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

PREVIEW: Rivals target points and podiums, whilst championship leader Kristoffersson targets a trouble-free Belgian weekend.

PHOTO CREDIT: Red Bull Content Pool

After a dramatic double-header in Nyirád, Hungary, for Rounds 3 and 4, the FIA World Rallycross Championship travels 1,290.6 kilometers to Mettet, Belgium for another action-packed double-header. 

Since the championship's inception in 2014, Mettet formed part of the inaugural World RX calendar, and ten years on, it will play host to rounds 5 and 6 in 2024.

Mettet is a happy stomping ground for six-time World Champion Johan Kristoffersson, who has six wins to his record and returns to Belgium with a healthy 25-point lead in the championship. 

The Swede has won three out of the four rounds this season and will look to add more glory to his ever-growing record. 

His team-mate Ole Christian Veiby, who recently became a father before the Hungarian double-header, finds himself second in the overall classification, but hot on his heels, are the CE Dealer Team duo of Niclas Grönholm and Klara Andersson, who are tied on points, but just nine points behind the Norweigan. 

Grönholm, in his electric-powered PWR RX1e, profited from an incident involving Kristoffersson and Kevin Hansen on Saturday afternoon in Hungary claiming his first win for an electric car in the 'Battle of Technologies' era.

After a challenging start to the campaign, the Hansen World RX team is aiming to bounce back in Belgium. Reflecting on the team’s last outing, Kevin Hansen showed good pace throughout the weekend but was unlucky to not come away with a better result in Hungary, following a dramatic clash with Kristoffersson in Saturday’s final that denied him a shot at victory.

Bringing up the rear of the field is Anthony Pelfrene, who has reached the semi-final stages and is currently eighth in the standings ahead of ALL-INKL.COM Muennich Motorsport's René Münnich both are piloting sustainably fuelled combustion-powered cars. 

The World RX of Benelux will also mark the halfway point of the 2024 Championship, so get strapped in and ready for some exhilarating action! 

THE TRACK: CIRCUIT JULES TACHENY [METTET]

THE TRACK INFORMATION:

Track Length: 1079 meters in length

Joker Lap: 1231 meters 

Tarmac/Dirt: 60%/40%

World RX Debut: 2014

The Jules Tacheny circuit has hosted the FIA World Rallycross Championship in the past, between 2014 and 2018 and 2023. With its demanding, winding course, the circuit has always offered an exceptional spectacle to its public, who are ideally situated to see all the action on track. Like its British counterparts at Lydden Hill and German counterpart at Estering, the Circuit Jules Tacheny shaped the beginnings of the intense and unique sport of rallycross. The succession of bends on gravel and asphalt offers ideal conditions for hellish sprints punctuated by contact and cascading skids.

PHOTO CREDIT: Red Bull Content Pool

TALK THE TALK:

KMS-HORSE Powertrain

DRIVER: Johan Kristoffersson: 

"There were some things I wasn't happy with there [in Hungary]. I put myself into situations where I became vulnerable and exposed. It won't do. I have to act smarter and be sharp. I think it's okay for us, not as good as the one in Hungary, but better than Portugal, which awaits next time. Here there are two long accelerations, but also technical parts. It's important that the whole team does a good job and that we don't get any technical issues."

DRIVER: Ole Christian Veiby

"Three out of four on the podium so far. It's not so bad, but now it's time to recharge for a new weekend and pick up more points. It is important to stay away from the worst fights in the start. The first turn looks a bit the same this time. We have to think about the championship as well". 

HANSEN WORLD RX TEAM

DRIVER: Timmy Hansen

“We looked strong in Hungary but never ended up on the podium which we were hoping for. We stayed there testing after the race and made some good progress and I think we can bring that into Belgium. We are starting to understand how the tyres are working and how we need to approach setting up the car which we’re excited to put into practice this weekend. Despite no podiums, we have still reached every final which highlights our consistency and aids our championship fight. Kevin and I will give it everything we’ve got for the rest of the season and hopefully we can get both cars on the podium this weekend.”

DRIVER: Kevin Hansen

“We are looking forward to Belgium and it’s nice to be back with full power as last year we had to race with our RX2e cars. Unfortunately, the race doesn’t start with a longer straight, which would favour our electric car, however there are some later on in the circuit which will allow us to stretch our legs and maximise our car’s full potential. The test after Hungary really helped us understand the car better so hopefully this will make us a little more comfortable and quicker so we can challenge in Belgium.”

