Abbring claims first ever podium in the FIA World Rallycross Championship.

PHOTO CREDIT: Kevin Abbring/UNKORRUPTED

Flying Dutchman Kevin Abbring claimed his and the teams' first-ever podium at round two of the FIA World Rallycross Championship in Höljes. 

After showing a glimpse of speed in the first round of the championship last time out at Circuit de Catalunya-Barcelona, Abbring had a very good start to the weekend finishing second in the practice sessions.  

Following a good start to the weekend in Q1, the 32-year-old was turned into the barrier by Enzo Ide on the inside line of the joker. He was able to restart the car and then proceeded to put the fastest lap times (42.897s) on the clock as he caught up to the pack, finishing in 4th with the 8th fastest time in the first qualifier.

Q2 saw Abbring avoid contact into the first corner slotting into third-place but lost time in traffic following the joker which saw him cross the line fourth. Placed eighth overnight, he admitted that there was more pace to come on the following day. 

PHOTO CREDIT: UNKORRUPTED.

A day later, Abbring posted the fastest time in the morning warm-up. Q3 saw the UNKORRUPTED driver get a good start slotting into second in the first corner, from there he jokered straight away. Having battled into the lead, he took the chequered flag to win the qualifier (heat), with another fastest lap time as well as the fastest time of the qualifier moving up in the standings to third overall.

On pole for Q4, Kevin took another first lap joker coming out in 4th. His pace allowed him to chase down the pack over the remaining laps, claiming two positions to cross the finish line in second, securing a spot on the first row of the semi-final.

Having started the final race from the second row of the grid, Abbring pushed ahead into the second before diving into the joker coming out in fifth. He used his pace to his advantage quickly chasing down those ahead (Rytkonen and Szabo). After a few laps, Kevin was right behind Rytkonen and Szabo quickly gaining positions when they took the joker lap, bagging his and UNKORRUPTED's first-ever rallycross podium. 

"I’m super pleased with this result - the team has been working so hard, it’s great to see us convert on the track and end up on the podium, really proud of everyone," Abbring said. "We started off the season showing promising pace and here in Holjes, kicked it up a notch again."

"We put down leading times in both the semi and the final, which gives the whole team such a boost ahead of the upcoming event in France. I absolutely loved this spectacular track here in Sweden, and it was great to race in front of fans to take my first podium in the FIA World Rallycross Championship. Now onto France, where I'm hoping for even better results."

Kevin Abbring leaves Sweden fourth in the championship standings on 37 points. 

Kallio claims stunning victory at Höljes in thrilling showdown with McConnell.

PHOTO CREDIT: Red Bull Content Pool

Jesse Kallio emerged triumphant after an enthralling battle with Fraser McConnell as Round 2 of the FIA RX2e Championship at the World RX of Sweden produced scintillating action at Höljes.

The Finn bounced back from a disappointing Saturday to storm into contention with consecutive qualifying session wins before showing blistering pace in both the semi-finals and final to claim the overall spoils.

McConnell was a narrow second after impressing throughout the weekend at the iconic Värmland circuit, while Isak Sjökvist notched third on his RX2e debut after a frenetic final.

Guillaume De Ridder remains top of the Drivers' Standings after finishing fourth, but the Belgian is just a point ahead of Kallio and two clear of McConnell as the first-ever FIA electric rallycross championship now turns its attention to Lohéac in France for Round 3.

Kallio started the weekend in fine fashion, winning his Q1 race and posting the third-fastest time of the opening session behind McConnell and De Ridder.

However, things unravelled in Q2 as a slow puncture saw him slip down the order while McConnell doubled up – holding off the rapid Swedish duo of Linus Östlund and Nils Andersson to take control at the end of Saturday.

Sat fifth at the halfway stage of qualifying, Kallio had it all to do in order to catch McConnell but a blistering display in Q3 produced the fastest time of the weekend so far and set the 22-year-old on the comeback trail.

He backed that up with a dominant Q4 win, getting the holeshot and putting the hammer down to cover an early joker from McConnell – although victory was still not enough to prevent the Jamaican from claiming Top Qualifier honours.

While Kallio and McConnell were pushing the pace at the front, standings leader De Ridder was having a tougher time after a dream clean sweep in Barcelona and could only manage fourth in the intermediate standings following damage and a puncture on a frustrating Sunday.

McConnell laid down a marker in the opening semi-final, taking victory ahead of Östlund and the ever-entertaining Patrick O'Donovan after Andersson suffered a mechanical failure which dashed his hopes of a home victory.

Kallio responded to McConnell in his semi-final, leading from turn one to the flag while De Ridder took second and Sjökvist booked his spot in the final with third – making the most of a half-spin from rapid EKS JC youngster Isak Reiersen on the opening lap.

That put the two old RX2 rivals on the front row for the final, and it was Kallio who reached turn one first while pole-sitter McConnell slotted in behind and De Ridder headed for the joker.

