A new era, historic circuits, one champion: Johan Kristoffersson’s road to the 2026 Euro RX1 title.

The 2026 FIA Euro RX1 Champion celebrating on his KMS Polo 601 RX.
PHOTO CREDIT: FIA European Rallycross Championship.

After more than a decade of highs, lows and uncertainty, the FIA World Rallycross Championship entered a new chapter at the end of 2024, with the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) taking charge of the dual-surface discipline following the departure of Rallycross Promoter. The transition marked a significant turning point for rallycross, placing the sport's future firmly in the hands of its governing body.

With the championship’s long-term direction under scrutiny, the FIA European Rallycross Championship emerged as a platform to rebuild the discipline around accessibility, sustainability, and affordability, without losing the character that has made rallycross so compelling.

As the 2026 season approached, the FIA confirmed that the top-tier category (RX1) will return to internal combustion engines, rather than a Battle of Technologies or a push to full electrification. Additionally, the FIA confirmed a six-round calendar featuring some of the most iconic, historic, and celebrated circuits, with the season set to kick off at Biķernieki in Latvia before moving to Nyirád, Höljes, Mondello Park, Lohéac and Lousada in Portugal.

An early sign of the championship’s renewed direction came when three-time European champion Andreas Bakkerud committed to the championship through his own Bergen Motorsport Evolution operation, run by SET Promotion, and driving an ex-Ken Block Ford Fiesta. His return added immediate credibility to the new-look Euro RX1 championship, bringing an established title contender into a series looking to rebuild its international standing.

As the days and weeks passed, the entry list grew steadily, and then came a big announcement. Eight-time FIA World Rallycross Champion Johan Kristoffersson, together with teammate Ole Christian Veiby (Kristoffersson Motorsport), would enter the championship season-opener in Latvia.

All roads led to the Biķernieki trase in Latvia for round one of the European Rallycross Championship, with a very healthy 30-car line-up, producing the largest Euro RX1 field for an opening round in almost a decade. As the weekend got underway, Kristoffersson was right on the pace in his Polo KMS 601 RX, and so were Bakkerud, Ole Christian Veiby and Joni Turpeinen, who all emerged as serious contenders for victory. 

Kristoffersson led the intermediate standings after Saturday's qualifying heats; Bakkerud was just eight points behind, followed by Veiby a further three points adrift.

Kristoffersson leading into turn one in Latvia.
PHOTO CREDIT: FIA Rallycross Championships.

The eight-time world champion then delivered a typically controlled performance in the final, leading home teammate OC Veiby to secure a KMS 1-2 finish. 17-year-old Turpeinen completed the rostrum, with Bakkerud finishing in fourth.

If the Latvian round suggested anything, it's that Johan Kristoffersson could dominate the season; however, Andreas Bakkerud had other plans as he and the team found more performance from their Ford Fiesta heading into Hungary.

The Red Cauldron (in Nyirád) produced changeable conditions, with intense heat followed by rain and rapidly changing grip levels. Bakkerud set the quickest times when it mattered, to claim the Top Qualifier spot after beating Kristoffersson in Q4 before progressing through the quarter-finals and semi-finals to take pole for the all-important final.

The 2019 World RX runner-up had the best launch off the line, and controlled the race from the front to claim his first win of the season. More importantly, he moved into the championship lead, turning what could have been a one-sided season into a genuine title fight.

The next stop, Höljes, for the Magic Weekend, produced another change in momentum, as Kristoffersson endured a difficult start to his home event, including a black flag for pushing and passing, whilst the championship leader Andreas Bakkerud was caught up in an incident that damaged his Ford Fiesta.

As the heavens opened in Q4, Kristoffersson clicked into high gear, fighting back, winning his quarter-final and reaching the final. Once there, the Swede delivered in front of his home crowd, leading another KMS one-two finish ahead of Veiby. While Casper Jansson completed the podium with his first FIA European Rallycross Championship rostrum.

The victory on home soil restored Kristoffersson to the top of the standings, but Bakkerud remained firmly in title contention.

Andreas Bakkerud leading OC Veiby, with Rytkonen, Turpeinen and Kristoffersson battling for position behind. 
PHOTO CREDIT: FIA Rallycross Championships.

With cars and equipment packed, a 2,604-kilometer journey awaited both teams and drivers, as the European Rallycross Championship set course for Mondello Park, a venue that last hosted the championship more than three decades ago. 

Featuring 75% tarmac and 25% gravel, the 1.395-kilometer circuit added another twist to the championship fight, as Kristoffersson again picked up another black flag on Saturday, opening the door for Bakkerud. 

The Norwegian took the opportunity and put in a strong performance in the qualifying heats to take the Top Qualifiers spot before controlling the Quarter-Final stages. Starting from pole, Bakkerud held off a challenge from OC Veiby to claim his second victory of the season. Veiby finished second, whilst Kristoffersson recovered to third.

After four rounds, Kristoffersson and Bakkerud had effectively shared control of the championship. Kristoffersson secured wins in Latvia and Sweden, while Bakkerud triumphed in Hungary and Ireland. Rallycross fans were truly in for a thrilling final few rounds. 

Just seven points separating championship leader Johan Kristoffersson and second-placed Andreas Bakkerud heading into the French round at Lohéac.

Fabien Pailler leading championship contender Andreas Bakkerud.
PHOTO CREDIT: FIA Rallycross Championships.

With the French venue celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2026, expectations were high for a memorable weekend at Lohéac. Those expectations were met as local favourite Fabien Pailler delivered a standout performance, securing his maiden Euro RX1 victory in front of an adoring home crowd.

Pailler beat pole-sitter Kristoffersson off the line in the semi-final to seal pole position for the final. He then made another perfect launch in the final, and controlled the race from lights out to the checkered flag. Behind the Frenchman, Bakkerud brought his Fiesta across the line in second - a result that moved him into the championship lead by a single point heading into the final double-header of the season in Lousada. Behind them, Juha Rytkönen finished in third, and Kristoffersson in fourth.

The Frenchman’s victory in Loheac ensured that the championship was more than just a battle between its two biggest names, because Rytkönen, Veiby, Turpeinen and O'Donovan had all shown the pace to challenge at the front. Joni Turpeinen in particular emerged as one of the season's revelations.

As Swedish rock band Europe, sang ‘It’s the final countdown’, tension rose as Lousada hosted the season finale, with a thrilling double-header on the cards. 

For the championship contenders, there were two opportunities to score big. The first round on Saturday featured the first European Rallycross night race, with the semi-finals and final taking place under floodlights.

Bakkerud arrived in Portugal with a one-point advantage over Kristoffersson – game on! 

Kristoffersson struggled off the line in Q1, and lost ground to Bakkerud in Q2. The eight-time Champion responded in Q3 with the fastest time, taking the Top Qualifier spot, whilst Bakkerud was involved in an incident with stablemate Rytkönen and Veiby that resulted in a puncture.

The Norwegian's problems continued in the Quarter-Final when he went wide through turn 2 alongside Casper Jansson and struck the outside wall, picking up another puncture and failing to progress into the semi-finals.

Kristoffersson took full advantage, winning the opening round in Lousada by more than 12.5 seconds to Patrick O'Donovan with Rytkönen in third. 

Once again, the championship standings switched from a one-point deficit to a 36-point advantage with 40 points in play for the final round. The odds were in Kristoffersson’s favour, but Andreas Bakkerud knew it wasn’t over until it was over. He would have to pull off a remarkable comeback to overturn the 36-point deficit. 