CE DEALER TEAM 

DRIVER: Niclas Gronholm

“It is great to return to Mettet after a long time and showcase electric and sustainable motorsport to our Belgian fans and partners. I believe our car is well-suited to this track. Now it is all about having a strong weekend overall. We need solid results on both days to stay in the fight for the championship"

DRIVER: Klara Andersson

"Sharing third place in the standings with Niclas is fantastic. We are determined to fight for the title as a team. This year, we have been able to leverage each other's strengths to develop both the cars and ourselves. I believe we are the strongest team in the championship, with the most potential of all." 

“I am incredibly excited to head to Belgium. It is my first time on this track. It will be challenging, but I am looking forward to it. This weekend is all about delivering and gathering points, but it is going to be tough as always."

2024 FIA WORLD RX OF BENELUX: 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 5 & 6 - World RX of Benelux (CAT Times)

SATURDAY:

HEAT 1: 11:56

HEAT 2: 14:00

SEMI-FINAL: 16:00

FINAL: 16:38

PODIUM: 16:50

SUNDAY:

HEAT 1: 11:15

HEAT 2: 12:35

SEMI-FINAL: 15:00

FINAL: 15:40

PODIUM: 15:50

2024 FIA WORLD RALLYCROSS - CHAMPIONSHIP STANDINGS [AFTER ROUND 4]:

1) Johan Kristoffersson (KMS-HORSE Powertrain) - 101 POINTS

2) Ole Christian Veiby (KMS-HORSE Powertrain) - 76

3) Niclas Gronholm (CE Dealer Team) - 67

4) Klara Andersson (CE Dealer Team) - 67

5) Timmy Hansen (Hansen World RX Team) - 66

6) Kevin Hansen (Hansen World RX Team) - 65

7) Gustav Bergstrom (Kristoffersson Motorsport) - 33

8) Anthony Pelfrene (JDM Raptor Racing) - 32

9) Jankó Wieszt (Impossible RX Team) - 28

10) Rene Munnich (ALL-INLK Munnich Motorsport) - 27

11) Sondre Evjen (Kristoffersson Motorsport) - 15

PREVIEW: Rivals look to capitalize, as the high altitude Nyirád could favour the electric cars.

PHOTO CREDIT: Red Bull Content Pool

Fresh from a thrilling season-opener in Holjes, Sweden, where six-time Champion Johan Kristoffersson dominated, the 2024 FIA World Rallycross Championship now heads to Hungary for the first time this weekend, as Nyirád’s famous ‘Red Cauldron’ prepares to stage the third and fourth rounds in the new ‘Battle of Technologies’.

The new era of World RX kicked into high gear earlier this month, in magical Holjes, a venue that the drivers' and teams know all too well, having raced and tested on for years, but in the dual surfaced championships tenth year, the new era of Battle of Technologies has seen sustainably-fuelled internal-combustion engined cars take on their electric counterparts. 

Firing on all cylinders... Johan Kristoffersson launched his quest for a seventh crown in commanding fashion winning both rounds on home soil, despite a good fight from the CE Dealer Team's Klara Andersson and Niclas Gronholm over the course of the double-header weekend.

Andersson was particularly impressive, having secured pole position for the final on the opening day, however, she came unstuck at the launch and ultimately secured her best result to date, a second place. Her ice-cool-natured team-mate Niclas also secured a second-place finish just 24 hours later.

Right behind them is Kristoffersson's team-mate Ole Christian Veiby who started both finals from the second row of the grid, and secured a fifth-place on day one. A day later, the Norwegian stalled on the grid, but recovered to a third-place finish, a stall that Kristoffersson claimed was worth a "parking ticket".

Along with their two internal combustion Supercars, KMS fielded their two electric cars for Sondre Evjen and Gustav Bergstrom in Sweden. The latter claimed a third-place finish on day one and is currently fifth in the championship ahead of the Hansen World RX Team drivers' who had a weekend to forget despite reaching the final on both days. 

