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

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

SEASON PREVIEW: CHAPTER III - The RISE of the auto-BoT's.

Six-time World Rallycross Champion Johan Kristoffersson leading the pack in the newly-developed KMS 601 RX in Tierp.
PHOTO CREDIT: RallyX Nordic. 

Like a captivating action novel, with all the thrills and spills, the FIA World Rallycross Championship will write a new chapter in 2024.

With every novel, it all starts with the Prologue, and in 2014, the FIA World Rallycross Championship (World RX) entered its inaugural season, which took place over the course of 12 rounds beginning in Portugal and concluding in Argentina, with Petter Solberg (Mr. Hollywood) clinching the inaugural crown.  

As the years ticked by the dual surfaced championship experienced, the high of highs, and the low of lows, namely, when manufacturers like Audi, Volkswagen, Ford, and Peugeot entered the championship, and unfortunately departed in 2018, due to uncertainty surrounding the transition to electric, but like a phoenix, World RX rose from the ashes into an independent team championship, with a handful of teams competing within Europe, and abroad, with races in South Africa, Austin and Hong Kong.

The 2018 World RX of South Africa - ICE era.
PHOTO CREDIT: Red Bull Content Pool

The global expansion meant fans all across the globe were exposed to the earth-vibrating internal combustion engines, which quickly became a fan favorite.

As World RX looked to a new era, IMG stepped down as the commercial promoter for the world championship. 

And, as the FIA issued a tender for a new promoter, RX Promoter stepped in, and to this day oversee the championship. 

After seven years of internal combustion engines, in 2021, it was decided that World Rallycross would go fully electric, with powertrains fully developed and supplied by Kreisel Electric, which would be retrofitted into the current chassis.

For the inaugural electric season, four teams confirmed their participation with 8 cars taking to the grid, whilst Guerlain Chicherit debuted, a Lancia Delta Evo-E at the season finale at the Nurburgring in 2022. 

Johan Kristoffersson dominated the season, winning all but two events on course to a fifth title, in the KMS-developed Volkswagen Polo RX1e, which is based on the R5 rally chassis.  

The two Special One Racing cars were gutted by flames in Lydden Hill.
PHOTO CREDIT: Unknown.

The second season went as smooth as silk, but as smooth as it was, an unfortunate incident occurred at Lydden Hill, United Kingdom, when a destructive battery fire completely gutted two SpecialOne Racing Lancia Delta Evo-E’s, and the teams’ equipment. As a result, a few rounds were canceled, and the World Motor Sport Council (WMSC) decided to continue the season in RX2e cars. 

The 2023 season continued in Cape Town, and concluded in Hong Kong with equal RX2e machinery, while the investigation and a solution were found for the battery fire, and whilst the immediate future of World RX seemed quite bleak, a surprise announcement came from the World Motor Sport Council, who announced significant changes to the championship, effectively Chapter 3, the Rise of the auto-BoT’s, but unlike, the much loved Transformers franchise, World RX, as we know it, will transform from a single powered series to a Battle of Technologies, whereby electric-powered (EV) cars will go head-to-head with internal combustion (ICE) cars on equal terms.

Johan Kristtoffersson leading the field in the final fully electric 2023 season. 
PHOTO CREDIT: Red Bull Content Pool.

So, why the Battle of Technologies?14-time European Rallycross Champion, and team principal of Hansen Motorsport, Kenneth Hansen explains: “One of the reasons we will have the ‘Battle of Technologies’ in World RX this year is that we have a similar situation on public roads. When we look out on the streets we see EVs, hybrids, and combustion cars – and motorsport has always been about race-to-road technology transfer. We have to keep innovating – that’s how we remain relevant.” 

“Many combustion-engined rallycross cars already use electric pumps and fans with battery technology, so we have an intriguing mix and for me, it would be very interesting moving forward to also add hydrogen cars to World RX’s ‘Battle of Technologies. I’m very excited for the future,” Hansen added.

So, apart from the Battle of Technologies, what else is new? Let’s take a look, shall we… 

WEEKEND FORMAT

The sporting format for the 2024 season will evolve, as drivers will be incentivized to push flat-out on every single lap from the heats to the checkered flag in the final. 

