but the pace out front was strong. Kevin Hansen won the semi-final by 1.247 seconds to Niclas Gronholm, with O’Donovan in third, and Klara Andersson’s hopes of progression to the final dashed with a fourth-place finish. 

The tension grew ahead of the all important final, a straight battle between Ole Christian Veiby and Kevin Hansen on the front row, but having struggled with his starts all day, just when he needed it most, the Norwegian produced the best launch all season out-dragging Kevin Hansen to turn one, as Johan Kristoffersson from the second row set his sights on the Peugeot ahead. 

Veiby didn’t put a single wheel out-of-place, as the gap grew and grew to Hansen, as Kristoffersson tried various attempts to overtake the younger of the two Hansen brothers’.and even attempted a dive bomb, but the door was shut, and Johan hit the tyre wall quite hard damaging his front bumper, but he recovered to third and later lost the podium finish after failing to complete the compulsory joker lap. 

But, after not putting a single foot wrong in the final, Ole Christian Veiby crossed the checkered flag six seconds ahead of the nearest pursuer, Niclas Gronholm to record his maiden World Rallycross victory. 

Round Nine winner Ole Christian Veiby
PHOTO CREDIT: Red Bull Content Pool

“The day didn’t begin too well when Kevin [Hansen] and I fought a bit too much in the heats, but I got some help from Johan [Kristoffersson] in the semi-final and nailed the launch in the final,” Ole Christian Veiby said. “I told myself before that race, ‘come on, it’s time now – I need to win this one!’ We've been close [to a win] a couple of times now. We had a good fight with Timmy in Portugal, and it was close, but finally, I’ve achieved it.”

With round nine done and dusted, it was back to the computers to establish what could be done better for the final round of the doubleheader. And, with with the final overnight ideas brought to the circuit, the weather in Turkiye had other ideas. The heavens opened, and the circuit became ever more challening, but much like they started Saturday morning, just 24 hours earlier, the KMS-HORSE Powertrain drivers' topped the morning warm-up in preparation for the heats, semi-final, and final to follow.

It was time for some Heat action, Johan Kristoffersson started from the pole with Kevin Hansen, round nine winner OC Veiby alongside him, then Timmy Hansen and Niclas Gronholm, a battle of 2 ICE powered cars versus 3 electric cars, let the battle begin! 

The Hansen Peugeots had very good launches, but with the inside line, and a good start, Johan Kristoffersson took the lead, as the Hansen brothers covered off Veiby in fourth and Gronholm in fifth, but opting for a tactical advantage, Timmy and OC immediately took their joker lap, and with defensive drive, he was able to slow the Norwegian enough for his younger brother Kevin to take the joker a lap later and leap ahead on track. Back at the front, Kristoffersson was large and in charge gapping the cars behind so much so that he crossed the line 8.409 seconds ahead of Kevin Hansen, Niclas Gronholm, OC Veiby, and Timmy Hansen in a distant fifth with a front left puncture. 

Timmy was not impressed with Veiby’s driving in heat 1, saying: “The first overtake was good. The second overtake until he [OC], pushed me into the tyre wall was good, but then dirty. He is just nervous so he makes many mistakes.”

The rain continued to fall at Istanbul Park ahead of the second heat 1 race, which saw CE Dealer Team’s Klara Andersson have yet another good launch, but PGRX’s Juha Rytkonen’s launch was a lot better, and he immediately took the lead. As the laps ticked by the Finn remained comfortably in control crossing the finish line by 2.777s to Andersson, Patrick O’Donovan, and Steven Bossard, who encountered a wastegate issue with his PGRX Hyundai i20.

Heading into Heat 2, the battle for second in the Drivers’ Championship continued, whilst all the KMS-HORSE Powertrain drivers just required a handful of points, they would though have to wait, with the first race of Heat 2 up first, and with the rain continuing to fall, ice cool Rytkonen had yet another blistering start with team-mate Bossard alongside, but contact between the two sent Juha into the wall at turn 1, and ricocheting into Klara Andersson, who momentarily went airborne and spun. 

And, whilst Steven Bossard scampered off into the distance. With a first lap joker, Patrick O’Donovan began to draw ever closer to the Frenchman, but with a few laps remaining, Bossard began to slow, the cause, a front left puncture. O’Donovan quickly overtook Bossard, and sailed off into the distance by an eyewatering 31 seconds to Klara Andersson who eventually finished in second ahead of Bossard, and Rytkonen [DNF].

The rain continued to fall for the second and final heat race of the season, from pole position Niclas Gronholm had the inside line with Kristoffersson on the outside compared to his rivals.

From the outside, Kevin Hansen and Kristoffersson had very good starts, whilst alongside them on the inside, OC Veiby was turned sideways as a result of contact with Timmy Hansen, as Kristoffersson backed off to perform a brilliant undercut, as Timmy and Ole Christian ran wide with their contact. 

Kevin Hansen led the way from Niclas Gronholm, Johan Kristoffersson, Timmy Hansen, and OC Veiby. On the first lap, Gronholm and Timmy immediately took their joker lap, clearing the way for Kristoffersson to move into second and Veiby third. With more pace and grip, Johan attempted an over-under-over move on Kevin Hansen to try and snatch the lead, but the Peugeot driver kept his cool and shut the door. 

PHOTO CREDIT: Red Bull Content Pool

On entry to the dirt section, the KMS-HORSE Powertrain driver again began to push Kevin along, and with more traction, he tried another move sending his Polo sideways around the outside of Kevin into turn 9, the two make contact, and Kristoffersson hit the inside barrier, where he’s race ended prematurely, whilst Kevin Hansen was facing the barrier and needed to engage reverse to recover. Ole Christian Veiby with a wider line avoided all the carnage and took the lead. Right behind him was Gronholm who had already jokered on lap one, and he would have to pull a gap to retain the lead when he jokers. The Norwegian then began to push gapping Gronholm, whilst Timmy Hansen then closed to overtake the Finn, to claim second at the drop of the checkered flag, Gronholm third, Kevin fourth, and Kristoffersson could not finish due to rear right suspension and brake damage.