Right behind the Hansen's were, Anthony Pelfrene, Sondre Evjen, and Rene Munnich who debuted a new internal-combustion-engined Seat Ibiza, but finished 10th in both rounds, and will be hoping for a stronger weekend in Hungary.

In Nyirád, a new face joins the grid in the form of former Hungarian Rallycross Champion Jankó Wieszt, who will race an ex-GCK Renault Mégane RS RX Supercar.  

THE TRACK: Nyirád Racing Center [Red Cauldron]

THE TRACK INFORMATION:

Track Length: 1.220 metres in length

Joker Lap: 1.290 meters 

Tarmac/Dirt: 52%/48%

The legendary Hungarian rallycross circuit Nyirád Racing Center makes its FIA World Rallycross debut in 2024, located just 25 kilometres from Hungary’s famous Lake Balaton. The circuit, which is located in a pit, is nicknamed “Red Cauldron” due to the distinctive colour of its dirt surfaces.

PHOTO CREDIT: Red Bull Content Pool

TALK THE TALK:

KMS-HORSE Powertrain

DRIVER: Johan Kristoffersson: 

"A technical and tricky track that I think will suit us very well. I think there will be big differences between the two technologies depending on which track we arrive at.That's why it was so important for us to get a good result and pick up our points in Höljes, on a track that suited our cars quite well. However, when we get to Portugal at high altitude, I think we will be far behind the electric cars."

DRIVER: Ole Christian Veiby

"It will be hot, but it will be good. Now we aim for a 1-2 for the team."

HANSEN WORLD RX TEAM

DRIVER: Timmy Hansen

“Höljes was a bit more challenging than we hoped for, it seems like we’ve got to do a lot of work to understand the new tyre but as always there’s great motivation within the team. We’re pushing forward with new ideas so I’m excited to come to Hungary. We want to fight for one step higher in the results than we were in Sweden. Hungary is where I got my first ever win in Supercars back in 2013 and it’s the first time since then the championship returns so there is lots to look forward to.”

DRIVER: Kevin Hansen

“I’m looking forward to Hungary, it’s the first time I’ve been back since 2019 and last time out I had a race win in another series. It’s one of the more exciting tracks as it’s super narrow and quick – you could say it’s the Monaco track of Rallycross as it is so narrow between the walls. Hopefully, this track suits our technology a bit better but we are well prepared and working hard to improve all the time. There are obviously restraints on how much we can improve our car over a season due to the regulations however we are doing our best to figure out a way forward to improve from Höljes.”

CE DEALER TEAM 

DRIVER: Niclas Gronholm

“It's going to be a very interesting race on such an iconic track. Although I’ve never raced at Nyirád before, I’m really looking forward to it. We will continue to work hard to build on the pace we had in Höljes, and keep challenging at the front."

DRIVER: Klara Andersson

"I’m really excited to head to Hungary and continue the season. It’s great to arrive with positive momentum and good points in both championships after Höljes. I’ve never raced in Hungary before, but the track looks like a lot of fun. An old-school circuit with plenty of elevation changes and high speed. It’s going to be tough, as always, but we’re motivated to keep up the speed and grab more points for the championship."

2024 FIA WORLD RX OF SWEDEN: 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

Jankó Wieszt (Impossible RX Team) - Renault Megane R.S. RX

Round 3 & 4 - Karai Trans World RX of Hungary (CAT Times)

SATURDAY:

HEAT 1: 12:32

HEAT 2: 14:15

SEMI-FINAL: 16:00

FINAL: 16:38

PODIUM: 16:50

SUNDAY:

HEAT 1: 11:00

HEAT 2: 12:25

SEMI-FINAL: 15:00

FINAL: 15:40

PODIUM: 15:50

2024 FIA WORLD RALLYCROSS - CHAMPIONSHIP STANDINGS [AFTER ROUND 2]:

1) Johan Kristoffersson (KMS-HORSE Powertrain) - 58 POINTS

2) Niclas Gronholm (CE Dealer Team) - 36

3) Klara Andersson (CE Dealer Team) - 36

4) Ole Christian Veiby (KMS-HORSE Powertrain) - 35

5) Gustav Bergstrom (Kristoffersson Motorsport) - 33

6) Timmy Hansen (Hansen World RX Team) - 31

7) Kevin Hansen (Hansen World RX Team) - 29

8) Anthony Pelfrene (JDM Raptor Racing) - 16

9) Sondre Evjen (Kristoffersson Motorsport) - 15

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

11) Jankó Wieszt (Impossible RX Team) - DEBUT THIS ROUND

KMS made the “right choice” choosing combustion engines, Timmy Hansen says.