But, let’s get into the nitty-gritty… Each race round will begin with a practice session, to allow drivers to get into the zone and find a good baseline set-up...

The SuperPole shootout, which debuted in 2022 has been replaced with pre-determined starting positions for all heats, in which drivers will line up alongside one another. This will ensure great parity by reducing the jeopardy that comes with track evolution, and grid slots, which means every driver will compete in the first race of four heats once. This will be adapted accordingly for races featuring more or less than four cars, and double-header events will comprise fewer heats.

Drivers will race for position rather than time, making the format more easily understandable, and championship points will be awarded in all heat races, from five for the winner down to a single point for fifth place. Non-finishers will receive a single point, while non-starters score zero. Failure to take the joker lap will result in a one-point deduction, with disqualification being penalized by the loss of at least two championship points. The points scored during the heats will form the basis for the ranking, with tie-breaks resolved in favour of the driver who achieved better results from starting positions further from pole.

The top 12 drivers in the classification will advance to the semi-finals, with those placed first, third, fifth, seventh, ninth, and 11th participating in semi-final one and those placed second, fourth, sixth, eighth, tenth, and 12th lining up in semi-final two. Each semi-final will take the form of a six-car race on a two-by-two grid, and like the heats, will run over five laps.

Ten championship points will be awarded to each semi-final winner, with eight points going to the runner-up and then six points, four points, two points, and one point respectively for the remaining finishers. Non-finishers will receive one point, while non-starters will not score. Failure to take the joker lap will result in a one-point deduction, with disqualification being penalized by the loss of at least two championship points.

The same format and scoring system applies to the final, contested by the top three finishers from each semi-final. The positions in the ranking will determine which of the semi-final winners begins the final on pole – with the higher-ranked driver taking precedence. The same logic will decide the grid positions for the second and third-placed semi-finalists.

The maximum possible score from a race weekend will, therefore, be 40 championship points, with all points counting towards the overall classification. Should two drivers end up tied on points, they will be separated by the most wins in finals (and then second places, third places, and so forth if necessary).

I’VE GOT THE POWER

The Battle of Technologies era will allow teams to use retro-fitted Kreisel Electric powertrains, or Internal Combustion Engines with biofuels. But, how does it work from a regulations point of view? 

ELECTRIC POWERTRAINS

No modifications are allowed to the electric kit composed of a RESS, two motors, and two inverters. 

A driver may use up to 2 electric motors (or sets of seals), 1 battery pack (or set of seals), and 2 inverters (or sets of seals) in a Championship season. Electric motors, RESS, and inverters will be sealed.

The penalty for any breach of this rule, the use of more components than allowed in the Championship year, will be the deduction of 15 Championship points for each offense. These points will be deducted from the Championship point total scored by the Driver and Team. In exceptional circumstances (accident generating serious damage to the components or technical problem not imputable to the Competitor), jokers may be granted at the discretion of the FIA stewards following the technical report from the appointed supplier and the FIA technical delegate.

INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINES

The same goes for internal combustion engines, however, there are slight tweaks, a driver may use up 2 engines (or sets of seals) in a Championship season. Engines will be sealed and a driver may present up to 2 at scrutineering during the Championship year. 

The penalty for any breach of this rule, the use of 3 or more engines in the Championship year, will be the deduction of 15 Championship points for each offense. These points will be deducted from the Driver’s Championship total. In exceptional circumstances (accident generating serious damage to the engine), a joker may be granted at the discretion of the FIA.

In RX1, a Driver may use 2 turbos (or sets of seals) in each Competition and 3 turbos during the Championship year. The penalty for any breach of this rule, the use of more than 2 turbos in any Competition or more than 3 turbos in the Championship year, will be the deduction of 10 Championship points for each offense. These points will be deducted from the Driver’s Championship total. Competitors must present their spare turbo at initial scrutineering for identification and sealing.

With the return of electric powertrains this season, it remains to be seen, if any upgrades or changes will, or have been made following the Lydden Hill fire. 

