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 extends championship despite second place finish in Barcelona.

PHOTO CREDIT: Jakub Nitka

Johan Kristoffersson extended his championship lead despite a second-place finish at Circuit de Catalunya-Barcelona. 

The double World Champion arrived in Barcelona with a mission to keep the distance to Mattias Ekström, without taking big risks. His competitors had other things in mind, and gave him a tough Saturday. 

"I picked up 27 points today. You don't lose the title because of days like that," Kristoffersson said. 

Q1 saw Niclas Grönholm squeeze Kristoffersson into the wall at the first corner, but his Volkswagen Polo was only left with minor scars and from there he was untouchable crossing the line 3.137 seconds ahead of Gronholm, Bennett, and Scheider.  

In Q2 an aggressive first corner saw Robin Larsson squeeze the Marklund and Kristoffersson. The latter hit the tyre barrier seeing him launch up on two-wheels and coming out behind Larsson and Timmy Hansen while Marklund hit the rear bumper of Kristoffersson. 

Comfortably in the lead, Larsson's right suspension broke seeing him hit the tyre barrier, and while Timmy Hansen took the lead, but he was quickly hunted down by Kristoffersson with a damaged Polo R Supercar and ultimately be overtaken based on joker strategy. 

"Yes, the car is really well built. That could have ended much worse," he said.

Kristoffersson rounded off by winning Q3, finishing top qualifier for the fifth time this season, and picking up 16 points.

In the semi-finals, he got another knock on the rear end from Ekstrom and stuck on to lead and comfortably win the semi-final securing pole position for the final. 

The final got off to a bang, on the front row the Swede had four used tyres while Timmy Hansen on the outside had four new tyres. Whilst Johan got off to a good start, Timmy Hansen hugged the inside line and Johan hit the barrier at the first corner looking front bumper and bodywork but still led the race. 

"When I lost the front the car it became somewhat understeery," he said

Despite lacking some front end performance, he took the fight with Timmy all the way to the finish line, in what was a real rallycross battle from both of them. Both Johan and Timmy were reprimanded by the stewards for two separate collisions in the final.   

"The Hansen team were strong today. Timmy and the whole Hansen team have done a fantastic job between the races, I’ve seen they’ve been testing and pushing on and that’s what keeps us on our toes as well," Kristoffersson said

Tommy Kristoffersson, the Volkswagen Dealerteam BAUHAUS boss explains the team's tactics today.

"We could have been more aggressive with tyre and joker strategy, but today we wanted to secure qualifying points and a starting position up front for the semis and final. Collecting points was more important than securing the victory," he said.

The strategy/tactics worked out well, as Ekström was not having one of his best days, and Johan extended his championship lead from 17 to 25 points.

Written by - Junaid Samodien