PHOTO CREDIT: FIA World Rallycross/Red Bull Content Pool

2019 World RX Champion Timmy Hansen reckons Kristoffersson Motorsport has made the right decision choosing combustion engines, over electric powertrains for the 2024 season. 

In 2024, the FIA World Rallycross Championship has undergone a significant change, instead of a single-powered series, drivers' will now go head-to-head in the 'Battle of Technologies', in which internal combustion-engined cars will take on their electric counterparts. 

Fans and teams alike had their first taste of what's to come this season, two weeks ago in Holjes Sweden, where Kristoffersson Motorsport, under the banner KMS - HORSE Powertrain, fielded two newly-developed Volkswagen Polo Supercars, with internal combustion engines, instead of using the retro-fitted Kriesel electric powertrain kit.

Much like KMS, All-Inkl Munnich Motorsport, and Anthony Pelfrene also opted for internal combustion engines, with Rene Munnich driving the team's latest Seat Ibiza Supercar.

Also returning in 2024, the CE Dealer Team and Hansen World RX both entered their electric RX1e cars, with KMS also fielding, Sondre Evjen and Gustav Bergstrom, in their championship-winning electric Volkswagen Polo RX1e's. 

But, much like a year ago, Johan Kristoffersson led the charge topping both practice sessions on Saturday and Sunday, on course to winning both rounds, but it wasn’t all smooth sailing, as he picked up a two-position grid penalty for contact with Niclas Gronhom on Saturday, but, despite he still powered through to win the final by 2 seconds from a quick Klara Andersson, who achieved her best result in the world championship to date. 

Klara Andersson achieved second place in Round 1 of the World RX Championship in Holjes. 
PHOTO CREDIT: Red Bull Content Pool

For the Hansen World RX Team, it was a slightly trickier weekend, as both Timmy and Kevin [Hansen] made the final on both days, but were unable to reach the rostrum finishing fourth and sixth respectively on both days. 

Speaking to Hal Ridge on the Sunday Paddock Walk, Timmy Hansen explained: “The performance wasn't really there, but I think the conditions really suited the combustion cars, because with the electric car, we have this extra power, and we're also carrying a lot more weight. Were actually never on full throttle on this lap.” 

“And, also the way the transmission is built makes it much easier to brake with the combustion cars compared to the electric. Yeah, like in the finals, it was pure aquaplaning on the gravel,” he added.

Hansen went on further to explain that “I lost a massive amount of time, I don't really know what happened [in the wet conditions]. Yeah, of course, like disappointing, but still also I feel like we couldn't have gotten more points from this weekend. So, I think we grabbed everything that we could for my side, but of course we want to be better. I think also the season will sometimes be an advantage for the electric cars, hopefully. But yeah, for Höljes, I think KMS made the right choice to go combustion."

The six-time World Champion Kristoffersson admits that the Holjes double-header was “almost as perfect as it gets. 28 points in the first, 30 today, two points from full pot.”

He admits, "I think what I'm most proud of this weekend, to be honest [was the launches]. Perhaps the best start I have ever made with a petrol car on a wet surface. I tried to copy it in the final, but it didn't quite work out. There are extremely small margins and many parameters that come into consideration.”

His start in the final on Sunday in treacherous conditions was “good enough” to stay ahead of Niclas Gronholm “thanks to a superb car”. 

“A huge thank you to the team who have done a fantastic job all weekend,” the Swede said.

PHOTO CREDIT: Red Bull Content Pool

With two rounds complete, the World RX championship rolls on to the ‘Red Cauldron’ in Nyirád, Hungary, later this month. 

Timmy Hansen admits that he is looking forward to the world championships return to Hungary, and said: “I got my first-ever Supercar win there, so it's fantastic memories! The track is so raw, so extreme, so rallycross. So, it will be great to be back there with the world championship and this generation of cars, which are incredibly fast.So, it will be a challenging weekend, it's a very punishing circuit where the walls are like super close and you need to send it.”

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!