Slipstream SA has reached out to the spokesperson of World RX to enquire about possible changes to the powertrain kits, and at the time of publishing this preview, we have not heard back, should we receive a comment, we will update this story.  

World RX has selected Hoosier Racing Tires from 2024 and beyond.
PHOTO CREDIT: FIA World RX Media. 

GETTING TO GRIP[S]

World RX says goodbye to Cooper Tires in 2024, and helllooo Hoosier Racing Tires, who have been appointed the exclusive tire suppliers for the FIA World and European Rallycross Championships. 

AND WAIT THERE’S MORE…

For 2024, tyre cleaning by spinning the wheels is not allowed. 

TESTING, TESTING, 1, 2,3…

As with every season, track testing will be prohibited, however, there is an exception for teams and drivers running cars in other championships. Additionally, testing will be allowed if a collective test is carried out, but no championship tracks can be used. 

TALK THE TALK

'Change is inevitable, growth is an option…' Well, the World Rallycross Championship encountered significant changes, when Rallycross Promoter took over, with immediate changes. The voice of Rallycross Andrew Coley, and expert Dan Rooke made way for Martin Haven, Nick Fellows, as lead commentators with the support of Hal Ridge, as the expert. 

In 2024, Nick Fellows will be replaced by Mike "Chenny" Chen, who is a familiar face for WRC fans, he will be joined in the commentary box by Hal Ridge. 

THE GRID...

With a new era of World RX just around the corner, Hansen Motorsport, CE Dealer Team, and KMS Horse Powertrain formally confirmed their participation in the Battle of Technologies, with the latter opting for internal combustion-engined cars. 

Kevin Hansen, who will line up alongside his older brother Timmy, in their electric Peugeot 208 RX1e cars, is quite excited about the Battle of Technologies: “I’m really excited about racing different technologies side-by-side. It will be fascinating to see where the strengths and weaknesses are and how the battle will evolve from track to track. From my perspective, I’m just driving my car so it won’t make a difference there, but racing against cars with different strengths will be great for overtaking and cool battles.”

“I think the most excited are fans and new people I’ve spoken to. It’s something that everyone always compares when it comes to the road – how the range is – but for the first time we will see which is actually the strongest of the technologies,” he added.

The KMS Horse Powertrain - VW Polo KMS 601 RX Supercar.

In motorsport, nothing ever stands still, it’s a game of evolve or be left behind, and in this case, Kristoffersson Motorsport developed an all-new beast, named the: KMS 601 RX, based on the super successful Polo RX1e chassis, and guess what? The Swedish squad debuted their new car at the RallyX Nordic season-opener in Tierp, Sweden last month, and took home the Silverware. 

Having initially voiced some uncertainty regarding their future in the World Championship, on 13 June 2024, the announcement soon came, that Kristoffersson Motorsport will return to World RX with a new partner, HORSE Powertrain, and two internal combustion engined Supercars. Yes, that’s right! KMS – Horse Powertrain will tackle the 202raced 4 Championship with their newly developed Polo Supercars, which will run on biofuels. 

German team, All-Inkl Munnich Motorsport, who have run the same Seat Ibiza chassis for a few years, have now developed a new Ibiza, that team owner Rene Munnich will race this year.

VIDEO CREDIT: Mattias Ekstrom [Instagram]

But wait, there’s more, 2016 World Champion and master tactician Mattias Ekstrom flirted with a potential return in his Audi S1 Quattro with an Instagram post in December following the World Motor Sport Council decision, saying: “shall I give electric guys a run for their money?”

Well, the idea of an Ekstrom return would be quite exciting, but unfortunately, that will remain a thought for now, as the official Round One entry list has been published. 