Victory in the heat sealed the Teams’ Championship for the KMS-HORSE Powertrain squad, with Patrick O’Donovan securing the top qualifier spot ahead of the all-important semi-finals and final.

But as more rain began to fall teams quickly made some final adjustments ahead of the semi-finals, only six drivers will make the final, and three will be eliminated after the semi-finals. 

Lights out, and away they went, and from the second row Niclas Gronholm had a lightning start to lead into turn one ahead of pole-sitter Patrick O’Donovan and Johan Kristofferson, but O’Donovan quickly jokered with Bossard on lap one, clearing the way for OC Veiby to gain third after his bad start. 

Kristoffersson immediately began to attack Gronholm trying all sorts of alternative lines, but a small mistake from Niclas allowed Johan to squeeze through and take the lead. On lap 3, Veiby took his joker, and came out comfortably ahead of O’Donovan and Bossard. Bossard was able to overtake O’Donovan, who ran very wide at turn 4. 

After his joker lap, Veiby closed on Gronholm rapidly and overtook the Finn, as he jokered, moving into second place, whilst Bossard took the attack to Gronholm, but the latter won the exchange, as the PGRX driver stopped on track. 

With just a few corners to go, Kristoffersson played the ultimate team game and pulled aside just before the checkered flag to allow his teammate OC Veiby to take the semi-final win, and with those handy points in the fight for second in the championship, Kristoffersson settling for a second row start with Gronholm in third [final row], and O’Donovan and Bossard going no further. 

The Hansen brothers’ lined-up in the second semi-final on the second row, but Kevin would have to win to avoid losing points to Veiby, and as the lights went out, Klara Andersson had a very good initial launch, but again Juha Rytkonen powered to the lead, as Andersson and Timmy collided at turn 1 allowing Kevin to move into second. 

Both Klara Andersson and Timmy Hansen took their compulsory jokers on lap one, but it was clear to see that the CE Dealer Team driver struggled on the wet gravel sections, and as quick as she made a mistake, Timmy slid through to take third, but ahead of him was Rytkonen pulling away from his younger brother. 

Rytkonen and Kevin Hansen opted for a last lap joker, but that did not pay off for Kevin, as  Timmy was able to take net second, and later moved aside for his younger brother to gain the important championship points, which meant, Rytkonen would start the all-important final from pole position with Kevin on the second row, Timmy on the final row, and unfortunately, Andersson would go no further. 

With the drivers’ and teams’ championship all but secure, the battle for second and third in the drivers’ championship was hot, all Ole Christian Veiby required was to finish two places ahead of Kevin Hansen to claim second overall in the drivers' championship. 

The tension was high, the rainy mood was set, who would win the final round of 2024 ‘Battle of Technologies’, and could the KMS-HORSE Powertrain squad complete the perfect 1-2 in the Drivers’ Championship and Teams’ Championship?

Juha Rytkonen leads to turn one, with OC Veiby still on the start line.
PHOTO CREDIT: Red Bull Content Pool

It all comes down to this. A wet track meant there was no other option, but to run the soft compound wet weather tyre. All eyes on the light, could Ole Christian Veiby get the dream start, he had just 24 hours earlier, that was soon answered, as the Norwegian bogged off the line, with Juha Rytkonen bolting off into the lead, and Johan Kristoffersson hot on his heels. Playing it smart in an attempt to gain some positions later on in the final, Kevin Hansen and Veiby immediately took their compulsory jokers.

Kristoffersson applied some pressure with mud flinging onto his windscreen, visibility became challenging, but that didn’t stop him from trying to close on the Finn. Timmy Hansen then began to gap Niclas Gronholm and take his joker on lap 2, and with perfect execusion, Timmy emerged behind younger brother to keep Veiby at bay.

Following Niclas, Kevin Hansen spotted a mistake from the CE Dealer Team driver and moved into net third, as Veiby attempted to pass Timmy, but they too drew closer to Gronholm, and then Timmy sents it up the inside making the move stick for fourth-place – OC Veiby tried to follow him through, but as a result of some contact, he got rotated on the barrier at the pinch point dropping him to stone last. 

But, try as he might, he kept pushing and slowly began to gain of Gronholm, but lost too much time as a result of the spin, and ended up behind Gronholm after the Finn’s joker. 

Back at the front, Juha Rytkonen took the checkered flag 3.026 seconds ahead of seven-time World Champion Johan Kristoffersson, with Kevin Hansen in third, and with second in the drivers’ championship secured. Behind the top three were Timmy Hansen in fourth, Niclas Gronholm fifth, and Ole Christian Veiby in sixth-place. 

"Winning a World Rallycross Championship event for the first time is a difficult feeling to describe. It's hard to find the words and I have to admit that I'm the first to be surprised at the idea of having achieved such a performance. On Saturday, in the first race of the weekend, we had a few problems. It was difficult to find my bearings behind the wheel, but Sunday went much better. I felt really comfortable with the car and that allowed me to drive at my own pace," Rytkonen said.

"Inevitably, the wet track conditions also worked in my favour, as the second half of the season in the French championship has mostly been marked by rain. In other words, I had some obvious reference points on how to use the car in limited grip conditions."

"I'd like to thank the PGRX team for the confidence they have shown in me throughout the season. On Sunday I had the speed to go for the win and that's what I did. In the end I don't know what to say except that I'm very happy. Being up against the best drivers in the world could only push me out of my comfort zone. I had to push myself to the limit and I'm really proud to have won ahead of the last two reigning champions, Johan Kristoffersson and Timmy Hansen. To be honest, I hope to be back in the FIA World Championship as soon as possible."

