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

PHOTO CREDIT: Red Bull Content Pool

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

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

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

ROUND 7 (DAY 1) - A Champions Drive! 

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

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

HEAT 1

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

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

HEAT 2

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

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

THE SEMI-FINALS

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

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

FINAL

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

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

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

Timmy would go no further - DNF.

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

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

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

ROUND SEVEN - WORLD RX OF PORTUGAL FINALS RESULT:

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

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

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

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

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

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

PHOTO CREDIT: Red Bull Content Pool

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

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

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

HEAT ONE

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

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

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

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

HEAT TWO

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

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

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

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

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

THE SEMI-FINALS

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

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

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

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

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

THE FINALE

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

ROUND EIGHT - WORLD RX OF PORTUGAL FINALS RESULT

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

5) Niclas Gronholm (CE Dealer Team) - 139

6) Klara Andersson (CE Dealer Team) - 122

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

8) Anthony Pelfrene (JDM Raptor Racing) - 71

9) Gustav Bergstrom (Kristoffersson Motorsport) - 33

10) Jankó Wieszt (Impossible RX Team) - 28

11) Sondre Evjen (Kristoffersson Motorsport) - 15

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

PHOTO CREDIT: Red Bull Content Pool

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

THE TRACK: CIRCUITO INTERNACIONAL DE MONTALEGRE

THE TRACK INFORMATION:

Track Length: 1146 meters in length

Joker Lap: 1155 meters 

Tarmac/Dirt: 60%/40%

Previous Winner [2023]: Johan Kristoffersson

World RX Debut: 2014

Portugal’s picturesque and historic Montalegre track formed part of the original FIA World Rallycross Championship calendar back in 2014, and its undulating layout and unpredictable weather has produced many breathtaking battles over the years.

The 945m track is located 1,000m above sea level, requiring engines to be finely tuned to deal with the altitude. From a long start/finish straight, drivers brake hard for the first corner – a tight right-hand hairpin – before taking a little bit of kerb as they flick through the left-right chicane that follows.

A fast left-hander then leads downhill into a right as the surface turns from asphalt into the loose and sandy gravel that characterises Montalegre before a steep uphill climb precedes another left followed by a long, fast right-hander. The final section of the lap is marked by a tricky surface change and a series of chicanes – inviting drivers to brush the barriers on both sides, but without getting too close...

PHOTO CREDIT: Red Bull Content Pool

TALK THE TALK:

KMS-HORSE Powertrain

DRIVER: Johan Kristoffersson: 

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

DRIVER: Ole Christian Veiby

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

HANSEN WORLD RX TEAM

DRIVER: Timmy Hansen

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

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

DRIVER: Kevin Hansen

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

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

CE DEALER TEAM 

DRIVER: Niclas Grönholm

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

DRIVER: Klara Andersson

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

2024 FIA WORLD RX OF PORTUGAL: ENTRY LIST

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

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

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

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

Niclas Gronholm (CE Dealer Team) - PWR RX1e

Klara Andersson (CE Dealer Team) - PWR RX1e

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

Anthony Pelfrene (JDM Raptor Racing) - Peugeot 208 WRX

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

SATURDAY:

HEAT 1: 13:32

HEAT 2: 15:15

SEMI-FINAL: 17:00

FINAL: 17:38

SUNDAY:

HEAT 1: 12:00

HEAT 2: 13:25

SEMI-FINAL: 16:00

FINAL: 16:40

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

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

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

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

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

5) Niclas Gronholm (CE Dealer Team) - 99

6) Klara Andersson (CE Dealer Team) - 95

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

8) Anthony Pelfrene (JDM Raptor Racing) - 51

9) Gustav Bergstrom (Kristoffersson Motorsport) - 33

10) Jankó Wieszt (Impossible RX Team) - 28

11) Sondre Evjen (Kristoffersson Motorsport) - 15

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

PHOTO CREDIT: Red Bull Content Pool

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

PHOTO CREDIT: Red Bull Content Pool

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

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

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

ROUND 6 (DAY 2) – THE FIGHT BACK!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

5) Niclas Gronholm (CE Dealer Team) - 99

6) Klara Andersson (CE Dealer Team) - 95

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

8) Anthony Pelfrene (JDM Raptor Racing) - 51

9) Gustav Bergstrom (Kristoffersson Motorsport) - 33

10) Jankó Wieszt (Impossible RX Team) - 28

11) Sondre Evjen (Kristoffersson Motorsport) - 15

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. 