THE CARS

ELECTRIC

Hansen World RX Team - Peugeot 208 RX1e

CE Dealer Team - PWR RX1e

Kristoffersson Motorsport - Volkswagen RX1e

INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINES

KMS - HORSE Powertrain - VW Polo KMS 601 RX

All-Inkl Munnich Motorsport - Seat Ibiza 

JDM Raptor Racing - Peugeot 208 WRX 

THE 2024 CALENDAR

ROUND 1: Ferratum World RX of Sweden – 06 July 2024

ROUND 2: Ferratum World RX of Sweden – 07 July 2024

ROUND 3: World RX of Hungary – 27 July 2024

ROUND 4: World RX of Hungary – 28 July 2024 

ROUND 5: World RX of Benelux – 17 August 2024

ROUND 6: World RX of Benelux – 18 August 2024

ROUND 7: World RX of Portugal – 07 September 2024

ROUND 8: World RX of Portugal – 08 September 2024

ROUND 9: World RX of Australia – 30 November 2024

ROUND 10: World RX of Australia – 01 December 2024

Now, that you’ve read it all, and then some, let’s gooooooo racing! 

Kristoffersson raises the bar to produce stellar 40th career victory.

PHOTO CREDIT: Red Bull Content Pool

After apologizing to the fans yesterday for what he believed was not producing a spectacular final, Johan Kristoffersson approached the season finale with one thing in mind - victory, and perfection, as he capped off the 2023 FIA World Rallycross Championship with a 40th career victory on the streets of Hong Kong today. 

LONG READ - STRAP IN! 

It’s not a marathon, it’s a SUPERPOLE shootout!

Twenty-four hours after claiming victory in Hong Kong - Kevin Hansen qualified in the last position with the format change - “Qualifying Practice”. It was pretty evident that track evolution would be a factor in SuperPole, however, it wasn’t apparent just how drivers’ would reap the benefits of these improvements. Well, tactics come out to play, and rather strange tactics, which would set the base for the day. 

Luck is a four-letter word, something hard to come by or achieve, and unfortunately, Mikaela Ahlin-Kottulinsky had yet another awful day of bad luck, as she hit the barrier with her rear left wheel during SuperPole, which led to her crabbing across the checkered line to set the pace for the session. 

Thereafter, it seemed to be a race of who could finish last, but CE Dealer Team’s Klara Andersson had other plans, as she posted the fastest time with a handful of drivers to complete a lap. 

One by one some drivers elected to go slow, and others fast - Kevin Hansen among the group opting for the fast approach, as he secured SuperPole by 0.090s from six-time FIA World Rallycross Champion Johan Kristoffersson. 

Speaking directly after the session, he said: “I heard rumors of tactics coming into this session, and both my teammates used them [slow tactic]. I just wanted to have a clean start to the day, and have a clean mind going into the first heats.”

TURNING UP THE HEAT[S]

HEAT ONE

After fascinating tactics during SuperPole, it was time to put the best times on the board in the overall rankings. Having run two heats yesterday, the championship returned to normal order today, with three heats consisting of five cars. So, who will top the rankings and progress to the semi-final and finals? 

With the “slowest cars” going first, it was Niclas Gronholm who firmly made his intentions known with a mighty impressive outside move to take the lead into turn one, as Timmy Hansen and Ole Christian Veiby tangled. The Hansen Motorsport driver was later reprimanded for the contact. 

Large and in charge, Niclas was unfazed despite Timmy Hansen’s pace in the closing stages, as he won the heat ahead of Hansen, Veiby, Ahlin-Kottulinsky and Rene Munnich.

Race two, featuring the fastest drivers from SuperPole had to contend with big rutted sections, and despite a tight squeeze into turn one, Kevin Hansen led into turn one, with the support of debutant team-mate Patrick O’Donovan defending in second. But, with a clever first lap joker, Kristoffersson picked off O’Donovan, and later Scheider to secure second behind Hansen with Scheider in third ahead of Patrick and Klara.  

HEAT TWO

In usual World Rallycross fashion, the fastest drivers from the previous session went first for the second of three heats. With yet another brilliant start, Niclas Gronholm looked to be the early leader, but with the momentum and the usual pushing and shoving – it was as if the sea parted to clear the way for Kristoffersson who took the lead – a position that he would hold to the chequered flag, with Gronholm behind followed by Timmy Hansen, Veiby and Kevin in fifth.