The result not only made it two new World RX winners in as many days – following OC Veiby’s breakthrough win on Saturday – it also marked the first time since 2021 that Kristoffersson ended a weekend without having stood on the top step of the podium.

PHOTO CREDIT: Red Bull Content Pool

The inaugural season of the ‘Battle of Technologies’ successfully concluded in Turkiye, and it is safe to say that sustainably-fuelled internal-combustion cars were the overall winner, but with data now collected after the 2024 championship. Teams and their drivers will go back to the drawing board to find and extract more performance for the 2025 season, which is set to begin with the inaugural ice-racing event at Trois-Rivières in Canada on 23-25 January.

FINAL CLASSIFICATION - WORLD RX OF TURKIYE 

ROUND NINE - FINAL RESULT: 

1. Ole Christian Veiby - KMS - Horse Powertrain (ICE)

2. Niclas Gronholm - CE Dealer Team (EV) + 6.017s

3. Kevin Hansen - Hansen World RX Team (EV) +7.654s

4. Timmy Hansen - Hansen World RX Team (EV) + 10.991s

5. Patrick O’Donovan - Team RX Racing (ICE) + 11.811s

6. Johan Kristoffersson - KMS - Horse Powertrain (ICE) + 6.768s*

* Classified in last position and -1 championship points penalty for not taking joker lap

ROUND TEN - FINAL RESULT

1. Juha Rytkonen - PGRX (ICE) 5 laps

2. Johan Kristoffersson - KMS - Horse Powertrain (ICE) + 3.026s

3. Timmy Hansen - Hansen World RX Team (EV) + 12.428s

4. Kevin Hansen - Hansen World RX Team (EV) +14.465s

5. Niclas Gronholm - CE Dealer Team (EV) + 18.783s

6. Ole Christian Veiby - KMS - Horse Powertrain (ICE) + 19.370s

2024 FIA WORLD RX - FINAL DRIVERS' CHAMPIONSHIP STANDINGS:

1) Johan Kristoffersson (KMS-HORSE Powertrain) - 240 POINTS

2) Kevin Hansen (Hansen World RX Team) - 197

3) Ole Christian Veiby (KMS-HORSE Powertrain) - 190

4) Timmy Hansen (Hansen World RX Team) - 181

5) Niclas Gronholm (CE Dealer Team) - 177

6) Klara Andersson (CE Dealer Team) - 145

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

8) Anthony Pelfrene (JDM Raptor Racing) - 71

9) Juha Rytkonen (PGRX Team) - 36

10) Gustav Bergstrom (Kristoffersson Motorsport) - 33

11) Jankó Wieszt (Impossible RX Team) - 28

12) Patrick O'Donovan - 27

13) Steven Bossard (PGRX) - 16

14) Sondre Evjen (Kristoffersson Motorsport) - 15

2024 FIA WORLD RX - TEAMS' FINAL CHAMPIONSHIP STANDINGS:

1) KMS-HORSE Powertrain - 430 POINTS

2) Hansen World RX Team - 378

3) CE Dealer Team - 322

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

A win a piece for Kristoffersson and Hansen in action-packed Montalegre.

PHOTO CREDIT: Red Bull Content Pool

Montalegre never fails to produce sensational racing, and boy did the ‘Battle of Technologies’ deliver at Rounds 7 and 8 of the FIA World Rallycross Championship, truly showcasing the respective strengths of World RX’s electric and sustainably-fuelled internal combustion cars with rocket launches, sends, and awe-inspiring overtakes. 

Approaching the weekend, it was pretty evident that the sustainably-fuelled internal combustion cars would be throttled due to the high-altitude nature of the Portuguese track, but with the FIA's Equivalence of Technology (EoT), they decided that by adding 160 kilograms to the electric-powered cars, and lighten the ICE cars by 160 kilograms would be somewhat balance the field. 

Broken rear left on Kristoffersson's KMS 601 RX Supercar.
PHOTO CREDIT: Red Bull Content Pool

ROUND 7 (DAY 1) - A Champions Drive! 

Johan Kristoffersson, a four-time winner in Montalegre entered the weekend with a fairly healthy 39-point lead in the drivers' championship.

Kicking off the action on Saturday morning, Kristoffersson led the charge in morning practice leading Anthony Pelfrene by 0.074 seconds closely followed by Timmy Hansen and Niclas Gronholm.... 

HEAT 1

In the afternoon, the first heat got underway, and right from the get-go, it was pretty evident that the electric-powered cars, had an edge, as both KMS-HORSE Powertrain drivers' had good launches, but nothing compared to the Hansen brothers' who fended off any attack from behind on the run to turn one, but in a never give up drive, six-time champion Kristoffersson passed the Hansen brothers' using an alternative joker lap strategy, with Kevin Hansen finishing second just ahead of his brother Timmy and OC Veiby in fourth. 

The second race was a similar affair, as Niclas Gronholm dominated right from lights out, despite his team-mate Klara Andersson getting the better launch. The two CE Dealerteam drivers covered off turn one, as Andersson and Munnich immediately took a joker lap. Andersson's pace was so good that she instantly closed on a slowing Anthony Pelfrene, but couldn't challenge her untouchable team-mate for the race win, as Pelfrene hung onto third just ahead of Rene Munnich bringing up the rear. 

HEAT 2

With data to digest and improvements to find, the drivers and teams had a short break before heading into Heat 2 with the orders reversed after Heat 1. Lining up from the pole, was Anthony Pelfrene this time around, with Rene Munnich, Klara Andersson, and Niclas Gronholm on the outside, but starting from the outside meant nothing for the Finn, as he launched off the line and comfortably made it to turn one where he would remain to the checkered flag ahead of Pelfrene, Munnich and team-mate Andersson.