Östlund followed suit on the next tour but couldn't leapfrog the Belgian, while a combative O'Donovan was snapping at McConnell's heels before taking his own compulsory joker.

Kallio continued to stretch his lead at the head of the pack and, while McConnell and Sjökvist both went for an alternative joker strategy, there was no stopping the Finn as he pumped in consistency rapid lap times to secure his first win in the pioneering new RX2e category.

McConnell and Sjökvist, who showed consistent improvement throughout the weekend as he continues to adapt in his maiden season of rallycross competition, completed the rostrum while De Ridder suffered a late puncture but still finished fourth and Östlund came out on top in a robust final-lap battle with O'Donovan.

It was a frustrating day for the local driver, who posted the third-quickest times in both Q2 and Q3, and fellow new-boys Andersson and Reiersen were also left thinking what might have been after their semi-final misfortunes.

Damien Meunier will be desperate for another chance to realise his potential after the pacy Frenchman produced a competitive display on an unfamiliar circuit, while it was a similar story for Pablo Suárez as the popular Spaniard lodged improving times with every session around Höljes – having never raced at the legendary venue before.

"Today has been a perfect day. Yesterday wasn't so good, but today has been brilliant. It is so tight when everyone is in the same cars. The driver makes all the difference, and that makes it really enjoyable," Kallio said.

The 22-year-old hopes to return to the championship. "I am trying to find the budget to do more races, as I am hungry for more success," he said.

A haul of 29 points for Kallio leaves him just one behind Drivers' Standings leader De Ridder ahead of Round 3, while McConnell's 27 puts him a solitary point further back. O'Donovan moves into fourth after another strong display while Suárez and Meunier complete the top six in the table.

Hansen brothers secure 1-2 finish in Höljes as hard work pays off.

PHOTO CREDIT: Red Bull Content Pool.

Timmy Hansen won the Swecon World RX of Sweden in Höljes, leading home team-mate Kevin Hansen in a 1-2 finish for the Hansen World RX Team.

It all looked set for a humdinger of a weekend in Sweden, as championship leader Kevin Hansen led the championship with reigning champion Johan Kristoffersson looking to claim his first victory of the season but, the Hansen's had other plans. 

Johan might have won Q1 on Saturday, but Timmy Hansen fought back to level things out on Sunday. 

Having battled through Q3 and Q4, Timmy Hansen led the intermediate rankings ahead of the reigning champion Kristoffersson in second followed by an impressive Kevin Abbring, Krisztián Szabó, Niclas Gronholm, and Kevin Hansen. 

In the first semi-final, Timmy led home a fast charging Abbring and Juha Rytkönen to seal a place in the final, whilst Kristoffersson failed to finish due to a front-right puncture that ended his weekend rather prematurely. 

Round one winner, Kevin Hansen capitalized on Johan's disappointment winning semi-final two ahead of Szabó and Belgian Ide also qualifying for the final.

The Hansen brothers locked out the front row of the final on used tyres, with those behind bolting on new tyres. 

From pole position, Timmy had a very good start with Kevin holding the outside line into turn one. Opting for an alternate strategy, Kevin Abbring and Enzo Ide took her jokers on lap one. Whilst Timmy led Kevin followed by Rytkönen and Szabó.

As the Hansen brothers' pulled clear of their nearest rivals, Rytkonen and Szabó came under pressure from a charging Abbring. 

The Dutchman ultimately jumped both of them as the race progressed, with Timmy and Kevin taking their joker on the final lap to record another 1-2 and claim an 11th career race win. 

It wasn't all smooth sailing with constant adjustments and tweaking (including a gearbox change for Kevin Hansen) throughout the weekend to unlock more speed. 

Timmy Hansen fully credits the Hansen World RX Team mechanics for victory in Höljes today. 

"Our mechanics are the winners keeping our cars together. Sometimes we take it for granted and it is a reminder of the incredible work they are doing. I am so, so happy. 1-2 again," he said.

The 2019 World Rallycross Champion now holds the lead in the championship after two rounds (on 57 points) six points ahead of Kevin Hansen, with Szabó third followed by Abbring with reigning champion Kristoffersson down to fifth.

Swecon World RX of Sweden - FINAL RESULTS

GRAPHICS CREDIT: FIA World Rallycross

FIA World RX Championship Standings after Round 2. 

Watch RX+ anytime and anywhere on new the new official World RX app

The first-ever FIA World Rallycross Championship app has been launched ahead of this weekend’s second round of the 2021 campaign, Swecon World RX of Sweden (21 - 22 July) – enabling fans to watch RX+ anytime and anywhere.

The free application is available on iOS and Android devices (both mobile phones and tablets), and will provide access to all the latest premium content from World RX, the new RX2e series and European championships Euro RX1 and Euro RX3.

Registered RX+ subscribers can sign in with their account details to watch hundreds of hours of exclusive rallycross action, live or on-demand and in glorious HD quality. This premium production includes all races live as well as highlights, previews and replays, plus in-depth expert analysis, special features and interviews with the stars of the show – not to mention an unprecedented choice of viewing angles via on-board cameras that put viewers right in the driving seat.