Starting from pole, All-Inkl Munnich Motorsport’s Timo Scheider had a strong launch, and led into turn one in race two, as Klara pulled off a beautiful rally-esque move to claim second. 

Having opted for an early joker strategy, O’Donovan kept the pressure on, and as those ahead took their compulsory joker laps, he emerged into the lead to win his first heat race on the international rallycross stage, with Ahlin-Kottulinsky in fourth and Munnich rounding out the order in a distant fifth.

HEAT THREE

Just one heat to make an impact in the overall standings - it was all systems go for heat three. Timo Scheider fended off an attack from behind but after a big hit from Kevin Hansen into turn 1 and 2. Klara Andersson took the lead, and as the race progressed, the Cape Town race winner began to close up on Swede, but she remained unfazed, as she beat the German with Hansen finished third ahead of Munnich and Ahlin-Kottulinsky, who failed to finish the race.

The final heat race saw Ole Christian Veiby get a very good start battling Gronholm into turn one, as Kristoffersson kept his nose clean, and took an early joker lap in an attempt to overtake those ahead, but as the meters ticked over Timmy stopped on track with front suspension damage. 

Covering off Kristoffersson’s late charge, Gronholm jokered and came out comfortably ahead, but Veiby remained in the lead. Could he apply enough pleasure to win the final race? He sure did, Niclas led to the final corner, but something strange happened as he slowed with meters to the chequered flag, as Veiby and Kristoffersson pushed in every direction to get past. OC won ahead of team-mate Johan... 

With all the results calculated, six-time world champion Johan Kristoffersson was the top qualifier in the overall rankings ahead of Niclas Gronholm, Kevin Hansen, Ole Christian Veiby, Klara Andersson, Timo Scheider, Timmy Hansen, Patrick O’Donovan. Mikaela Ahlin-Kottulinsky and Rene Munnich.

MAKE OR BREAK!

Having topped the rankings, Johan Kristoffersson started from pole position, but with a full-send move, Timmy Hansen sent it around the outside to take the lead, as Johan studied the pace of his rivals. 

As the laps ticked off, the Kristoffersson Motorsport driver pumped in faster sectors, and he then opted for an earlier joker lap strategy, which provided vital, as he crossed the line to snatch P1 from Timmy’s grasp, with Klara Andersson in third progressing to the final, and round nine winner Kevin Hansen going no further along with Ahlin-Kottulinsky.

“Yes, for sure very happy [to secure second in the championship]! It’s been a very tough season. To end the season as vice champion is nice, but now there is only one trophy missing, and that is the World Championship, so we will come back next year [in 2024],” Kevin Hansen said.

With a nightmare final corner in heat 3, Niclas Gronholm’s luck finally paid off as he led comfortably into turn one, despite some bumper bashing behind. Almost immediately, Ole Christian Veiby and Scheider took their joker lap in an attempt to beat those ahead, but the Finn was cool, calm, and collected. His pace at the front meant he crossed the chequered flag in P1 ahead of Veiby and O’Donovan. Having recently shown an impressive turn of speed, Timo Scheider’s weekend came to an end with a fourth-place finish in semi-final two. 

PHOTO CREDIT: Red Bull Content Pool

THE KING MAKES IT COUNT

Five laps,, six drivers… It was lights, camera.. GOOOO! The pressure was on to nail the start, and Johan Kristoffersson did just that. Behind the reigning champion was Niclas Gronholm who tried to fend off the second Kristoffersson Motorsport machine, but to no avail. 

Opting for a different tactic, Niclas Gronholm and Klara Andersson immediately took the joker lap and set the pace. The Finn overtook his team-mate, as Timmy Hansen took a dive into the joker lap in an attempt to stay ahead of Gronholm, which he managed to achieve. 

A lap later, Patrick O’Donovan took the joker lap to fend off team-mate Timmy Hansen, with Veiby doing the same a lap later, a move that worked. 

Like clockwork, Kristoffersson was unbeatable in the final, as he crossed the checkered flag ahead of team-mate Veiby, and Patrick O’Donovan – who claimed his first-ever podium in World Rallycross. Right behind them were Timmy Hansen, Niclas Gronholm, and Klara Andersson. 