The sun rose over Lousada, as Kristoffersson laid down the gauntlet topping the practice sessions on Sunday morning. All the Swede needed to do was reach the semi-finals to clinch the European Rallycross title. 

From the first qualifying heat, Kristoffersson looked determined to secure the title. The Swede topped the overall qualifying standings before winning his quarter-final, and with that result he finally clinched the FIA European Rallycross Championship after years of dominance in World RX.

Even with the title decided, the final in Lousada delivered one last dose of drama. A red flag was flown after an accident involving Kristoffersson’s teammate Ole Christian Veiby and Nils Volland on lap one, whilst Rytkönen arrived at the grid with smoke billowing from his Hyundai i20. The smoke later developed into a fire under the bonnet, and with swift action, the marshals extinguished the flames. The Finn climbed out of his Hyundai i20 to check the cause of the fire, and later climbed back on board, ready to take the restart order.

Starters orders were given, and attention turned to the lights ahead. Fabien Pailler had a great launch and took the lead, while contact between Kristoffersson and O’Donovan sent the Peugeot driver into the guardrail at turn one, ripping off the front-right wheel. Elsewhere Rytkönen, was trundled around with hardly any power and was later forced to retire with engine problems. 

But wait, there’s more: as Kristoffersson hunted down Pailler, the Frenchman hit a rut, sending his car wide and ultimately opening the door for Kristoffersson to slide up the inside and take the lead. Pailler’s hopes of fighting back were dashed because he picked up a puncture.

Kristoffersson celebrating his maiden Euro RX Championship.
PHOTO CREDIT: Wiebke Langebeck.

The newly crowned champion exited the final corner performed a celebratory donut for the adoring fans before crossing the line 52 seconds ahead of Pailler, completing his European title campaign with another victory.

“I really enjoyed the Final. The crowd here has been amazing, so it was nice to have the opportunity to put on a bit of a show for them with the donut in the last corner. It’s been a huge challenge this season, and it was a big job by all the KMS guys to sort out our start problems, but unlocking the secret to making better launches meant we could at last show our true performance, and that’s what we’ve been able to do this weekend. To have been able to turn the tables like that is a good feeling, and I’m very happy. This means a lot to all of us,” Kristoffersson said.

The newly crowned European Rallycross Champion ended the season on 235 points, with Rytkönen second on 175 and Bakkerud third on 171. Veiby finished fourth on 144, followed by Turpeinen on 111 and O'Donovan on 108.

Ultimately, the 2026 FIA European Rallycross Championship delivered exactly what a rebuilding championship needed: a genuine title fight, multiple winners, breakthrough performances, young drivers challenging established stars, and enough unpredictability to keep the championship alive until the final weekend.

At the centre of it all was Kristoffersson. His first European title may have seemed inevitable given his extraordinary record, but it was anything but straightforward. He had to recover from difficult qualifying sessions, overcome incidents and launch problems, and repeatedly respond whenever Bakkerud gained momentum.

Bakkerud, on the other hand, will remember 2026 as the season in which he came astonishingly close to beating the benchmark, Johan Kristoffersson, and delivering a fourth European crown.

Juha Rytkönen's season also established him as a genuine championship contender, whilst stablemate Turpeinen and the emerging drivers showed that the next generation is ready to challenge the established order.

And for the FIA, perhaps the biggest success was seeing the European Rallycross Championship finish its first season of the new era with a title fight that went all the way to Lousada.

SIX REASONS WHY YOU SHOULD NOT MISS THE 2026 FIA EURO RX FINALE IN LOUSADA

Andreas Bakkerud leading Johan Kristoffersson in Euro RX1.
PHOTO CREDIT: FIA Rallycross Championships.

After years of mounting pressure, rising costs, and dwindling entry lists, the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) has taken the proverbial steering wheel, guiding the European Rallycross Championship to new heights. 

While the FIA World Rallycross Championship is on hold for the foreseeable future, the European Rallycross Championship has truly soared in 2026, with close racing, the return of legends like Sébastien Loeb for a one-off event and, most importantly, a championship fight that has gone right down to the wire.

Yes, that's right, a single point separates Andreas Bakkerud and Johan Kristoffersson at the summit of the RX1 standings after five rounds, with it set to be decided during a spectacular season-ending double-header at Portugal's Circuito Internacional de Lousada on 11-13 September.

Title deciders are also unique and interesting, but Portugal will turn it up to eleven with the first-ever FIA European Rallycross event to feature competitive action under floodlights. Yes, you read correctly: evening rallycross! 

With a 30-car RX1 field, two championship rounds (a double-header), and the biggest names in rallycross preparing for one final showdown, Lousada has all the ingredients for an unforgettable weekend.

So, why should you tune in for the battle in Portugal? We've prepared six reasons why you should not miss this season finale...

A CLOSE CHAMPIONSHIP FIGHT

If there is one reason to watch Lousada, it is the battle for the 2026 FIA European Rallycross Championship RX1 crown.

Andreas Bakkerud left Lohéac just one point clear of Johan Kristoffersson, who has accumulated 157 points across the opening five rounds. This means that after an entire season of racing across Europe, there's virtually nothing splitting two of the discipline's biggest names.

With a second-place finish for Bakkerud behind Fabien Pailler in France, and Kristoffersson in fourth, the championship picture was transformed from hunter to hunted. 

Heading into Portugal with two rounds still to go, neither driver can afford to simply settle for points. A poor start, one mistake, a puncture, an incident with a rival could dramatically change the championship picture.

"We will put on a show,” Tommy Kristoffersson, team principal of KMS, promises. “Many heats remain. We have been in precarious situations before, but have always come back and never left a final as a loser.”

The significance of the battle is also underlined by how the two drivers have performed throughout the season. Kristoffersson has taken victories in Latvia and Sweden, while Bakkerud has also stood on the top step twice, winning in Hungary and Ireland. Neither has been able to break away from the other, and their consistency ensured that the championship has remained incredibly close. Now, with only Lousada remaining, the title fight is perfectly poised.

TWO CHANCES TO FIGHT BACK

The Lousada finale is unlike a conventional championship decider. Rather than having one final opportunity to score points, the Portuguese event will host two complete rounds across the weekend, giving the championship contenders twice the opportunity to gain ground, but also twice the opportunity for things to go wrong.

The unique three-day format will begin on Friday evening, when competitive FIA European Rallycross action takes place under floodlights for the first time in the championship's history.

Saturday will see the remaining qualifying sessions take place before the first Semi-Finals and Finals are contested as daylight fades and the circuit comes alive under artificial lighting. The championship will then reach its final conclusion on Sunday.

Winning on Saturday could put one driver in control of the title fight, only for the situation to change completely again on Sunday. Conversely, a difficult opening round could force a championship contender into full attack mode for the final race of the season.

And in a championship separated by just one point, every qualifying position could prove important.

KRISTOFFERSSON VS. BAKKERUD

Few rivalries could provide a better headline for a championship finale. On one side - Johan Kristoffersson, arguably the benchmark of modern rallycross. The Swede is an eight-time FIA World Rallycross Champion and one of the most successful drivers the discipline has ever produced. Throughout his career, the Swede has demonstrated an ability to perform when championships are on the line.

On the other side of the paddock is Andreas Bakkerud, a driver who has spent years competing at the very highest level of rallycross and knows exactly what it takes to challenge for major titles. The Norwegian came agonisingly close to winning the 2019 World Rallycross Championship, finishing level on points with Timmy Hansen before ultimately being classified as vice-champion by virtue of the countback rule.