With simple navigation, users can read all the latest news, follow race results live, check the championship standings and enjoy free video clips. Fans can find out all about their favourite drivers and teams thanks to detailed career information, while delving into the discipline’s rich history and check out upcoming events.

The free World RX app can be downloaded for iOS devices here, and Android devices here.

Detailed World RX app content description:

Get right to the heart of the action with the official FIA World Rallycross Championship App. Stay fully up-to-speed with the latest World RX videos and news while following all of the races LIVE!

Everything you need at your fingertips:

► LIVE – ALL RACES

Watch all of the races live with premium production from different viewing angles, including Qualifying, Semi-Finals and Finals, or watch them on-demand whenever and wherever you want

► LIVE TIMING

Receive in-depth live data during the event, including starting grids, overall standings and noticeboard information

► RESULTS & STANDINGS

Check the results of the races and the championship standings in World and European RX (World RX, RX2e, Euro RX1 and Euro RX3)

► NEWS

Get the latest news and insights from World RX, RX2e, Euro RX1 and Euro RX3

► PREMIUM CONTENT

Enjoy exclusive behind-the-scenes content, studio interviews and in-depth expert analysis. Get to know your favourite drivers and discover their personalities with special features and more

► VIDEO ARCHIVE

Enjoy hundreds of hours of rallycross on-demand, including Highlights, Replays, Previews and more exclusive content. Delve into the video archive and re-live some of the best World RX races and most epic battles in World Championship history

► ON-BOARDS

Exclusive view! Get on-board with your favourite drivers and experience all the action from the hot seat

Kenneth Hansen - "We expect to be at the front and in the running for victory."

PHOTO CREDIT: Red Bull Content Pool

Hansen World RX team principal Kenneth Hansen expects to be front runners and potential race winners at this weekend's World RX of Sweden at Höljes. 

The Swedish outfit is yet to achieve a victory on home soil despite Kevin Hansen stepping onto the podium in recent years with two second-place finishes, but this year the team is aiming higher... a race (event) victory! 

Kenneth hopes that the time and effort put in during the off-season will help the team make solid progress on classic gravel circuits. 

"One of the areas we spent the most time and effort working on during the off-season was improving our car performance on more traditional-style rallycross circuits," Hansen said.

Last month, the team achieved a one-two finish at the opening round of the season with Kevin Hansen on the top step of the podium ahead of elder brother Timmy Hansen. 

"The result in Spain was a great validation of the work we’d put in, especially by ORECA on our engine, but now some other areas we’ve worked on will come into greater focus," he said.

Hansen believes that his squad can do better this season, and anticipates that the GRX-SET (Hyundai) team will be a lot faster this weekend 

"We didn’t get the result we wanted at Höljes last year and we want to make up for it this time around. We had one podium finish here with Kevin during the double-header in 2020 but we believe we can do better this time," he adds. "While the Audi is a fast car around Höljes – and we anticipate that the Hyundai will be faster than at the last round too – we still expect to be at the front and in the running for victory."

Bakk-erud returns with Lithuanian outfit ESMotorsport in Euro RX1.

PHOTO CREDIT: GCK Motorsport

Andreas Bakkerud feels 'over the moon to be back on the grid' after inking an 11th-hour deal to join Euro RX1 with ESMotorsport at Höljes this weekend. 

The 29-year-old looked destined to miss the 2021 season after struggling to put the necessary budget together, but when the opportunity presented itself to drive the ESMotorsport’s second Škoda Fabia at Höljes alongside Jānis Baumanis – he explains that he did not need to think too hard...

"Having to watch one more race weekend from the sofa would just have been unthinkable," Bakkerud said, “and especially Höljes – my stomach wouldn’t have stood for that! I really enjoyed the new RX+ broadcast in Barcelona and all the onboard camera angles are really cool, but the bottom line is that I’m a racer and I want to be out there racing!

"I’m over the moon to be back on the grid, and this is such a special circuit for me. I went to school in Torsby when I was growing up, so I’m very familiar with the area around Höljes and it really feels like a home track."

"There has been a huge amount of hard work behind-the-scenes with my partners and the team to get to this point, and now it’s time to enjoy it and go racing!" he said.

Bakkerud's livery for the Höljes Euro RX1 outing.
CREDIT: ESMotorsport.

The Norwegian is one of the biggest names in international motorsport having claimed two FIA European Rallycross Championship in Super1600, then taking the step up to the World Championship stage in 2014.

Andreas has triumphed on seven occasions and finished inside the top three in the title standings in 2016, 2018, and 2019 – in the last of those seasons, tying on points with eventual champion Timmy Hansen.

Bakkerud’s past form at Höljes is certainly impressive, with five straight podium finishes there in the World Championship from 2014 to 2018. 