Having demonstrated their strong starts in the earlier session, the Hansen World RX team drivers lined up from first and second on the grid, with the KMS drivers' on the outside. Could they control this with masterful teamwork, as seen in Mettet? They certainly had very good launches, but Kristoffersson hung it around the outside, as Timmy Hansen immediately jokered, but on the run through the "full send" turn seven to eight section, Kevin Hansen had a slight moment, and with it came a bold move from Kristoffersson, who tried an alternate line and squeezed his way through to take the lead where he would remain to a final lap carrying a front left puncture across the finish line, but comfortably ahead of rival Timmy Hansen, who jokered on lap 1 finishing ahead of his younger brother Kevin and OC Veiby in fourth. 

THE SEMI-FINALS

Much like the heats, the semi-finals were quite action-packed, as a wet track provided challenging conditions in semi-final 1, with Kevin Hansen leading pretty much from start to end, as Kristoffersson tried piling on the pressure, but ultimately picked up a rear right suspension issue on the final lap, and came very close to finishing third after an overtake from Anthony Pelfrene, however, a squeeze up the inside saw the six-time champion rotate Anthony and continue on finishing second ahead of Rene Munnich, and Pelfrene in fourth after recovering for the incident with Johan.

Untouchable in the heats, CE Dealerteam's Gronholm continued his strong form leading to turn one, with Klara Andersson trying to slot in behind, but OC Veiby and Timmy Hansen had other ideas and immediately opted for a first lap joker, and after a last lap joker, Veiby gained second finishing just 0.279 seconds behind Niclas, after the 2019 champion made a costly mistake in turn 8, and finished third with Andersson finished in fourth, and like Rene Munnich, her day came to a premature end. But, the door to the final was ajar, as the KMS-HORSE Powertrain mechanics raced against time to fix Kristoffersson's KMS 601 RX Supercar for the final. Could they make it? They certainly did! The mechanics replaced a broken wheel, caliper, damper, hub, shaft, and bottom control arm on the left-hand-side of the Polo in EIGHT MINUTES, and continued work in the pre-grid cleaning the windscreen and windows for better visibility,, and applied some tank tape on the damaged rear bumper.

FINAL

From pole position, a win was within sight for Niclas Gronholm, who yet again had a great start and led on the run to turn one, as Johan Kristoffersson lost out to the Hansen brothers, and decided to squeeze around the outside of Kevin Hansen to slot into third, but the younger of the Hansen brothers immediately took the joker. 

Following Gronholm was a quick and determined Kristoffersson with Timmy Hansen and OC Veiby following in third and fourth. The latter stalled his KMS Supercar at the start.

Heading through the final corner on lap one, Timmy Hansen was right on the rear of Kristoffersson, but as the dust kicked up in front, he hit the outside barrier very hard sending a few tyre bails onto the track and into the path of OC Veiby.

Timmy would go no further - DNF.

But, as the lap ticked over, Gronholm continued to lead quite convincingly, with Johan Kristoffersson chasing in second, but with a joker in hand for both Niclas and Johan, either of them could go one lap earlier to try and get clean air for an undercut, and on lap four, Kristoffersson dove into the joker merging just ahead of Kevin Hansen who ran wide in avoidance. If the Finn wanted to take the win, he'd have to beat the Volkswagen Polo driver with a last-lap joker, but that was not to be. He crossed the checkered flag 0.3 seconds behind the six-time champion with Kevin Hansen in third ahead of Veiby, and Munnich in fifth. 

"This is a real team victory after an amazing job to get my car back onto the grid for the final," Kristoffersson said. "Montalegre is such an enjoyable circuit to drive and the Volkswagen has always suited the track well, and we spent the past few weeks looking at everything we could do to be as fast as possible. Niclas [Grönholm] had great pace in the final, but I just managed to make the difference when it mattered."

Victory in Round Seven meant Kristoffersson carried a 48-point lead into Round Eight. 

ROUND SEVEN - WORLD RX OF PORTUGAL FINALS RESULT:

1. Johan Kristoffersson - KMS - Horse Powertrain (ICE)

2. Niclas Gronholm - CE Dealer Team (EV) + 0.398s

3. Kevin Hansen - Hansen World RX Team (EV) + 2.895s

4. Ole Christian Veiby - KMS - Horse Powertrain (ICE) + 5.654s

5. René Munnich - ALL-INKL.COM Muennich Motorsport (ICE) + 12.374s

DNF Timmy Hansen - Hansen World RX Team (EV) + 4 laps

PHOTO CREDIT: Red Bull Content Pool

ROUND 8 (DAY 2) - Kevin Strikes Back With Defensive Masterclass!

If Saturday was anything to go by, then the electric-powered cars would once again have an advantage over their sustainably-fuelled internal combustion-engine counterparts with starts, and the long run down the main straight to turn one. 

After overnight repair work and some minor set-up changes in an attempt to find more pace, drivers had two laps to dial themselves in during the customary morning warm-up session, in which, Kevin Hansen laid out his intentions by topping the session, but by a slim 0.044s to Johan Kristoffersson. 

HEAT ONE

With the grid set, Kristoffersson lined up from pole position with Kevin Hansen alongside, then Ole Christian Veiby, and Niclas Gronholm. The latter was once again lighting quick off the line, fighting with Kevin, and despite their start struggles, it was like the sea parted for Kristoffersson, as Niclas and Kevin tangled into turn one with both running wide. 

Ole Christian Veiby immediately took the joker lap trying to use clean air to his advantage, as his team-mate Johan posted a 41.3, 41.5, 41.3, and 41.5 laps, the fastest of the session. On lap four, Hansen took his joker and came out behind Veiby, but with just one lap remaining and the top 2 were yet to joker, who could gain a position? Well, on the joker merge, Veiby was able to jump Gronholm and finish 2.1 seconds behind his KMS team-mate and keep Gronholm and Hansen at bay. 