The pair have also demonstrated throughout the 2026 season why they remain two of rallycross's biggest names.

Kristoffersson opened the season with a victory in Latvia before adding another win at Höljes in Sweden. Bakkerud responded with victories in Hungary and Ireland, ensuring neither driver could establish a meaningful advantage in the standings.

Lohéac provided another example of just how quickly the momentum can shift. Bakkerud controlled his semi-final before finishing second in the final, while Kristoffersson had to recover from a poor start and fight his way through the field, eventually finishing fourth. That result changed the championship lead.

With Bakkerud now holding the advantage, he heads to Portugal knowing he has the opportunity to beat the benchmark in rallycross, Johan Kristoffersson. 

"It will be exciting in Lousada," Kristoffersson says.

MORE THAN ONE CHAMPIONSHIP BATTLE TO WATCH

While most of the attention will naturally focus on Bakkerud and Kristoffersson, there is another fascinating battle developing behind the title fight. Ole Christian Veiby and Juha Rytkönen arrive in Lousada separated by just one point in the fight for third in the championship.

The Norwegian entered Lohéac third in the standings, but a difficult French round saw him lose significant ground. A poor start in his quarter-final left him fighting from the back, and a mistake on the gravel while attempting to recover ultimately ended his challenge.

Meanwhile, Rytkönen produced one of his strongest performances of the season. The Finn battled his way into the final and then held off Kristoffersson to claim third place behind Fabien Pailler and Bakkerud, allowing him to close dramatically on Veiby in the championship standings.

That means Lousada will not be about who wins the European title. There is also a fight for championship pride, a top-three finish.

Further down the standings, Joni Turpeinen and Casper Jansson are also looking to finish their seasons strongly, with a 30-car strong RX1 field, which means the established championship contenders will have plenty of competition throughout the weekend.

With so many drivers capable of influencing the outcome, Bakkerud and Kristoffersson cannot simply focus on each other.

LOUSADA – THE PERFECT VENUE FOR A FINALE

Circuito Internacional de Lousada, a historic track built in 1984, hosted the Euro RX Championship from 1992 until 2008, after which the Portuguese round moved to Montalegre. Since then, Lousada has been heavily renovated and currently hosts the national rallycross championship. 

The FIA specifically selected the Portuguese circuit for the season finale, describing the venue as one of rallycross's most atmospheric circuits and a fitting place to bring the season to a conclusion.

The Lousada finale will add another layer to the atmospheric element - because for the first time in FIA European Rallycross history, competitive action will take place under artificial lighting, with Friday evening's opening qualifying action marking a new chapter for the championship.

The first round of Semi-Finals and Finals will then take place on Saturday night, creating a completely different visual and sporting spectacle to anything seen previously in Euro RX.

HOW DO I WATCH THE ACTION?

Perhaps one of the best things about the 2026 FIA European Rallycross Championship is how easily available it is. It's live and free! And you don't need any expensive subscription.

Every session from every round is live-streamed and free on the official FIA Rallycross YouTube channel, with coverage also available through the championship's official Facebook page. 

So, whether you are a lifetime rallycross fan, or someone discovering the discipline for the very first time, there has never been an easier way to watch some of Europe's best drivers compete.

With Andreas Bakkerud holding a one-point advantage over Johan Kristoffersson, Ole Christian Veiby and Juha Rytkönen separated by just one point in the fight for third, a 30-car RX1 field and two complete rounds still to come, there is virtually no room for error. Add the first-ever night racing in FIA European Rallycross history, and all the ingredients is there for one of the most memorable championship finales in recent years.

You do not want to miss this one! 

THE 2026 FIA EUROPEAN RALLYCROSS CHAMPIONSHIP - RX1 ENTRY LIST

Rain, redemption and rallycross: Kristoffersson leads KMS one-two after dramatic turnaround at Höljes.

PHOTO CREDIT: Wiebke Langebeck/Kristoffersson Motorsport

The Swedish crowds lining the banks of the iconic Höljesbanan were treated to one of the most dramatic weekends of the 2026 FIA European Rallycross Championship season, as changing weather, incidents, and remarkable recovery drives reshuffled the order at every turn before hometown hero Johan Kristoffersson emerged victorious on Sunday.

The eight-time World Rallycross Champion completed a stunning turnaround to claim victory at the Euro RX of Sweden after Saturday's costly black flag appeared to have derailed his challenge. Leading home a Kristoffersson Motorsport one-two ahead of Ole Christian Veiby, Kristoffersson delighted the passionate Höljes crowd. At the same time, home favorite Casper Jansson secured his first FIA European Rallycross Championship podium of his career, completing an all-Scandinavian rostrum.

Saturday had belonged to reigning Euro RX1 Champion Patrick O'Donovan, although the overnight leader could scarcely believe how he had gotten there.

In a day where outright pace alone was not enough and consistency proved king, O'Donovan battled poor starts in every qualifying race, repeatedly finding himself buried in traffic before Turn One and forced into recovery drives around the sport's spiritual amphitheater.

His opening heat set the tone. After a sluggish getaway left him deep in the pack, the Irishman quickly closed on the cars ahead before producing one of the best overtakes of the day, sweeping around the outside at Turn Three to snatch the lead with a typically committed move. Despite winning the heat, the time was only enough for seventh overall in Qualifying 1.

Qualifying 2 and 3 followed a similar pattern. More difficult launches forced O'Donovan to fight through traffic, but while many of his rivals lost valuable points through incidents and penalties, he consistently limited the damage. Eighth in Q2 and fifth in Q3 proved enough to leave him atop the overnight standings on 112 qualifying points.

O'Donovan in the air on the inside of Martin Enlund.
PHOTO CREDIT: FIA Rallycross Championships.

Reflecting on his position, O'Donovan admitted, "The math ain't mathing here. I was just looking at it on the screen and asking, 'Are they sure?' We've had a terrible weekend in terms of the starts. Every race I've been last into Turn One and had to pick up the pieces. To keep your cool all day and then end up with a result like that is a nice little cherry on top."

While O'Donovan quietly pieced together his challenge, Kristoffersson experienced the opposite story.

The Swede immediately reminded his home crowd why he remains the benchmark by dominating Qualifying 1, finishing almost two seconds clear of the field. However, his weekend was turned upside down in Q2 when contact with Casper Jansson resulted in a black flag, dropping him to 28th in the session.

Immediately after the session, Kristoffersson Motorsport lodged a protest with the FIA Stewards; however, after reviewing the team's protest, it was deemed inadmissible, which meant the only way forward for Kristoffersson was to launch a fight-back.

The Swede responded, topping Q3, a result that moved him up to sixth overall overnight despite being the fastest driver in two of the day's three sessions.

Nyriad winner Andreas Bakkerud also endured a bruising Saturday after contact in Q2 dropped him to the back of the order. The Norwegian recovered with a commanding Q3 victory to finish the day second overall, while 17-year-old Joni Turpeinen impressed once again by climbing to third despite being caught in the same Q2 drama.

Sunday, however, brought an entirely different challenge. Heavy rain swept across Höljes for the fourth and final qualifying session, transforming the circuit into a treacherous test of survival where visibility was minimal and grip almost non-existent. Kristoffersson handled the conditions superbly to remain firmly in contention before comfortably winning his quarter-final.

Johan Kristoffersson leads the field in Sweden.
PHOTO CREDIT: FIA Rallycross Championships.

From there, the momentum only grew. Another composed drive secured victory in the semi-final and pole position for the final, setting the stage for a trademark Kristoffersson performance.