"My expectations are always high – whenever my name is on the entry list, I’m there to win – but I also need to be realistic given that I haven’t done many laps in the Fabia. Results come over time, so I can’t expect to go out there and be the fastest straightaway, but this is a great opportunity to get to know the team and car," Bakkerud adds.

"Höljes is a one-off for now, but I’ve definitely got one eye on the future and I’ve always regarded ESMotorsport as a team with real potential in rallycross. Who knows, maybe I can be the driver who breaks the ice and steps onto the podium with them..."

PREVIEW - The Championship battle heats up in Höljes.

PHOTO CREDIT: Red Bull Content Pool

The FIA World Rallycross Championship heats up, as homegrown heroes Kevin Hansen, Timmy Hansen, and Johan Kristoffersson arrive on home turf for round two of the season at Höljes this weekend (20-22 August). 

One of the world’s most iconic rallycross tracks, Höljes is nestled deep in the Värmland forest not far from the Norwegian border has been a popular World Championship fixture ever since the series’ inception back in 2014.

Kevin Hansen currently leads the championship heading into the Swecon World RX of Sweden, having overcome older brother Timmy and Johan Kristoffersson in the final at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya last month to claim a second career victory at the pinnacle of rallycross. 

The Hansen World RX Team driver is a multiple winner at Höljes at European level and has been a podium-finisher in the World Championship event held at the circuit in each of the past two seasons, taking the chequered flag second on both occasions. 

The Swede will be targeting the very highest step next weekend as he bids to extend his advantage.

"Our development over the winter was focussed more on tracks like Höljes rather than Barcelona, so we are hopeful of having made a solid improvement from last year’s event. We know we have a good car, and we have a good feeling right now," Hansen said. 

"For sure, the competition is going to be extremely tough and it’s going to be the usual suspects at the front so it will all come down to getting a good start to the weekend and then maintaining that form. It’s heading down and all about the details from this point on."

The championship leader will not have it easy, however, his two closest pursuers are both world champions – Timmy Hansen in 2019 and Kristoffersson in 2017, 2018, and 2020. His elder brother is just two points adrift, and having not reached the podium at Höljes since 2016, will be particularly fired up to turn the tables and seize the initiative in the chase for the coveted crown.

The three-time World Champion Kristoffersson, by contrast, knows just what it takes to win around the challenging Höljesbanan circuit, having done so in each of his title-winning years. 

In only his second full season, Krisztían Szabó occupies the fourth spot in the Drivers’ standings for GRX-SET World RX Team following a solid season-opener.

Team-mate Grönholm, meanwhile, needs a good result after his Spanish weekend ended in the semi-final when he was turned into the barrier at turn 2. 

Fellow countryman Juha Rytkönen will be bidding to replicate the scene-stealing performance he produced on his dazzling World RX debut at Kouvola last summer when he took the fight to Kristoffersson in the final, whilst UNKORRUPTED's Kevin Abbring showed a decent turn of form in Barcelona behind the wheel of his Renault Mégane R.S. RX.

The dark horse, however, is undoubtedly Peter Hedström, who has a GRX-SET prepared Hyundai i20 at his disposal and reckons he has the best chance of his career to-date to cause a stir, particularly if rains.

THE TRACK:

Höljesbanan is an undisputed icon of rallycross, featuring a mix of almost everything. It’s a track of two halves; the first twisty and quite technical, the second half a sprint back to the finish line.

Track Length: 1.210m

2020 Winners: Round 1 - Johan Kristoffersson

                        Round 2 - Mattias Ekstrom

Fastest lap: Kevin Abbring 42.432s

Asphalt/Dirt: 60%/40%

Joker Lap Loss: 2.8 seconds (approximately)

PHOTO CREDIT: FIA World RX Media

2021 FIA World Rallycross Championship standings (drivers):

Kevin Hansen (Hansen World RX Team) 29 points

Timmy Hansen (Hansen World RX Team) 27 pts

Johan Kristoffersson (KYB EKS JC) 20 pts

Krizstian Szabo (GRX-SET) 20 pts

Rene Munnich (ALL-INLK Munnich Motorsport) 16 pts

Timo Scheider (ALL-INLK Munnich Motorsport) 15 pts

Kevin Abbring (UNKORRUPTED) 14 pts

Niclas Gronholm (GRX-SET) 14 pts

Juha Rytkonen 10 pts

Enzo Ide (KYB EKS JC) 9 pts

Tamas Karai 9 pts

Oliver Bennett (Xite Racing Team) 8 pts

Mandie August (ALL-INLK Munnich Motorsport) 4 pts

Attila Mozer 3 pts

Patrick Guillerme 2 pts

Dan Oberg 1 pts

Rounds 2 World RX of Sweden Schedule (CET Times)

SATURDAY:

Q1: 14:30

Q2: 17:00

SUNDAY:

Q3: 11:00

Q4: 14:30

Semi-Finals and Final: (from) 17:00 

Grid Wrap Up Show: 18:00 RX+ only

FREE LIVESTREAM

Red Bull TV (FINALS) at 18:45 UTC+2 (subject to change) - https://www.redbull.com/int-en/events/fia-world-rallycross-championship-sweden

Kristoffersson doubles up in RallyX Nordic Superfinalen.