One down, and one to go, race two saw Timmy Hansen start from pole position with Klara Andersson on his outside followed by Rene Munnich and Anthony Pelfrene, as the lights went out, it was clear once again, the internal combustion engine cars struggled to keep up with the instant torque from their electric RX1e counterparts. 

Klara Andersson had a very good start and led the race initially, but once the joker strategies played out, the picture changed slightly. Rene Munnich opted for a first lap joker, and Timmy a second lap joker, using clean air to gain ground, if not overtake Klara who would have to respond. The CE Dealerteam driver responded just a lap later but had a poor turn one, and her entry into the joker was bad, which meant she lost around two seconds to Hansen and was ultimately overtaken, as he took the lead and won by 1.6 seconds. Behind them was a close fight for third and fourth, as Anthony Pelfrene followed Andersson into the joker, and merged right alongside Rene Munnich, the latter had to settle for fourth. 

HEAT TWO

For those at the top of the standing, the second heat was essential to seal the deal and lock out a front-row spot for the semi-finals, as Eminem says "One chance, one opportunity to cease everything you've ever wanted". Well, it's a similar situation for those behind, who want to gain important points, and the drivers fighting for overall victory to rubber-stamp a front-row start for the semi-finals, which could prove vital. 

A reverse starting order to heat one, saw Anthony Pelfrene start from pole position in the first heat two race, he had a good launch but didn't quite have the legs on Timmy Hansen who led into turn one, while Klara Andersson and Pelfrene fought for second place, the CE Dealerteam driver took a first lap joker aiming to use clean air to gain some ground, but it wasn't a clean joker lap at all, and a lap later, Anthony ducked into the joker, but also had scruffing run, nearly ending in the wall, which allowed Andersson to make up some ground and just about get ahead of the Peugeot 208 driver at the merge. Timmy Hansen controlled from the front where he would remain to the checkered flag with Rene Munnich in a surprising second followed by Pelfrene who muscled his way passed Andersson on the final lap. 

Having won his heat two race, Timmy moved up the rankings with 10 points, and if Johan Kristoffersson were to win race two, they would be tied on 10 points a piece, and lock out the front row of the grid for the semi-finals, but Kevin Hansen had other ideas. 

Yet again, the RX1e cars rocketed off the line, but having started from fourth, Kristoffersson tried an outside line, and squeezed into second, as Hansen immediately took the joker lap to use clean air to his advantage. As the laps ticked on, Johan tried multiple times to overtake leader Niclas, and when he finally made a move, it allowed him and Veiby to clear Gronholm. The latter immediately fell into the clutches of Kevin Hansen. 

And, with his front bumper partially hanging off, Kristoffersson was able to eke out a few tenths, but a last-lap joker for the KMS driver was not enough, as Kevin Hansen won by 0.9 seconds from Johan, Ole Christian, and Niclas in fourth. 

THE SEMI-FINALS

The Hansen World RX team had one clear target, and that was to take a win or the best result possible, and having taken the top qualifiers spot, Timmy Hansen started from pole position in the first semi-final with his younger brother alongside, then Anthony Pelfrene and Andersson on the outside, unfortunately, one would have to miss out, should they fail to finish in the top three.

Timmy and Kevin both had good starts and blocked all possibilities of squeezing through at turn one, as they led 1-2, while Anthony Pelfrene immediately took his joker lap. Kevin, Timmy, and Klara continued on the standard lap, but they immediately started gapping the CE Dealerteam driver, who started falling into the clutches of Pelfrene who was running in fourth. 

Kevin won semi-final one quite convincingly ahead of his older brother Timmy, as Pelfrene despite a rear right puncture passed Klara Andersson to secure a place in the final, but after further investigation by the FIA Stewards, it was deemed that he had left the track at turn 10, gained a position in the process, therefore, would be ducted a position, which meant his final result would be a fourth-place finish and no further progression.

Having accrued the second most points after the two heats, Johan Kristoffersson was on pole for the second semi-final with team-mate OC Veiby alongside then Rene Munnich and Niclas Gronholm. A case of three versus one, but yet again, EV ruled, and Gronholm powered to the lead at turn one ahead of Kristoffersson and Ole Christian. The latter took a first-lap joker. 

As the semi-final progressed clean air worked wonders for Veiby who posted fast laps as he inched close to the leading pack, and on lap 3, Gronholm and Munnich took their joker lap, unleashing Kristoffersson, whilst Ole Christian moved into second, and despite his best efforts of extending his margin to his team-mate, with a final lap joker, Ole Christian Veiby took the semi-final two victory ahead of Johan, Niclas and Rene Munnich. 

THE FINALE

In the all-important final, Kevin Hansen started from pole position with Ole Christian Veiby alongside him. Then Timmy and Kristoffersson were on row 2, and the CE Dealerteam locked out the third row. 

As the lights went green, Ole Christian Veiby had a very good launch, but the electric-powered cars were a lot stronger on the long straight, as they had been all weekend, and passed both KMS drivers'. 

Timmy Hansen led OC, Niclas, and Klara, exiting turn one, while Kevin and Kristoffersson opted for a first-lap joker. Seeing an opportunity Ole Christian squeezed his way into the lead, but on the run to turn one, Hansen immediately fought back to retake the lead, as Klara Andersson took her joker on lap 2. 

Kristoffersson was on the rear bumper trying every line to force a mistake from Kevin Hansen, but the young Swede did not crack under pressure covering off every move, whilst behind them Niclas Gronholm suffered a puncture, and later pulled over. 

The six-time champion continued to apply pressure to Kevin but into turn one, the Hansen World RX driver slowed momentarily as his older brother and OC took their joker laps, but it wasn't enough, as Kevin crossed the line ahead of Kristoffersson by 0.2 seconds, behind them Timmy and OC went side to side, with the latter ending in the barrier in the penultimate corner. The 2019 champion finished third with Klara Andersson in fourth, Veiby recovering to fifth, and a DNF for Niclas Gronholm. 