Having finally found the consistent starts Kristoffersson Motorsport had searched for throughout the weekend, the Swede controlled the final from the front. As differing joker strategies unfolded behind him, he never looked threatened, expertly managing the race to seal a hugely popular victory in front of his home fans and reclaiming the championship lead.

"It's definitely been a huge challenge this weekend," Kristoffersson said. "We're so happy that the launches are a little bit better — more consistent in the semi-final and the final. A really big thanks to the team who worked so hard to achieve more consistent starts. We're still not as good as the best ones, but we're getting closer."

Kristoffersson added that, "All victories are special, but this one feels a little extra considering all the work we had to do and all the changing conditions we faced during the weekend."

His team-mate OC Veiby completed an equally impressive recovery after a frustrating weekend in Hungary. Benefitting from one of the few dry qualifying runs on Sunday morning, the Norwegian topped Qualifying 4 before progressing confidently through the knockout stages. A superb final, aided by an early joker strategy, secured second place and another Kristoffersson Motorsport one-two.

"I'm super relieved that we managed to fight back with another KMS one-two," Veiby said. "There have been some brilliant fights today with Andreas Bakkerud and Casper Jansson. It's been great to be fighting at the front again, and it's a much-needed result after Hungary."

Jansson proved one of the stars of the weekend. The Swede had shown flashes of pace throughout Saturday before producing one of Sunday's defining moments in the semi-final, brilliantly overtaking Veiby on the exit of the joker lap to secure victory and a front-row starting position for the final. Backed by a passionate home crowd, he resisted relentless pressure to claim his maiden FIA European Rallycross Championship podium.

"To be on my first podium in the FIA European Rallycross Championship at my home track with all my family and friends here feels incredible," Jansson said. "Winning the semi-final was definitely the key moment of my weekend."

The Euro RX of Sweden TOP 3,
PHOTO CREDIT: FIA Rallycross Championships

Perhaps the biggest shock of Sunday came before the semi-finals had even begun. Overnight leader O'Donovan, whose consistency had carried him to the top of Saturday's standings, saw his hopes unravel in the quarter-finals, where he finished fourth. With only the top three progressing, the Irishman was eliminated.

By the end of an unforgettable weekend in the Swedish forests, the story had come full circle. O'Donovan's resilience had earned him Saturday's headlines, but Kristoffersson's recovery, Veiby's return to form and Jansson's breakthrough podium ultimately defined Höljes.

Kristoffersson departs Sweden leading the championship standings, but with several contenders demonstrating race-winning speed throughout the weekend, the competition for the 2026 Euro RX1 title remains fiercely competitive ahead of the next round at Mondello Park in Ireland on 18-19 July.

FIA EURO RX OF SWEDEN - FINAL RESULTS:

1. Johan KRISTOFFERSSON [Kristoffersson Motorsport] 

2. Ole Christian VEIBY [Kristoffersson Motorsport] +01.697s

3. Casper JANSSON [JRS] +02.432s

4. Juha RYTKONEN [SET Promotion] +03.158s

5. Andreas BAKKERUD [Bergen Motorsport Evolution] +03.426s

6. Ulrik LINNEMANN [Linnemann Promotion] +08.538s

Guess who’s back? Bakkerud is back on top with first victory in four years after Hungarian masterclass.

Podium celebrations in Hungary.
PHOTO CREDIT: FIA Rallycross Championship

“Guess who’s back, Bakker again…” Under the searing heat of Hungary’s legendary ‘Red Cauldron’, through wheel-banging battles, strategic chaos, and sudden rain showers, Andreas Bakkerud delivered a dominant performance at the Kárai Trans Euro RX of Hungary. 

Arriving at the second round of the FIA European Rallycross Championship, determined to rebound from a frustrating season-opener in Latvia, where a podium challenge slipped away, the Norwegian fought off Johan Kristoffersson and a stacked Euro RX1 field to claim his first victory since Hell in 2022. 

From the moment practice began on Saturday morning, the stage was set for another chapter in rallycross’ modern great rivalry. Bakkerud topped FP1, Kristoffersson responded in FP2, and the pair traded fastest times by milliseconds around one of the championship’s most punishing circuits, Nyirád.

The Norwegian struck first, dominating, whilst his rival, Kristoffersson, who was already battling sluggish starts in Latvia, continued to haunt him throughout the weekend.

But despite the nightmare start, the eight-time World Rallycross champion hit back in Q2. Their first direct duel of the weekend quickly escalated into one of the standout races of the season so far, Kristoffersson edging Bakkerud by just 0.334s in a fierce battle that neither driver was willing to yield.

As rain rolled over Nyirád ahead of Q3, the circuit transformed from hot and dusty into a greasy survival test. Kristoffersson again bogged down at the start, leaving Bakkerud to aggressively defend into Turn One. At the same time, KMS opted to roll the dice early with joker laps for both Ole Christian Veiby and Kristoffersson.

Bakkerud and his SET Promotion supported stablemates, Joni Turpeinen and Juha Rytkönen, who had perfect launches. Turpeinen jokered first from the lead, Rytkönen followed shortly afterwards, whilst Bakkerud delayed his joker until the final lap. The strategy paid off perfectly, allowing the Norwegian to emerge crucially ahead of Kristoffersson and secure the overnight top qualifier spot.

“It feels good. It’s always brilliant to race against Johan. He’s such a strong driver and hardly ever puts a foot wrong, so you can never hold anything back against him,” Bakkerud said. 

By Sunday morning, teams had a better understanding of how to extract more performance; however, Bakkerud’s momentum only intensified.

He narrowly beat Kristoffersson to the Top Qualifier spot in Q4 before controlling both his Quarter-Final and Semi-Final from lights-to-flag, earning pole position for the all-important Final.

The EuroRX of Hungary final.

Source: TheRedsRX

And inevitably, alongside him on the front row was Kristoffersson. When the lights went out, the pair launched evenly, but Bakkerud held the inside line into Turn One and refused to surrender it. As he edged Kristoffersson wide, the closely following SET Promotion pair of Turpeinen and Rytkönen sensed opportunity. What followed was the defining moment of the weekend.

As the field compressed into the tight left-hander, slight contact pitched Kristoffersson into the outside tyre wall, dropping the reigning world champion to the back of the field and effectively ending his challenge for a podium spot.

Up front, the Bergen Motorsport Evolution by SET Promotion driver escaped the chaos unscathed. Rytkönen applied pressure throughout the race, but the outcome rarely looked in doubt. Bakkerud controlled the pace, set the fastest lap, and crossed the finish line just over one-and-a-half seconds clear.

After climbing from his ex-Ken Block Ford Fiesta, Bakkerud fought back tears as he reflected on his return to the top step of the podium.

“This means the world,” he said. “We fight hard, and I'm not meaning to stand here crying, but it means a lot. It was good. It's not often you get the chance to go door-to-door next to an eight-time world champion, and Johan is such a beast. He's such a character, such a driver. So, I mean, we come here with a car painter, a ventilation guy, a sticker guy. We do a good job.”

“We were the top qualifier as well. First, the semi-finals, pole in the final. The last time I was pole, was Barcelona 2021 with GCK. So, it's been forever. It's been many years. Tough time in America, coming back here, racing, starting a new chapter, and all the field of sport is back supporting us,” an emotional Bakkerud said. 

Side-by-side heading into turn one. 
PHOTO CREDIT: FIA Rallycross Championship

Behind him, Rytkönen completed a memorable one-two for the SET Promotion-supported Fiesta package, while 17-year-old Turpeinen continued his remarkable start to the season with a second consecutive podium finish.