PHOTO CREDIT: Volkswagen Dealerteam BAUHAUS/QNIGAN

"Two for the price of one" as Johan Kristoffersson clinches the RallyX Nordic and Swedish Championship(s) on home soil at the Westombana.

"[This is] my second Swedish Championship gold, and my first Nordic title. It's extra fun to win at home," the champion said. 

It wasn't all smooth sailing for the three-time World Champion who had encountered a number of issues throughout the season, but despite the issues, he clinched the title(s) after clinching the top qualifiers spot on Sunday. 

This weekend wasn't trouble-free for the Volkswagen Dealer team BAUHAUS driver. 

"We had some trouble," he said. "There was a lot going on in the background. Not everything has been completely optimal, but fortunately, this is a technical course that I also know very well, so I have been able to assert myself anyway."

Tommy Kristoffersson, team manager, has clarified all the hardships that his team has put in place to secure the title(s). 

"Our mechanics have worked tirelessly with adjustments and changes. And we have also had good service from our suppliers," Tommy Kristoffersson said. "Mats Karlsson from Säffle even showed up here in the port of Arvika with spare parts. Delivery by boat we have never experienced before!"

In order to claim the SM title (Swedish Championship) a driver/team requires a weekend at the peak performance from the team's Volkswagen Polo GTI RX KMS.

"It is a material sport and there were cars on site here that are more up to date than our old car, but we show that we are good at picking out the best of the material. This is a great team victory for the KMS concept: our partners, mechanics and drivers," the 62-year-old Swede said. 

"One should also not forget Johan's role off the field, his communication with the mechanics, and all the work he puts into development to get the most out of the material. These are not ordinary days and work shifts he does.

We have had an incredible willingness to deliver to our loyal partners Volkswagen and Bauhaus, but now afterwards it feels a bit sentimental because the future is so uncertain. We do not know anything at the moment, but of course, we hope to find solutions to pick up new threads."

O'Donovan and Knapick joins 10-car field for World RX of France.

PHOTO CREDIT: Red Bull Content Pool

The entry lists for the FIA World Rallycross Championship at Lohéac on 3-5 September have been released, setting the stage for a thrilling weekend on French soil.

Following the Barcelona curtain-raiser last month and this weekend’s outing at Höljes, the World Championship title fight will be heating up by the time drivers and teams arrive in France for round three of the 2021 season – and aside from the usual suspects, the return of ALL-INKL.COM Muennich Motorsport’s Timo Scheider is sure to mix up the order after the pace the German showed in Catalunya.

Former British Rallycross Champion and Euro RX podium-finisher Ollie O’Donovan will return after almost four years away. He will drive his Ford Fiesta Supercar.

Megennis impresses on debut with #YellowSquad

PHOTO CREDIT: Peter Eriksson/#YELLOWSQUAD

16-year-old rallycross star George Megennis impressed the paddock on his rallycross debut, taking a race win and a sixth overall (finish) in the RallyX Nordic Superfinalen in his first-ever rallycross event.

Megennis was an immediate threat from the off-seat in the highly competitive RallyX Nordic championship, winning his Qualifying 1 race (heat) in the challenging wet conditions despite having never driven in the rain.

In the second qualifying session, the American drew level at the top of the qualifying order with newly crowned champion Tommi Hallmann, before going on to secure fifth overall in qualifying.

Showing off his racecraft, he then put in a masterful defensive to hold off Linus Östlund for second place in his semi-final. Knowing that he required a top-three finish to progress to the final, George blocked Östlund’s path.

The front end damage of Megennis' car in the Supercar Lites final.
PHOTO CREDIT: Peter Eriksson/#YELLOWSQUAD

While reaching the Supercar Lites final on debut was a great achievement, unfortunately, there was no fairytale ending, as Megennis found himself squeezed between two rivals at the start of the final, which briefly sent him airborne and damaged the front of his car. He went on to finish fifth in the race but was given a penalty for the first-lap contact.

"I am so stoked after my first taste of Supercar Lites action – this weekend was incredible, and the results were so much better than I thought they would be," Megennis said. "RallyX Nordic is super competitive and if you look at the history of this Lites category, some of the best drivers in the world championship started out here. So to be fighting for race wins and qualifying for the final at my first attempt is unbelievable."

"Now I know what my pace is like against the best drivers in Europe, I’m going back home to the US feeling really confident about the season ahead in NRX NEXT – especially as I’m guessing some of the guys I raced this weekend might show up over there! I know that my level is already strong, but also that I’ve got so much more learning to do and can be even faster with more experience."

"I’m so grateful for all the work the #YellowSquad guys are putting in – Eric Färén and the crew gave me an amazing car all weekend, and all the years of knowledge Kevin Hansen has helped me improve so quickly. I wouldn’t have been able to pull off such a mega weekend without their help," he concludes. "I can’t wait for Nitro Rallycross to start and get back in this car!"