"Finally my first win with an electric Peugeot. I had a really good car all weekend, we didn't have to change much, and for sure we had some strengths down to Turn 1 so we just tried to maximize the opportunity," Kevin Hansen said.

"There was a lot of guessing and a lot of being completely blind in that Final, and we had to defend but couldn't defend too much if we were going to catch up to the leaders. A tricky Final but that just makes the win feel even better."

The incident between Timmy and Ole Christian was investigated after the race, but the FIA Stewards deemed that no further action would be taken. 

"He overtook me, I got past again on the last lap, but then he hit my front wheel which broke my drive shaft . I only had rear wheel drive at the end. It was a shame. I think I deserved more today and would have been able to fight for the victory if only I had been able to push straight away," Ole Christian Veiby said.

ROUND EIGHT - WORLD RX OF PORTUGAL FINALS RESULT

1. Kevin Hansen - Hansen World RX Team (EV) 

2. Johan Kristoffersson - KMS - Horse Powertrain (ICE) + 0.271s

3. Timmy Hansen - Hansen World RX Team (EV) + 2.045s

4. Klara Andersson - CE Dealer Team (EV) + 7.447s

5. Ole Christian Veiby - KMS - Horse Powertrain (ICE) + 26.272s

DNF Niclas Gronholm - CE Dealer Team (EV) + 1 lap

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

PREVIEW: High-Altitude Montalegre could favour electric cars, as the 'Battle of Technologies' reaches penultimate double-header.

PHOTO CREDIT: Red Bull Content Pool

The 'Battle of Technologies' has reached the fourth installment, as the FIA World Rallycross Championship heads south for 1,760-kilometers to Montalegre, where the pendulum could swing in favour of the electric-powered cars.

Mettet, Belgium, the scene of Rounds 5 and 6, of the FIA World Rallycross Championship saw some of the most thrilling action, as superb team-work by the Hansen brothers' saw Timmy Hansen end a nerely two-year winless streak by 2.2 seconds on Saturday afternoon [at round 5], but just a day later, six-time World Champion Kristoffersson returned to winning ways, crossing the checkered flag by 4.7 seconds to further extend his lead at the summit of the championship by 39-points.

Kristoffersson’s closest challenger in the championship after the Belgian double-header is team-mate Ole Christian Veiby, who claimed a second and third place finish, and has the Hansen brothers' hot on his heels just 5 points a drift.

The Hansen brothers' were consistently quick off the line in Mettet, and applied a lot pressure to the ICE-powered cars on the run to turn one, but without brilliant team-work seen on Saturday, a win probably would not have been possible for Timmy Hansen [also taking into account that Kristoffersson had a puncture], but now heading to the high-atltitude Montalegre track, the Hansen World RX team believes that they might have an edge with their electric powered cars.

Much like the Hansen's, the electric-powered CE Dealer Team's Niclas Grönholm has one clear goal this weekend, and that is to score big points in both rounds. 

The ice cool Finn along with Kristoffersson are the only current drivers to have won at the Portuguese track in both 2021 and 2022 – while it was at Montalegre that Klara Andersson made history two years ago as the first female ever to reach the podium in World Rallycross.

Brining up the rear of the field are ALL-INKL.COM Muennich Motorsport’s René Münnich and JDM Raptor Racing's Anthony Pelfrene in sustainably-fuelled combustion machinery, and will both be hoping for improved results. 

THE TRACK: CIRCUITO INTERNACIONAL DE MONTALEGRE

THE TRACK INFORMATION:

Track Length: 1146 meters in length

Joker Lap: 1155 meters 

Tarmac/Dirt: 60%/40%

Previous Winner [2023]: Johan Kristoffersson

World RX Debut: 2014

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...

PHOTO CREDIT: Red Bull Content Pool

TALK THE TALK:

KMS-HORSE Powertrain

DRIVER: Johan Kristoffersson: 

"It's a very fun experience to drive a supercar on that track. Challenging weather and fast turnarounds. You can count on that. We know we will be behind at the start in Montalegre, but maybe there are some parts out on the track where we can be fast. In that sense, Lohéac was a good preparation. Both myself and Ole Christian also have two reprimands, so it's important not to get into all situations and risk punishment."

DRIVER: Ole Christian Veiby

"The most difficult challenge for us so far. If we can keep our distance from the others, we must be satisfied. It's going to be tough, but in any case it's a very fun track we're going to. I'm looking forward to driving there". 

HANSEN WORLD RX TEAM

DRIVER: Timmy Hansen

“The results in Belgium were just what the team needed and we’re going to be riding that momentum into these next rounds in Portugal. The track at Montalegre is one that both Kevin and I enjoy, and our family have had some success here before, so we’ll be channelling that and everything we have learned so far this season into this weekend’s races.

"The testing that we did after Hungary really paid off and the car is feeling so much better. Thanks to that and some amazing teamwork we are still in the fight and the team are feeling great. We will keep giving it everything we’ve got and if we keep playing the game right maybe we can steal some more wins.”

DRIVER: Kevin Hansen

“I think finally we can say we have reached a track where we might have a little bit of an advantage. That long straight should suit our electric cars, and it’s going to be great to look at that from the start line knowing that we have more power. Hopefully we can nail our starts and be first heading into the first corner.

"I’m really looking forward to being back in Portugal. We have a lot of Hansen fans there thanks to our dad's success in the past, so I can’t wait to be back sending it round the big curbs and gravel section and hopefully getting my first win of the season!”

CE DEALER TEAM 

DRIVER: Niclas Grönholm

“It's been a tough few races in a row, and our clear goal for Portugal is to bounce back and score strong points in both events. With only a few races left, it's crucial that we make these count to ensure we're in a good position heading into the final in China and we are ready for it!"