The Finnish teenager had been one of the revelations of Saturday, overcoming gearbox issues in Q1 before consistently challenging the established stars throughout qualifying. His third-place finish leaves him firmly in the championship conversation after two rounds.

“Three SET Promotion drivers on the podium – it’s crazy! I absolutely didn’t expect to have such a successful start to the season,” Turpeinen said. “It was quite chaotic in Turn One in the Final – everyone was flying everywhere like rockets, but I was able to stay clean on the inside line, and it was good to finish third again. My tyres were completely gone by the end of the weekend, but we’ll have good ones for Höljes!”

Ole Christian Veiby climbed to fourth despite spending much of the weekend recovering from a broken gear lever that cost him valuable time in Q1, with team-mate Kristoffersson recovered to fifth after his opening-corner drama.

“We're done here in Hungary. Started off with qualifying four, which put us second overall, and managed to win our quarter-final and semi-final. Started from the outside of the final. I had a good start, which was really promising, but then I was just too wide and going into turn one. And yeah, with all the loose gravel on the outside there, I lost it going into the wall and had a spin. So, lost a lot of time there, but managed to get one position back and ended up P4 overall. So, we scored enough points for second overall in the championship, one point behind Bakkerud. It was a fun weekend in Hungary. It's a proper rallycross track, so I really enjoyed the fight,” the eight-time champion said. 

A sixth-place finish may not seem impressive to some, but Casper Jansson truly demonstrated a very mature and strong performance throughout the weekend. The young Swede is a definite driver to watch in the coming events, having unlocked more pace from his Peugeot 208 with assistance from 14-time European Rallycross ace Kenneth Hansen. 

Elsewhere, Patrick O'Donovan demonstrated both his speed and aggression despite suffering accidents on consecutive days, Fabien Pailler rebounded strongly from a nightmare season-opener in Latvia, where he was plagued by engine issues, whilst home hero Andor Trepák showed flashes of genuine front-running pace before narrowly missing out on a place in the final.

O’Donovan, a former EuroRX Champion, did not mince his words when reflecting on the weekend and an incident with Ole Christian Veiby in the semi-finals, as he explains: “heartbreak for myself. I did the hard work. And I mean, we beat OC in the quarterfinal. And then into the semi, I beat him out of the joker. I couldn't have gone any wider because I was on the absolute limit of where the grip is before you hit the marbles. And, I mean, he was completely off his line. If you go back to any other lap, he just drove out there with the intent to hit me. And you can see his car go sideways. You're telling me the best car in rallycross, if he doesn't want it to, isn't going to be going forward at that point. He's driven there to take me out. And I mean, yeah, it's a really bitter pill to swallow. And, I just hope we can get out for Holjes at this point, because at the moment, looking at the car in there, it's really unlikely.” 

It’s unfortunate for Team RX Racing and O’Donovan, with the clock well and truly ticking to repair his Peugeot 208. However, ultimately, Nyirád belonged to one man, Andreas Bakkerud, who reminded everyone that he still knows exactly how to beat the best in the business.

Whilst victory catapulted Bakkerud into the championship lead by a single point over Kristoffersson heading into the iconic Höljes ‘Magic Weekend’ in July, it’s evident that both teams and drivers will take a deep dive into their data in an attempt to unlock more pace, which truly sets the stage for an epic battle in the Värmland forest!

Kristoffersson leads 1-2 finish at EuroRX curtain raiser in Latvia.

PHOTO CREDIT: FIA European Rallycross Championship

Eight-time World RX champion Johan Kristoffersson opened his 2026 account with victory at the Biķernieki trase, as the FIA European Rallycross Championship roared back into life. His team-mate  Ole Christian Veiby helped secure Kristoffersson Motorsport, a 1-2 finish after a weekend defined by relentless qualifying battles, strategic joker laps, and no shortage of contact throughout the 30-car RX1 Supercar field.

While Kristoffersson ultimately delivered another trademark victory, the road to the top step was far from straightforward. Saturday’s qualifying sessions immediately established the tone for the season opener. Kristoffersson laid down an early marker in Q1, storming to the fastest time of the session, a 3:16.194, nearly two seconds clear of his team-mate Veiby, to secure maximum points.

But the reigning champion quickly found himself under pressure from a field determined not to hand KMS an easy return to Euro RX competition.

Q2 produced one of the standout moments of the weekend as 17-year-old Joni Turpeinen had an incredible launch, held his own against the KMS cars into Turn 1, taking control of the race ahead of Andreas Bakkerud. Kristoffersson dropped to the back of the pack before fighting his way back through traffic, eventually joining a dramatic three-wide joker merge with Turpeinen and Bakkerud, with the Volkswagen Polo driver ultimately finishing third.

The 30-car strong Euro RX1 field for Latvia.
PHOTO CREDIT: FIA European Rallycross Championship

The third qualifying session also proved equally intense. Finn Juha Rytkönen elbowed his way to the front at the start and, alongside SET Promotion team-mate Turpeinen, repeatedly forced Kristoffersson onto the defensive with Andreas Bakkerud right behind. Heading into turn 4 on the opening lap, Veiby had an issue and blocked Kristoffersson, which opened the door for Bakkerud to slip up the inside and take third. The eight-time World Champion responded with an early joker strategy and recovered to finish second in the heat behind Rytkönen, ending Saturday on top of the overnight standings ahead of Bakkerud and Veiby.

For Bakkerud, the Latvian weekend marked an impressive return to full-time European Rallycross competition after nearly three years away. The Norwegian immediately reminded the paddock why he remains one of rallycross’ best and most entertaining drivers, producing superb launches throughout the weekend and repeatedly taking the fight to Kristoffersson.

The opening day alone featured intense wheel-to-wheel battles between Bakkerud and FIA World Rally-Raid Champion Rokas Baciuška, while Sunday’s knockout stages only increased the intensity.

Kristoffersson returned on Sunday, leading the standings, but Q4 again exposed KMS’ launch struggles. A poor getaway dropped the Swede down the order before an early joker lap allowed him to recover back to second place behind Rytkönen, securing the top qualifier spot. Behind him was Juha Rytkönen, who ended qualifying second overall, narrowly ahead of Bakkerud, with Veiby fourth and Turpeinen fifth heading into the quarter-finals.

The knockout stages delivered the kind of elbows-out rallycross that has long defined the dual-surfaced discipline.

In the quarter-finals, Kristoffersson again found himself under pressure from Turpeinen, who had yet another great launch and fended off the KMS driver into turn one, but as a result of the concertina effect, the Swede hit the rear left bumper, causing bodywork to rub against the tyre, but that did not slow the Finn at all. 

Behind them, local hero Jānis Baumanis suffered heartbreak after contact with Ollie O’Donovan in turn one, which saw the Latvian spin and ultimately park his Peugeot 208 WRX due to damage sustained in the contact. The FIA Stewards investigated the contact and later showed O’Donovan a black flag.

Opting for an alternative strategy, Kristoffersson jokered on lap four, and that was enough to leap ahead of Turpeinen to win the heat, but the young Finn’s pace continued to turn heads as the weekend progressed.

    Qualifying heats when KMS struggled with launches.
PHOTO CREDIT: FIA European Rallycross Championship

With the grids set for the semi-finals, the action turned up a notch, with teams deciding tactics, tyre strategies, and making minor tweaks to their cars' set-up, in an aim to beat the benchmark, Johan Kristoffersson. 