World RX race winner and #YellowSquad team principal, Kevin Hansen firmly believes that after a strong rallycross debut, George can compete in NRX NEXT with full confidence. 

"The amount you learn from completing your first race weekend in rallycross is huge," Kevin Hansen said. "Now George can go into the Nitro season full of confidence, with better knowledge of the car and how it behaves, and knowing he has the speed to compete at the front. We can’t wait to get started in the US next month – George is a super cool, fast and professional guy with a bright future in this sport."

Kristoffersson crowned RallyX Nordic champion on home soil.

PHOTO CREDIT: RallyX Nordic

Johan Kristoffersson reigns supreme on home soil in Arvika, as he is crowned the 2021 RallyX Nordic and Swedish Championship champion.

Kristoffersson picked up his third race victory of the season in a dominant fashion but was officially crowned champion after claiming the top qualifiers spot in the Intermediate Standings after entering the weekend with an unassailable lead. 

The final in Arvika certainly ended in a bang, but not for the three-time World RX Champion who had a decent launch off the grid, with Fraser McConnell drawing level around the outside on the run to the turn 1/2 hairpin. 

With a clean exit from the hairpin, Johan comfortably led from start to finish with Fraser hanging around the outside, and Enzo Ide trying to push through, as Anton Marklund shoved him causing the right-hand side bumper damage.

On the run towards the first jump, Ide was challenging McConnell but opted to back out, which meant he was alongside Anton, and as the pair came off the jump, the EKS JC driver landed against the right fender of Marklund ripping it off. 

Anton took third place with Ide hitting him in the rear damaging the front left bumper of his Audi. OMSE's Kevin Eriksson didn't have the dream start or first few corners that he had hoped for after switching to a different differential step up for more front-end grip. He came out of the first few corners in fifth ahead of Sondre Evjen who had a bad start from sixth. 

Opting for an alternate strategy, Ide and Evjen took their jokers on lap one coming out behind Eriksson. 

From there, it was pretty much a formation race, as Johan began to build a buffer to the Jamaican behind. 

As the laps ticked off, McConnell switched things up and took his joker with one lap to go and was followed in by Marklund and Eriksson. The OMSE driver rejoined in second with Marklund in third, with Ide able to jump Eriksson on the merge having taken an earlier joker lap. 

Comfortably in the lead, Kristoffersson left no stone underturned, as he fully sent his Volkswagen Polo Supercar through the joker lap exiting with max speed and comfortably crossing the line 2.238s ahead McConnell, Marklund, Ide, Eriksson, and Sondre Evjen. 

Speaking after the final, Kristoffersson said: "It's always nice to pick up another trophy! I have won the Swedish Championship once before, here in Arvika last year at my home track, and it is good to keep that winning streak going."

The 32-year-old Swede admits that the RallyX Nordic championship is a good experience builder. 

"It's a good experience for me, as I play around with a little bit with setup through the heats/sessions and you know, also learn a lot of things, technically, what's going on with the car. Because there are sometimes a lot of things going on with the car," he adds. "So then I have to dig into and understand what's actually going on."

"We've changed the engine, we have changed a lot of strategies, and also the turbo pressure and anti-lag and all this stuff. We've changed a lot this weekend."

Baumanis teams up with ESMotorsport in quest for second rallycross crown.

PHOTO CREDIT: FIA World RX Media

Former Euro RX Super1600 champion Jānis Baumanis to make rallycross return in the Euro RX1 series at Höljes next weekend, after joining forces with ESMotorsport to drive the team's Škoda Fabia.

Baumanis has been a familiar name on the international rallycross scene since 2014, when he contested the FIA European Rallycross Championship’s Super1600 category, claiming three wins in a SET Promotion Renault Twingo on his way to third in the championship.

The following year, he added two more victories and the Super1600 title, while simultaneously making his debut at Supercar level in Norway, in a Peugeot 208 running under the Hansen Talent Development banner – impressively reaching the podium at the first time of asking.

Additional World Championship outings the same season were highlighted by a fourth-place finish in the last round in Argentina, behind the wheel of a World RX Team Austria Ford Fiesta.

The Latvian remained with the squad in 2016, regularly progressing through to the semi-final stage and advancing to his second career final in Barcelona en route to a top ten championship ranking. He continued to score consistently over the subsequent two campaigns with STARD, before breaking through in 2019 as he ascended the podium in both Norway and Canada – going on to clinch the sixth spot in the end-of-season standings.

Following a year’s absence – as a result of budgetary issues. The Latvian finally returns to rallycross after making a one-off appearance in Projekt Eon's home soil last September. 

But you can't keep a quick racer away too long, as Baumanis returns in just a week’s time in place of Ramunas Capkauskas, and he has immediately set his expectations high.

"I’m very happy to be back on the grid," Baumanis said. "It’s been a while since I last competed in a rallycross event and it will be nice to see some old faces again and catch up with good friends. I’ve been in the World RX family since the beginning back in 2014, so last year felt very odd for me."