DRIVER: Klara Andersson

"I'm really excited to return to Portugal, where we have great memories from our first historic podium finish. I love the track, especially the final sector which is one of the best in the world. After a tough weekend in Belgium, our focus is on collecting points and getting back into the title fight - continuing to show the thrills of sustainable motorsport"

2024 FIA WORLD RX OF PORTUGAL: 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

Rene Munnich (ALL-INLK Munnich Motorsport) - Seat Ibiza

Anthony Pelfrene (JDM Raptor Racing) - Peugeot 208 WRX

Round 7 & 8 - World RX of Portugal (CAT Times)

SATURDAY:

HEAT 1: 13:32

HEAT 2: 15:15

SEMI-FINAL: 17:00

FINAL: 17:38

SUNDAY:

HEAT 1: 12:00

HEAT 2: 13:25

SEMI-FINAL: 16:00

FINAL: 16:40

2024 FIA WORLD RALLYCROSS - CHAMPIONSHIP STANDINGS [AFTER ROUND 6]:

1) Johan Kristoffersson (KMS-HORSE Powertrain) - 153 POINTS

2) Ole Christian Veiby (KMS-HORSE Powertrain) - 114

3) Kevin Hansen (Hansen World RX Team) - 110

4) Timmy Hansen (Hansen World RX Team) - 109

5) Niclas Gronholm (CE Dealer Team) - 99

6) Klara Andersson (CE Dealer Team) - 95

7) Rene Munnich (ALL-INLK Munnich Motorsport) - 53

8) Anthony Pelfrene (JDM Raptor Racing) - 51

9) Gustav Bergstrom (Kristoffersson Motorsport) - 33

10) Jankó Wieszt (Impossible RX Team) - 28

11) Sondre Evjen (Kristoffersson Motorsport) - 15

4-2 in Battle of Technologies - Hansen ends winless streak, as Kristoffersson dominates final day in Mettet.

PHOTO CREDIT: Red Bull Content Pool

Deflation, mechanical troubles, and snapping the gear lever were just a few of the issues that drivers had faced at Rounds 5 and 6 of the FIA World Rallycross Championship in Belgium, but one thing was evident, and that was the sustainably fueled internal combustion-engined and electric cars were closely matched throughout the weekend.

ROUND 5 (DAY 1) – TEAMWORK MAKES THE DREAM WORK.

Arriving at Mettet, there was one target on everyone’s mind, taking the fight to KMS - Horse Powertrain, who have amassed three victories, in their newly-developed Volkswagen Polo KMS 601 RX Supercar, along with gaining points in the championship standings.

With the scene set, it seemed that Johan Kristoffersson was the dominant force from the get-go, however, the Hansen brothers’ were hot on his heels, so much so that in the final rankings after two heats, the KMS driver had a quick Timmy Hansen in second after a dominant display of team-work. 

In the first semi-final, Kristoffersson lined up in pole with Andersson alongside in second with Kevin Hansen and OC Veiby on the second row. But, poor starts for both KMS drivers meant they were left on the line, as Hansen led Klara from Kristoffersson and Veiby into the opening corners. Fighting back, Johan and OC immediately took the joker lap, and began the push to close up to Andersson and leader Hansen. The six-time Champions pace was strong, but not strong enough for Kevin’s almighty defensive drive, while OC gained third after Andersson picked up a puncture ending her hopes of progression to the final.

Having booked a slot on the front row of the grid for the final, it was Timmy Hansen's chance to rubber stamp a front row start with a win in semi-final 2, the Swede started from pole position, but Anthony Pelfrene had other ideas, and got the jump at turn one, but unfortunately encountered mechanical issues allowing Hansen through and ultimately the heat win, whilst Rene Munnich with a smart joker strategy jumped Gronholm, and with it a place in the final, with Pelfrene going no further. 

The scene was set, the Hansen World RX Team locked out the front row for the final with Kristoffersson, Munnich, Veiby, and, Gronholm, but unfortunately, due to a mechanical issue Niclas could not participate and therefore team-mate Andersson took the final spot on the grid.

The Hansen brothers exploited their electric acceleration in the final covering any attempt from Kristoffersson at the start, and then produced a masterclass in teamwork to keep their countryman behind. As Kevin Hansen deployed the ultimate defensive to fend off the six-time champion, Timmy was able to establish an advantage, going on to end his endless run by more than two seconds from the nearest pursuer.

“It has been a tricky start to the year for the team but they have been working so hard to turn it around and it feels great to be able to pay them back with a race win,” Hansen said. “Kevin did a fantastic job backing up the field in the Final to help me build enough of a lead, and I'm happy he ended the race on the podium as well. It was a huge team effort all round but now we need to focus on doing the same tomorrow.”

PHOTO CREDIT: Red Bull Content Pool

Behind the 2019 champion, it was rather a dramatic battle for who would finish on the podium, as a second lap joker paid off for Ole Christian Veiby claiming second place, behind him, 0.029 seconds was separating Kevin Hansen and Kristoffersson for the last spot on the podium, but a puncture derailed the KMS drivers’ hopes of a podium finish. 

"It was important for us as a team to not take any risks in this Final. We have been unlucky not to get on the podium sooner this year, but that makes today's result even sweeter," Kevin Hansen said after the final. "It felt like I had a couple of overtaking opportunities on that last lap but in the end it went right down to the wire and I managed to pip Johan [Kristoffersson] on the line. This is an amazing result for the team and well-deserved after so much hard work. There is still an imbalance between us and the KMS ICE cars but we'll keep pushing. Let's see if we can get a couple more podiums tomorrow!"

CE Dealer Team’s Klara Andersson ended the final in a distant fifth and Rene Munnich in sixth.

ROUND 6 (DAY 2) – THE FIGHT BACK!

After a day of punctures, and mechanical trouble, it was time to take a look at the data, replace any damaged parts, and or power unit components, and refine set-ups for another day of action, Round 6.