When speaking to Hal Ridge ahead of the semi-finals, Andreas Bakkerud said: “Lining up next to Johan is a big honour. So, I’m going to hopefully give him a challenge, and I am excited to see how this race will pan out, because like, there are quite a few good cars that could beat him off the line. And then manage the pace from there on. There is also going to be some tyre tactics to keep them for 6 laps. So yeah, it’s going to be interesting.”

The Norwegian added that: “We know that KMS is seven, eight, or nine tenths quicker than us on track. So, we need to be a little bit smarter if we want to beat them.”

Bakkerud had yet another superb launch in the first semi-final to lead into turn one ahead of Kristoffersson, and briefly looked capable of denying the Swede another victory, but Kristoffersson’s joker timing once again proved decisive. The pair emerged side-by-side at the joker merge with Kristoffersson narrowly edging ahead to claim another win.

In the second semi-final, Ole Christian Veiby finally had a great launch and took command after first-corner contact dropped Andor Trepák out of the race with damage, whilst Rytkönen and Patrick O’Donovan also progressed to the final. 

That set up a humdinger of a final featuring both KMS cars on the front row ahead of Rytkönen, Bakkerud, Turpeinen, and O’Donovan.

The question on everyone's lips heading into the final was, could anyone beat Johan Kristoffersson? The tension built as the cars lined up in their grid slots. As the lights went out, both KMS drivers produced the launch they needed as Bakkerud again had an excellent start, and attempted to sweep around the outside into Turn 1. But Veiby immediately covered the inside line and effectively boxed the Norwegian out, allowing Kristoffersson to escape at the front. Contact through the opening corners shuffled Bakkerud backwards, which also saw the Norwegian make contact with Juha Rytkönen, who was on the outside of turn 2, and ultimately parked his Hyundai i20 as a result of the damage.

Kristoffersson began to build an advantage at the front, but it wasn't all smooth sailing for the Swede due to a loss of radio communication with his spotter, forcing him to judge the joker strategy entirely from inside the cockpit.

Behind the Swede, team-mate Veiby delivered the perfect supporting drive, controlling the chasing pack and protecting the KMS advantage while Turpeinen, Bakkerud, and O’Donovan fought behind.

Kristoffersson eventually committed to his joker on lap five and rejoined comfortably ahead, sealing a controlled victory to begin the 2026 season perfectly. Veiby completed the KMS 1-2.

Joni Turpeinen resisted enormous pressure from SET Promotion stablemate Bakkerud in the closing laps to secure a sensational podium finish on his Euro RX debut, underlining his status as one of rallycross’ up-and-coming stars.

Bakkerud ultimately finished fourth, while O’Donovan completed the top five ahead of Rytkönen, who failed to finish

Kristoffersson Motorsport finished 1- 2 in Latvia.
PHOTO CREDIT Kristoffersson Motorsport/Wiebke Langebeck

For Kristoffersson, the Latvia weekend delivered the perfect statement — but the intensity of the competition also showed the rest of the field is far closer than many expected.

"We are very, very happy. I mean, we had a very tough weekend in terms of the launches, so we have been hunting those launches for the whole weekend. I think it's a big relief now after the final, finishing 1-2," Kristoffersson said after the final. "A huge thanks to the team. I mean, it was a late decision to come here, and a lot of sacrifices had to be made for people to come to work for us on such short notice. So, I am super happy to be here and very happy to deliver the result for the guys that they really deserve after preparing the car for us."

Veiby echoed the sentiment after securing second place, "I had hoped to give Johan a better fight in the final, but I got hit from behind so one rear wheel was crooked, and the exhaust pipe was compressed, but we still managed to secure the 1-2 for the team."

Meanwhile, Turpeinen admitted the scale of his debut podium had still not fully sunk in. “It feels unbelievable,” he said. “I don’t know how I managed to do it.”

With round one complete, the 2026 FIA European Rallycross Championship now heads to the iconic Nyirád circuit in Hungary at the end of May for yet another thrilling round; however, it remains to be seen whether Janis Baumanis and Kristoffersson Motorsport will join the field there.

Baumanis mentioned when speaking to Andrew Coley, lead commentator of Euro RX, that he may return for the French round later this year, whilst Tommy Kristoffersson, team principal of KMS, confirmed, “We will make a decision about it at the beginning of the week.” 

Kristoffersson seals historic eighth title as World RX era ends in Türkiye thriller.

PHOTO CREDIT: QNIGAN/KMS HORSE Powertrain

The World RX of Türkiye brought the curtain down on the season with a dramatic and fiercely contested finale, as Johan Kristoffersson secured his record-extending eighth FIA World Rallycross Championship title following an intense battle with long-time rival Niclas Grönholm. Throughout the double-header weekend in Istanbul, the two drivers exchanged strong performances, with Grönholm initially setting the pace before Kristoffersson mounted a decisive response. Ultimately, Kristoffersson clinched the championship after finishing second behind Kristoffersson Motorsport teammate Ole Christian Veiby in the final qualifying rankings.

Veiby delivered a standout performance to claim his third career World RX victory, demonstrating both speed and resilience across the weekend. The action began on Saturday with Grönholm stating his intentions with strong qualifying results. The CE Dealer Team driver showed aggression from the outset, fending off Euro RX1 contender Damian Litwinowicz in Q1 before overtaking fellow Finn Mika Liimatainen in Q2. In Q3, Grönholm edged past Kristoffersson in a series of intense, side-by-side battles to top the intermediate standings, narrowing the championship gap and maintaining pressure on the reigning champion.

However, in the final, Kristoffersson shifted momentum. After shadowing Grönholm in the early stages, the Swede executed a bold inside pass mid-race to seize the lead, steadily pulling away to secure his 48th World RX victory and extend his championship advantage. Grönholm, unable to respond, finished second but remained a contender heading into Sunday’s competition.

The race to turn one, with Gronholm in prime position to lead and Kristoffersson on the outside.
PHOTO CREDIT: CE Dealerteam

Veiby faced challenges on Saturday, including a spin in Q1 after contact with barriers and a collision with Kristoffersson in Q3, which hindered his progress. In the final, he engaged in a fierce battle with Klara Andersson for third place, resulting in multiple collisions. Although Veiby initially crossed the line ahead, a post-race penalty relegated him behind the CE Dealer Team driver. Reflecting on the day, Veiby said, “Yesterday was difficult. We had strong pace, but the final did not go as planned. Johan assisted with team tactics earlier, but it feels particularly rewarding to beat him on pace in the final.”

Sunday marked a turning point for Veiby, who demonstrated exceptional form by topping nearly all qualifying heats and dominating his semi-final. Kristoffersson experienced a turbulent semi-final, where a lightning-fast start from Mika Liimatainen meant he had initially led, but after a costly mistake clipping a tyre barrier, the Finn went up on two wheels, and with nowhere to go for Kristoffersson, the Hyundai landed on the front of the Polo RX1e, and with slight contact, it rolled over. Following the restart, Kristoffersson, Grönholm, and Andersson advanced to the final.

The grid for the final featured Veiby and Kristoffersson, who had locked out the front row for Kristoffersson Motorsport, followed by Grönholm, 16-year-old wildcard Joni Turpeinen, Nils Volland, and Andersson. At the start, Veiby launched his Volkswagen Polo RX1e decisively into the lead and maintained a consistent, measured pace, fending off pressure from Kristoffersson. With the championship secured, Kristoffersson adopted a calculated approach, shadowing Veiby and controlling Grönholm behind, securing a clean 1-2 finish for Kristoffersson Motorsport and confirming both the Drivers’ and Teams’ Championships.