“That was nice! The championship was secured yesterday, but yesterday was a very, very frustrating final. So, I am very happy to be able to pull off the win today,” Johan Kristoffersson said.

“That first corner in the final was the one where I decided and had free track and was able to do my own pace. I am happy it’s done, to be honest. Klara and Niclas have been very strong in the first corner this weekend, and I am very happy to have matched them in the final into the first corner. To be able to put on a show for five laps in front of the Hong Kong fans is great.”

FINAL RESULT: 

1. Johan KRISTOFFERSSON 

2. Ole Christian VEIBY + 3.641s

3. Patrick O’DONOVAN + 4.599s

4. Timmy HANSEN + 4.939s

5. Niclas GRÖNHOLM + 6.218s

6. Klara ANDERSSON + 6.980s

2023 FIA WORLD RALLYCROSS - CHAMPIONSHIP STANDINGS [AFTER ROUND 10]:

1) Johan Kristoffersson (Volkswagen Dealerteam BAUHAUS) - 141 POINTS

2) Kevin Hansen (Hansen World RX Team) - 104

3) Niclas Gronholm (CE Dealer Team) - 94

4) Timo Scheider (ALL-INLK Munnich Motorsport) - 89

5) Ole Christian Veiby (Volkswagen Dealerteam BAUHAUS) - 82

6) Timmy Hansen (Hansen World RX Team) - 78

7) Klara Andersson (CE Dealer Team) - 71

8) Rene Munnich (ALL-INLK Munnich Motorsport) - 30

9) Sebastien Loeb (Special ONE Racing) - 29

10) Guerlain Chicherit (Special ONE Racing) - 27

11) Patrick O’Donovan (Hansen World RX Team) - 22

12) Gustav Bergstrom (Kristoffersson Motorsport) - 20

13) Mikaela Åhlin-Kottulinsky (Volkswagen Dealerteam BAUHAUS) - 13

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

PHOTO CREDIT: Red Bull Content Pool

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

PHOTO CREDIT: Red Bull Content Pool/Joerg Mitter

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Relive the 2019 World RX of SA with Andrew Coley. 

Kristoffersson looking forward to Cape Town return with "100 percent win" record.

PHOTO CREDIT: Qnigan/Kristoffersson Motorsport

The FIA World Rallycross Championship 'finally' returns with a double-header in Cape Town, South Africa following a fire at Lydden Hill that destroyed two Special One Racing cars, equipment, and a truck.

After three months on hold, the World Rallycross Championship returns after the FIA World Motor Sport Council elected to continue the championship, but with equal cars, as the investigation into the route cause of a battery fire at Lydden Hill continues. 

Five-time World Champion Kristoffersson took a firm hold on the title fight during the third round of the championship early this season. With a maximum of 69 points up for grabs, and a lead of 27 points over runner-up Niclas Grönholm.

"Finally, it will be a race again! I'm really looking forward to driving in Cape Town," Johan Kristoffersson said. 

"100 percent wins down there. Also, I won the Gymkhana in Johannesburg, so I know worse places to go than South Africa. In general, I also enjoy it there. There are nice people, a nice atmosphere, and very good food."

Despite a big lead in the championship, he doesn't feel completely confident yet.

"It is late in the year, but there are actually more than 50 percent of the competitions still left. You have to be on your guard, but after all, I'd rather sit in my seat with a 27-point lead than have to take risks and chase," the Volkswagen Dealerteam BAUHAUS driver said.

Team-mate Ole Christian Veiby, on the other hand, will make his competitive debut on South African soil this weekend and said: "It'll be fun. The course looks really fun. We were also fast with these cars in Belgium. It is very important that we have driven this type of car a little before."

The Swedish squad has set a goal for the four remaining rounds - two in Cape Town and two in Hong Kong in November.

"Johan will win the driver's championship, where we will also get Ole Christian up on the podium and then we will secure the team championship," Tommy Kristoffersson, Kristoffersson Motorsport team manager, said.