The Circuit Jules Tacheny should favour the internal combustion-engined Supercars, but after the first day of action, it was clear that the electric powertrains held their own, especially at starts and drag off the slow-speed corners. 

With another exciting battle on the cards, Johan Kristoffersson was ready to make amends after a late puncture in the final denied him of an almost certain podium, he also admitted to breaking his gear level in two pieces (in the final). 

Lining up for heat one, both KMS Polo's had slow launches yet again, which allowed Kevin Hansen to lead, but as the race progressed, it was Kristoffersson who shone in the Belgium sunshine beating Timmy, Kevin, and Veiby to the checkered flag. 

After one of the most challenging days just 24 hours earlier, Niclas Gronholm was on another level with his launches, rocketing off the line where he would remain to the checkered flag, with Rene Munnich in second ahead of Munnich and Anthony Pelfrene in the first heat of race two. 

One final shot to make a move up the rankings, the second heat of race one, saw ice-cool Finn Gronholm once again launching off the line to lead into turn one, but as the race progressed it was evident that Klara was closing on her team-mate to the extend that she backed off across the line to let Niclas take the heat race win, which she later said: 'we are in this together'. A great display of teamwork, with a 1-2 followed by Munnich and Pelfrene. 

In the second race of heat two, Kevin Hansen took the lead into turn one, with older brother Timmy trying to hold the outside line to protect his brother, but ran wide. OC Veiby also hit Kristoffersson sending him sideways, but the Swede was able to correct the car before turn two and began to hunt Kevin catching and closing in every braking zone. With an alternative joker strategy, Kristoffersson made the bid for clean air, and it paid off, he beat Kevin quite convincingly with Timmy in third and OC Veiby in fourth, who told the World RX reporter that he had issues with the ALS system or a throttle body in the race. 

The battle lines were drawn, EV and ICE both have their strengths, but Gronholm and Kristoffersson were both quick, but talk is cheap, results count, and in the semi-final one, Johan finally had a good start, whilst his team-mate Veiby pulled to the inside to try and cover off Timmy, the two made heavy contact, but with an inside line. Hansen won the initial battle until an earlier joker lap strategy saw Ole Christian jump the Peugeot driver, and finish second behind his teammate, Hansen third, and Munnich in a distant fourth - he would go no further. 

With very strong launches throughout the day, CE Dealer Team's Gronholm was ready for action and led from lights out to the checkered flag in the second semi-final with Kevin in second, Klara in third, and Pelfrene in fourth, unfortunately, he would also miss out on a spot for the final.

Kevin Hansen smoking his way to P2 with rubbing bodywork.
PHOTO CREDIT: Red Bull Content Pool

The grid set for the final saw Johan Kristoffersson line up alongside Gronholm, the latter with the best starts all today. To beat him, the KMS driver needed a good start, and he achieved leading into turn one with Kevin Hansen squeezing behind Kristoffersson for the ideal inside line, whilst Gronholm filtered to third with an outside line. Ole Christian Veiby made contact with Klara Andersson sending him up on two wheels and into the rear of Kevin, which he was later reprimanded for. 

In fifth after the first few corners was Klara Andersson, she took an early first lap joker trying to use clean air to her advantage, but it was not to be. 

As the laps ticked by, the action behind ramped up, but Kristoffersson sailed off into the distance in a dominant display. 

The joker strategies played out, and Kevin opted for a lap 4 joker, which saw him come incredibly close to Veiby but fended him off. 

Kristoffersson crossed the checkered flag quite comfortably ahead of the rest, which meant victory in Mettet has enabled him to extend his championship advantage to 39 points with four rounds remaining. 

“I must say a big ‘thank you’ to the team,” Kristoffersson said after the final. “They gave us a great car and we were consistently quick, and today, we managed to pull everything together. I’m very happy, and it was nice to have OC [Veiby – team-mate] on the podium as well as collecting more important points towards the championship. That said, our competitors are doing a good job too and the times got increasingly tight, so we have to keep pushing.”

Kevin Hansen crossed the line in second with a smoking rear right tyre after his bumper was folded on it after Veiby's turn-one contact. And, Veiby rounded out the podium finishing barely half a second behind. 

Gronholm also carried damage on course to fourth ahead of Timmy Hansen, and Klara Andersson rounding out the top six.

"We got both cars to the final, which is a positive. Unfortunately, I took a big hit, and that ruined the final for me today. But even though it wasn't our best weekend, I'm really happy and grateful for the support from all our partners and fans who were here, supporting us through the good and the bad. I'm looking forward to Portugal and returning to a track where we have great memories," Klara Andersson said. 

World RX returns next month to Montalegre in Portugal, a venue, that should suit the electric-powered cars over their internal combustion counterparts, with the high elevation nature. 

"It will be tough, we will not give up but will do our best to hold off," Kristoffersson says looking ahead to Portugal next month. 

As it stands, in the 'Battle of Technologies', ICE leads with four victories to two for EV!

2024 FIA WORLD RALLYCROSS - CHAMPIONSHIP STANDINGS [AFTER ROUND 6]:

1) Johan Kristoffersson (KMS-HORSE Powertrain) - 153 POINTS

2) Ole Christian Veiby (KMS-HORSE Powertrain) - 114

3) Kevin Hansen (Hansen World RX Team) - 110

4) Timmy Hansen (Hansen World RX Team) - 109

5) Niclas Gronholm (CE Dealer Team) - 99

6) Klara Andersson (CE Dealer Team) - 95

7) Rene Munnich (ALL-INLK Munnich Motorsport) - 53

8) Anthony Pelfrene (JDM Raptor Racing) - 51

9) Gustav Bergstrom (Kristoffersson Motorsport) - 33

10) Jankó Wieszt (Impossible RX Team) - 28

11) Sondre Evjen (Kristoffersson Motorsport) - 15