OC Veiby and Johan Kristoffersson are celebrating after the final round in Turkiye.
PHOTO CREDIT: QNIGAN/Kristoffersson Motorsport

Reflecting on the weekend, Kristoffersson stated, “I am incredibly proud—not just of my own performance but of the entire team and our partners. I gave everything to support Ole Christian in his fight against Niclas. It was a tight battle, with Ole Christian just one point shy. He drove exceptionally well in the final, and it was rewarding to push hard for six laps.”

Wildcard entrant Joni Turpeinen was a standout performer, impressing the paddock with composure beyond his 16 years. Holding third position for most of the race despite intense pressure from Grönholm and Volland, Turpeinen narrowly missed a podium finish, ultimately securing fourth place on debut and marking himself as a future contender.

Andersson concluded the weekend in fifth, contending with a low-grip gravel surface that limited her pace. Volland completed the top six after a challenging race that included a poorly timed joker lap, which left him isolated at the back.

For Grönholm, the weekend was a mixture of strong performances and near misses. “I’m proud of what we achieved this season—from the win in Portugal and three podiums to leading in Finland and finishing second overall,” he said. “Looking back, there is little I could have done differently, aside from some unfortunate luck in Hungary and at home.”

From Grönholm’s early promise to Veiby’s resurgence and Kristoffersson’s historic title triumph, the World RX of Türkiye delivered a captivating season finale, rich with stories of emerging talent and established excellence. As the 2025 season draws to a close, the sport stands on the cusp of a significant transition. Beginning in 2026, the championship will revert to a European Rallycross Championship format, complemented by a standalone FIA Rallycross World Cup event. Furthermore, the FIA has announced the discontinuation of electric vehicles in competition, with future eligibility limited exclusively to combustion-engine supercars powered by sustainable fuels, marking a new direction for the sport.

A Perfect Storm in Finland: Veiby Claims Victory, Kristoffersson Extends Championship Lead, Rytkönen Looses Podium After Collision With Grönholm.

PHOTO CREDIT: Kristoffersson Motorsport

The FIA World Rallycross Championship’s (World RX) first-ever visit to Finland delivered high drama, heartbreak, and a second victory for Ole Christian Veiby, who narrowly edged out his team-mate and reigning champion Johan Kristoffersson in a chaotic final at the all-new KymiRing. What began as a textbook performance from Kristoffersson on Saturday turned into a thriller on Sunday, where unpredictable weather, bold tyre strategies, and raw speed shook up the leaderboard.

From the opening laps of Qualifying on Saturday, Kristoffersson made clear why he's the benchmark in World RX. Metronomic in his pace and flawless in execution, the Swede delivered nearly identical lap times in his KMS Volkswagen Polo RX1e across both Q1 and Q2, showcasing the clinical precision that has brought him seven world titles. But home hero Niclas Grönholm wasn’t about to let him walk away with it. Firing off the line in Q1, the Finn snatched the early lead to the delight of his home town fans who packed Finnish hillsides, only for Kristoffersson to claw back the advantage with a perfectly timed early joker and overtake just after the merge to win by half a second.

Their battle intensified in Q2 when Veiby added to the drama, forcing a squeeze into Turn 1 that tagged Grönholm and opened the door for Kristoffersson to strike again. Despite fierce pressure, Grönholm had to settle for second place once more — both in the heat and overall standings. Kevin Hansen, meanwhile, had a mixed day. After being boxed in during Q1 following contact, he bounced back in Q2, executing a perfect joker strategy to win the heat and end the day third overall. Veiby, who had started strong by winning his opening heat, saw his momentum interrupted by more contact in Q2 but still finished in fourth-place.

One of the biggest crowd-pleasers was Juha Rytkönen, the only driver in the field racing a sustainably-fuelled, ICE-powered Hyundai i20. The Suonenjoki native delighted the home crowd with daring moves — diving around the outside at Turn 1 and going wheel-to-wheel with Veiby to finish his day in fifth overall. Behind him, both Timmy Hansen and Klara Andersson struggled to find rhythm on the challenging, undulating circuit, finishing sixth and seventh respectively, though both showed glimpses of potential heading into Sunday’s decisive heats.

By Sunday morning, Veiby had powered his way to victory in Heat 3, climbing into the top three of the intermediate standings behind Kristoffersson and Grönholm. Rytkönen, Kevin Hansen, and Timmy Hansen also advanced to the final, setting up a six-car showdown with massive championship implications. Intermittent rain throughout the day added another layer o complexity, with tyre strategy becoming a make-or-break factor.

Niclas Gronholm leads the final before it all goes wrong.
PHOTO CREDIT: CE Dealerteam.

At the start of the final, it was Grönholm who launched best from the outside of the front row, determined to strike back and reduce the gap to Kristoffersson in the championship standings. But heartbreak followed almost immediately. Contact into Turn 2 — involving Timmy Hansen and Rytkönen — sent the Finnish fan-favourite spinning out of contention before the first lap was complete. Rytkönen, having started from the back, emerged in the lead in stunning fashion, with Veiby close behind and Kristoffersson shuffled to fifth behind the Hansen brothers’.

Timmy Hansen soon began to slow, his Peugeot 208 WRX visibly crabbing around the track. As he struggled, Kristoffersson picked his moment, diving past on lap two and quickly closing in on the leading duo. The battle mirrored the epic duel between Kristoffersson and Rytkönen in Turkey the previous season, but this time, the Norwegian had played his cards better. Veiby had already jokered and sat just 2.5 seconds off the lead in clean air. On lap three, Rytkönen took his joker, managing to rejoin ahead of the Hansen brother, but releasing Kristoffersson to build a gap before taking his own joker on the final lap.

It wasn’t enough though, as Kristoffersson emerged from the joker just behind his team-mate, who had matched his pace to perfection and crossed the line three-tenths of a second ahead — claiming his second career victory in World RX. Both KMS cars picked up punctures near the end, but such was their advantage that nothing could threaten their one-two finish.

“Getting another win feels fantastic,” said Veiby. “The final was wild — I had to fight through after being pushed wide early, but the joker strategy gave me clean air and I stayed close. When Johan jokered, I managed to come out just in front. That 1-2 is big for the team and big for the title race.”

Rytkönen initially stood on the podium after finishing third on the road. But post-race, the FIA Stewards handed him a two-second penalty for the Turn 2 contact with Grönholm, relegating him to fifth and promoting Kevin Hansen to third. Timmy Hansen, whose weekend had nearly ended before it began due to team complications, salvaged fourth after a strong Heat 4 performance got him into the final at the expense of Klara Andersson. Andersson’s day ended in disappointment after a rocket start in Heat 4 ended with her crashing into the tyre barriers following contact in Turn Two.

While the top step eluded Kristoffersson this time, second place proved more than enough to extend his lead in the championship. He now holds a 15-point advantage over the luckless Grönholm heading into the Istanbul Park double-header finale. Veiby’s win elevated him to third in the standings, overtaking Timmy Hansen and putting him just four points off second place.

Kristoffersson was reflective but upbeat. “I had too much wheel spin at the start, and from there I got caught in traffic. Ole drove really well today. The cars have been running like clockwork all weekend, and we picked the right tyre strategy. I’m happy with how we’re positioned for the finale.”