PREVIEW: World RX returns to the Mother City with a thriller in prospect.

PHOTO CREDIT: Red Bull Content Pool

After over two months, the FIA World Rallycross Championship finally gets back underway in Cape Town, South Africa at the Killarney International Raceway with the first double-header of the season. 

The last time World RX visited the Mother City [in 2019], fans were treated to arguably the most tense championship fight in history, as Timmy Hansen and Andreas Bakkerud went mona-e-mona for title glory, clashing on the first lap of the final and ending up tied on points – with Hansen prevailing on countback.

Hansen returns this weekend, as he bids to close the gap to championship leader Johan Kristoffersson. The 2019 Champion failed to finish two events this year, as a result of the FIA Safety Light system. 

The World Championship has been on hold since a devastating fire destroyed Special One Racing's cars, equipment, and truck at Lydden Hill just over two months ago, but with the season now resuming using equal machinery - the ZEROID X1 cars, the battle is back on with a vengeance.

It also means that for the first time in World RX history, there will be a completely level playing field, as all competitors take to the track in equal machinery – placing the emphasis firmly on skill behind the wheel and engineering expertise to extract the very last thousandth-of-a-second.

Six of the drivers in the field have already sampled the ZEROID X1 through guest outings in the FIA RX2e Championship during the summer. Kristoffersson won the RX2e event at Mettet in Belgium, and went unbeaten in Cape Town in 2017 and 2018 – on both occasions, having already clinched the coveted crown.

This time, the fight for honors is still very much alive, and while the Volkswagen Dealerteam BAUHAUS star will arrive in the ‘Mother City’ holding a 27-point advantage at the summit of the standings, his rivals are firmly focused on chasing him down.

THE TRACK: KILLARNEY INTERNATIONAL RACEWAY

THE TRACK INFORMATION:

Track Length: 0.663 miles (1.067KM)

2019 Winner: Niclas Gronholm

Asphalt/Dirt: 60%/40%

Joker Lap Loss: 2.6 seconds (approximately)

2023 FIA WORLD RX OF SWEDEN: ENTRY LIST

Johan Kristoffersson (Volkswagen Dealerteam BAUHAUS) 

Timmy Hansen (Hansen World RX Team)

Niclas Gronholm (CE Dealer Team)

Kevin Hansen (Hansen World RX Team)

Ole Christian Veiby (Volkswagen Dealerteam BAUHAUS) 

Klara Andersson (CE Dealer Team)

Timo Scheider (ALL-INLK Munnich Motorsport)

Rene Munnich (ALL-INLK Munnich Motorsport)

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

SATURDAY:

SUPERPOLE: 09:05

HEAT 1: 14:10

HEAT 2: 14:30

HEAT 3: 15:00

SEMI-FINAL: 15:19

FINAL: 15:35

SUNDAY:

SUPERPOLE: 09:05

HEAT 1: 14:10

HEAT 2: 14:30

HEAT 3: 15:00

SEMI-FINAL: 15:19

FINAL: 15:35

2023 FIA WORLD RALLYCROSS - CHAMPIONSHIP STANDINGS [AFTER ROUND 6]:

1) Johan Kristoffersson (Volkswagen Dealerteam BAUHAUS) - 69 POINTS

2) Niclas Gronholm (CE Dealer Team) - 42

3) Kevin Hansen (Hansen World RX Team) - 38

4) Ole Christian Veiby (Volkswagen Dealerteam BAUHAUS) - 35

5) Timmy Hansen (Hansen World RX Team) - 33

6) Timo Scheider (ALL-INLK Munnich Motorsport) - 31

7) Klara Andersson (CE Dealer Team) - 30

8) Sebastien Loeb (Special ONE Racing) - 29

9) Guerlain Chicherit (Special ONE Racing) - 27

10) Gustav Bergstrom (Kristoffersson Motorsport) - 20

11) Rene Munnich (ALL-INLK Munnich Motorsport) - Making debut in Cape Town

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

PHOTO CREDIT: Red Bull Content Pool

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

FIVE REASONS TO ATTEND THE 2023 WORLD RX OF SOUTH AFRICA

Johan Kristoffersson battling Timmy Hansen and OC Veiby.
PHOTO CREDIT: Red Bull Content Pool