"It’s brilliant to be starting the season at Höljes because racing there is always special. Normally there are around 50,000 spectators cheering us on and the emotion they generate is amazing, and whilst numbers are limited this year, there will still be great competition in Euro RX1, which looks stronger than ever with a lot of very good names in the field, some of whom have shown their speed in the World Championship too.

The other circuits coming up are also amongst the best rallycross tracks in the world and I’ve scored quite good results at all of them in the past. My goal is to reach at least the final in every event and to fight for the title. That clearly won’t be easy, but I will do everything in my power and I know ESMotorsport will give me the tools to do the job."

Robertas Maneikis, Team Manager of ESMotorsport admits that he is looking forward to working with Baumanis for a long team, as they focus on the switch to electric power in 2022.

“Not only will we do our best to compete at the top level with our fellow competitors in Euro RX1 this season, but Jānis is the driver we expect to be working with longer-term. He has considerable experience of electric technology from driving the Projekt E car, and he brings feedback that will be essential to our development plans for next year’s transition into RX1e," he said

How Mercedes has (technically) overturned the World Championship in two Grand Prix.

PHOTO CREDIT: Mercedes-AMG Petronas Motorsport/Steve Etherington

There is a World Championship. Far from being taken for granted in this modern era of Formula 1. Hamilton versus Verstappen (195 to 187 points) and Mercedes against Red Bull (303 to 291 points). To the sound of reversals and changes of hierarchies. Beautiful!

After a start to the season that showed us Red Bull's superiority even though the first race went to Lewis Hamilton, thanks to a better understanding of the W12 and a few too many problems in making the updates brought to the track by Red Bull and the power unit work from Honda, the Mercedes car has returned to the level, if not ahead, of the RB16B between Portugal and especially Barcelona.

At Portimao, Red Bull brought a hefty aerodynamic update to the track that struggled to get to work properly.
Illustration By: Rosario Giuliana

However, in the following month of racing (or a little more), Red Bull managed to overturn the world championship, thanks to some aerodynamic updates brought to the track that also made it possible to fully exploit the potential of the Portimao package; not to be underestimated then, the recovery in terms of power thanks to the second Honda power unit introduced in the French Grand Prix.

More power and more reliability. Thanks also to the change of specification of one of the macro-components of the PU subject to quota, the turbocharger it's believed, approved by the FIA after the competitors, including Mercedes, had also given their approval.

Only with further updates between Monaco and Baku did the situation improve, with the RB16B taking off against the W12.
Illustration By: Rosario Giuliana

Steps forward that have allowed the Japanese engineers to compete on equal terms, and even slightly more, with the Mercedes PU.

Always focusing on Honda, after the Verstappen accident at Silverstone, there was a strong concern for the Power Unit.

After being sent to Japan, replacing some non-quota components, it had been checked at the counter with the "ok" for its use in the Hungarian Friday  Free Practice; in the event of a negative result on some component, plan B were already in place to use the first power unit with the replacement only in case of battery problems, the most 'worrying' element, and the control unit.

On the other hand, the Hungaroring track, although it has become more power-sensitive with the current cars than a few years ago, is not so stressful for the macro components of the power unit and above all the horsepower of difference between PU 1 and PU 2 would have much less impact than in Spa-Francorchamps or Monza, two of the next three circuits (Belgium, Holland, and Italy) on which it will race.

The good results obtained in Friday's Free Practice allowed Verstappen to keep the best performing second unit (that of Silverstone) in his RB16B.

However, after a disappointing qualifying (all Mercedes front row), a further cold shower arrived for the Dutchman: a 'worrying' crack was found on the engine. Keeping that ICE in the car for the race meant taking too much risk.

But so Plan B was blown. Blame parc ferme and the upgrade in terms of turbocharger specification. In fact, to avoid a penalty on the grid, it was necessary to mount elements of the same specifications used in qualifying.

Could Honda have just replaced the ICE, keeping the second turbocharger unit and MGU-H in the car? Surely. However, this choice is never made because the 'reserve' ICE engines arrive on the track already with the turbocharger and MGU-H motor-generator mounted and checked, this to allow a faster replacement and with fewer subsequent checks.

Updates in a key part of the car for Mercedes at Silverstone. The goal is to improve rear flows and consequently aerodynamic efficiency.
Illustration By: Rosario Giuliana

Moving on to Mercedes, after the Austrian double-header the mood was not the best. They knew they still had a few cartridges to fire, but they felt cornered as never happened in recent seasons; even more so than those fought against Ferrari. Red Bull seemed in full control of the world championship, both with Verstappen in the Drivers' and the team in the Constructors'.

But the Silverstone - Hungary brace has (again) changed the cards in this splendid world championship. 

"We have a number of things that will make our car faster in the next races. We hope that they prove to be enough," former Technical Director, James Allison from Austria, said.