Kevin Hansen, who was promoted to the podium after Rytkönen’s penalty, added: “Finally some silverware for me this season. A shame that it came about from a penalty for Juha [Rytkönen] but after what we’ve been through we can’t help but feel great about a podium. The team really deserve it after such a rollercoaster of a week. A massive thank you to the CE Dealer Team and Volvo Construction Equipment. Without them we wouldn’t have been here fighting for a podium in the first place and we really appreciate their support.”

As the dust settles in Finland, the championship momentum now heads towards Istanbul Park on 20-21 September. Kristoffersson may be in control, but with Veiby on form and Grönholm still hungry, the final double-header promises a spectacular showdown to close the 2025 World RX season.

NOTE: Thank You to CE Dealer Team, Volvo Construction Equipment and the PWR Group, for setting aside their rivalry to help Hansen Motorsport take the grid in Finland. 

Cleared for Takeoff: World RX Builds Momentum on the Road to Revival.

Seven-time FIA World Rallycross Champion Johan Kristoffersson launching off a jump.
PHOTO CREDIT: Kristoffersson Motorsport

After years of ups and downs, the FIA World Rallycross Championship (World RX)—one of motorsport’s most dynamic disciplines—is gathering fresh momentum. Now firmly under the direct stewardship of the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA), the championship is entering an exciting new chapter marked by renewed optimism, greater accessibility, and a clear sense of direction.

Much like an aircraft gathering speed on the tarmac, World RX hit critical velocity in 2014. That inaugural season launched the discipline into the global spotlight with a roar. A grid packed with motorsport icons—Ken Block, Petter and Henning Solberg, Mattias Ekström, Tanner Foust, Timmy Hansen and Jacques Villeneuve—captured fans' imaginations. Over twelve thrilling rounds that year, Petter Solberg made history, becoming the first driver to win two FIA World Championships in different disciplines.

Riding high, the series grew rapidly. Major manufacturers such as Audi, Volkswagen, and Ford entered the fray, injecting factory-level competition into the paddock. Promoter IMG made a bold move by streaming races live on YouTube, vastly increasing accessibility and building a loyal global fanbase. Rallycross—with its short, high-octane races and duel-surface tracks—was becoming a bona fide global phenomenon.

But just as swiftly as it rose, World RX faced headwinds. Electrification, once seen as the future, became a divisive issue. When plans to transition stalled, so did manufacturer commitment. By the end of 2018, Audi, Volkswagen, and Peugeot all withdrew—marking the beginning of a turbulent chapter.

In the absence of factory teams, independent outfits stepped up, ushering in what became known as the privateer era. Despite delivering some memorable racing moments, the financial strain of competing at a world championship level became apparent. Entry numbers fell from 40 to just 25 by the final seasons of internal combustion engined Supercars. IMG exited in 2021, and Rallycross Promoter GmbH took over. In 2022, they introduced the long-awaited electric era, powered by cutting-edge Kreisel Electric powertrains.

The transition was not without complications. Broadcasts moved behind paywalls, limiting accessibility. Some regions received delayed highlights while others were left with YouTube highlights. A new commentary team was also introduced, with Martin Haven and later Nick Fellows taking over. Though both brought professionalism, many missed the unique chemistry of fan-favorite duo Andrew Coley and Dan Rooke. To add insight, respected rallycross journalist Hal Ridge was brought on board.

Special ONE Racing's Lancia Delta Evo-e's on fire at Lydden Hill. 

VIDEO SOURCE: _rallycross_ on IG

Then came 2023—arguably the most challenging seasons yet. During the UK round at Lydden Hill, a devastating fire destroyed both Special ONE Racing Lancia Delta Evo-e cars. The event, along with two others, was cancelled. To salvage the season, the FIA and RX Promoter made an extraordinary decision: the remaining rounds would be completed using RX2e cars.

Determined to reconnect with fans, RX Promoter implemented new changes in 2024. Mike Chen was appointed lead commentator—a decision that earned widespread praise. His energy evoked the spirit of Andrew Coley, and although fans continued to miss the Coley–Rooke dynamic, the effort to re-establish the emotional core of the broadcast was clear.

Behind the scenes, however, change was coming fast. RX Promoter unexpectedly stepped down ahead of the 2025 season, throwing the championship’s immediate future into question. In response, the FIA assumed full control as official promoter. Their first move? Removing the paywall. The entire championship would now be streamed live and free on YouTube—restoring global accessibility and breathing life back into the fanbase.

But the biggest surprise was yet to come: the FIA announced the return of Andrew Coley and Dan Rooke to the commentary booth, joined by 2019 World RX runner-up Andreas Bakkerud as an expert analyst and paddock reporter. The announcement was met with widespread celebration and marked a significant step toward restoring the series’ identity.

As momentum built ahead of the KymiRing round in Finland, another challenge emerged. Hansen Motorsport—one of rallycross’s most respected teams—announced they would not participate due to unresolved issues with a major partner. The paddock braced for a significant absence. However, intense behind-the-scenes negotiations delivered an unexpected but inspiring outcome. CE Dealer Team—powered by Volvo Construction Equipment (Volvo CE) and PWR Group—stepped in to support their long-time rivals. In a powerful show of unity and shared commitment to the sport, their backing enabled Hansen Motorsport to compete after all. The moment served as a testament to the resilience and camaraderie that define World RX at its best.

For World RX to reclaim its former heights, one reality remains unavoidable: costs must come down. The FIA is already addressing this through the forthcoming 2027 World Rally Championship regulations, designed to foster manufacturer involvement and possibly facilitate crossover with World RX. Among the key proposals: a switch to Rally2-based cars, more flexible bodywork regulations, and a cost cap—all of which aim to boost grid numbers and level the playing field.

Former World RX stars like Krisztián Szabó and Anton Marklund have expressed interest in returning—provided budget requirements become manageable. Currently, just eight cars make up the top-tier grid under Balance of Technologies (BoT) regulations, but with financial reform, the field could grow significantly.

Wildcard entries could also offer another path to reinvigorating the grid. The idea of inviting high-profile drivers such as Kalle Rovanperä or even Fernando Alonso for guest appearances was explored by the former commercial rights holder. Arne Dirks, former RX Promoter CEO confirmed this, saying: “It is something we’ve discussed internally, and we’ve already seen many good drivers from different disciplines come into rallycross and quickly transfer their skills. We’ve noted comments from the likes of Fernando Alonso saying they would be keen to have a go, and the door is always open to them.”

Still, logistical challenges remain. As Kristoffersson Motorsport team boss Tommy Kristoffersson noted: “It’s a great idea, but also difficult. The next question will be: who has a car for the wildcard drivers? There aren't many teams that have a competitive extra car available.”

PHOTO CREDIT: Red Bull Content Pool

Further complicating the competitive landscape are the current technical regulations that limit teams to just two significant updates—or "jokers"—per season. Kevin Hansen summed up the frustration: “This is the problem with the current regulations. You can’t change the complete philosophy because you use too many changes. It’s to save money, so you limit the number of updates you can do. We’re kind of stuck.” Despite those frustrations, Hansen remains enthusiastic about the future. When asked by Andrew Coley if Hansen Motorsport would build a new car under the 2027 regulations, his answer was emphatic: “100%. We will build the best bloody car on the grid. I just want a new car so badly.”

World RX has endured a decade of evolution—marked by highs, setbacks, reinventions, and now, renewal. With the FIA at the helm, free global streaming restored, and beloved voices returning to the commentary booth, the sport feels more grounded.

The foundations are in place. The vision is clear. The engines are warming. The runway is clear. It’s time for World RX to take flight once more.