Lights Out and Away We Go… After four long years, the FIA World Rallycross Championship returns to the shores of Cape Town, South Africa for a double-header at Killarney International Raceway on 7 & 8 October 2023.

The Killarney International Raceway has staged a round of the championship since 2017, the first FIA World Championship to be held in Sub-Saharan Africa in over 20 years. 

Having dominated the World RX of South Africa in 2017 and 18, five-time World Champion Johan Kristoffersson returns leading a star-studded line-up featuring, history maker Klara Andersson, the Hansen brothers’, Niclas Gronholm, Timo Scheider, Ole Christian Veiby, and Rene Munnich. 

2019 World Champion Timmy Hansen, will also return to the circuit, where he clinched his maiden title in a rather dramatic season finale. Fast forward to 2023, another title could be clinched in Cape Town… but, why should you attend the 2023 FIA World Rallycross Championship? Here’s why:

The ZERIOD X1 [or RX2e] car blueprint.
PHOTO CREDIT: FIA RX2e Championship

1. THE CARS

The FIA has made an unprecedented decision to continue the 2023 World RX championship with RX2e cars [better known as ZERIOD X1], as the investigation into the destructive fire that gutted Special ONE Racing [RX1e] in Lydden Hill continues.

The ZERIOD X1 is the formal name of the spec car used in RX2e. Developed by QEV Technologies, it weighs 1,170 kg and is capable of 335 horsepower with 510 Nm of torque.

Seven of the 8 confirmed drivers have driven the RX2e cars earlier this year, with Kristoffersson winning the penultimate round of the RX2e championship. 

The FIA homologated Cape Town RX track layout.
Source: FIA

2. THE TRACK

The very fast Killarney track is 1.060 km in length with some high cornering speeds, making it an awe-inspiring test of commitment with its high grip nature, including its average speed of approximately 95.87 km/h. 

3. A CHAMPION CROWNED?

With a healthy 23-point lead in the drivers' standings, should Kristoffersson win both rounds [double-header] scoring the maximum amount of points available. He could be crowned a six-time World Champion on South African soil. 

4. HISTORY SPEAKS

South Africa first hosted a round of the FIA World Rallycross Championship in 2017, with Johan Kristoffersson winning the inaugural event, and returning a year later to win it again. 

The Mother City is happy stomping ground for the Super Swede, as well as, 2019 World Champion Timmy Hansen, who clinched the crown in a rather dramatic final. 

Level on points, it was ‘mano a mano’ in the 2019 final. Andreas Bakkerud had a lightning launch to lead the way, but in the tight sweeping turn 7, he ran a touch wide, which opened the door to Timmy Hansen, and he went for it. The two collided sending Bakkerud into the wall and Hansen spinning off the track, with Niclas Gronholm taking the lead. 

The Finn claimed victory, but who would clinch the title behind? Andreas Bakkerud finished second ahead of Timur Timerzyanov, with Timmy Hansen in fourth. But, by virtue of the countback rule, Hansen was declared the champion, after a lengthy investigation.

5. AFFORDABLE TICKET PRICES

Yes, that is correct. Tickets can be found here and a general access ticket for per day will cost R225 or you could purchase a Weekend Pass from R275. Compared to other live shows, this is a very good deal.

More so, grandstand tickets can now be purchased at a very reasonable price of R325 (Saturday) and R325 (Sunday).

A Trackside Bar ticket can also be purchased for R1,950 per day, with on-site parking also available.

Get your tickets now!

WRITTEN BY – Junaid Samodien