They arrived in the next GP, at Silverstone, expanding a setup window that up until that Grand Prix was quite small. But the results had not yet been fully hoped for on the track. The first weekend of the Sprint Race is also in the way, with only one hour of free practice available before entering 'qualifying'.

For this reason, Mercedes considered what the novelty package showed as 'encouraging'. In Hungary, the missing potential was unlocked through better understanding.

Updates studied in the wind tunnel mainly between March and April, given that since May the world championship winning team has spent full time on the 2022 project.

The low-downforce rear wing used by Mercedes at Silverstone. It is the consequence of the positivity of the updates brought to the track, even if they have not shown their full potential.
Illustration By: Rosario Giuliana

But this was not the only novelty, as always anticipated by the English engineer: "We are also planning updates regarding the power unit, in terms of 'delivery'. The engineers are working to allow the power unit to express something more." 

In Hungary,  Mercedes brought an electronic upgrade to the track focusing on its power unit, as well noted by FUnoAnalisiTecnica in the onboard analysis. Nothing new from the hardware point of view but only a more 'unique' mapping that has allowed the world champion team to return to command on the engine side.

According to a competitor, this step forward was also possible due to a track that was not so stressful for the macro components of the drive unit. It will be interesting to see, and Spa-Francorchamps is already a good track for that if Mercedes is so aggressive on the 'unique mapping' even on more critical tracks for the engine; however, considering the allocation advantage Hamilton could have over Verstappen if the # 2 Honda power unit is inoperable.

According to the information, Formu1a.uno has collected, Mercedes could count on an advantage of 10 HP over Honda and 25 HP over Ferrari at the Hungaroring. 

The latter, as anticipated two months ago, will bring an update to its power unit on the track in the second half of the season which, according to what has been collected, should halve the current gap with Mercedes. This is the goal.

In conclusion, if the steps forward made by Mercedes on the engine side, we associate those made at Silverstone on the aerodynamic side plus the introduction of the new rear Pirelli tyres, one more variable and to be taken into account in such a sensitive F1, we can understand how this 2021 world championship is a real roller coaster. Not only of emotions but also of performance.

Written By: Piergiuseppe Donadoni

Illustrations By: Rosario Giuliana

Original Link: https://www.formu1a.uno/ecco-come-mercedes-ha-ribaltato-tecnicamente-i-mondiali-in-due-gran-premi/

Kristoffersson on verge of RallyX Nordic title.

PHOTO CREDIT: QNIGAN/Volkswagen Dealerteam BAUHAUS

Three-time World Champion Johan Kristoffersson is on the verge of clinching two titles - in RallyX Nordic and the Swedish Championships in Arvika this weekend. 

"I like the track. It is technically interesting, but it is a good starting field so it will be a struggle," Kristoffersson says.

If last year's final is anything to go by, where Johan Kristofferson claimed victory in a tight duel with Oliver Eriksson, fans are in for a thriller!

"It was one of the best finals last year when Oliver and I had that fight," he said.

The Kristoffersson Motorsport driver will race the Volkswagen Polo GTI RX supercar and is also challenging for a win in the Swedish Championship for RX1, which is decided in this superfinal race only. The triple world champion won his first domestic rallycross championship last year and is now aiming for a second title.

Currently, Johan is 27 points ahead of second-place Niclas Grönholm, who will not race in Arvika. On the other hand, the third-placed Sondre Evjen, who has 108. 

Should Kristoffersson score a few more points he will secure the RallyX Nordic title, but he is aware that he needs the perfect weekend on home soil. 

"It is a narrow track, so it is important to get to the starts and stay away from problems," the Swede said.

10-car field set for World RX of Sweden.

PHOTO CREDIT: FIA World Rallycross/Red Bull

The short, sharp, action-packed FIA World Rallycross Championship will return at the iconic Höljes track for round two of the 2021 season later this month (20-22 August).

A trio of homegrown winners will lead the field into battle in Värmland, following the one-two-three finish for Kevin Hansen, Timmy Hansen, and Johan Kristoffersson in Catalunya just under a fortnight ago.

Despite their podium finish last time out, they will be pushed hard, by a number of rivals all eager to climb the top step of the podium – amongst them are Niclas Grönholm and Kevin Abbring, and Timo Scheider neither of whom came away with the kind of result their pace suggested they deserved in Barcelona.  

Whilst Peter Hedström, a three-time Euro RX podium-finisher will join forces with the GRX-SET team to drive the third Hyundai i20 on home soil.

Formu1a.uno - How did Leclerc's Ferrari engine get irreparably damaged?

PHOTO CREDIT: Scuderia Ferrari

In addition to the damage, the insult is not only the retirement of Charles Leclerc who labeled the Hungarian Grand Prix as "an important opportunity", but, after in-depth checks in Maranello on Monday, Scuderia Ferrari announced that the second power unit is irreparably damaged.

From the press release: "After the checks carried out yesterday (Monday) in Maranello on the SF21 number 16, it emerged that the engine was irreparably damaged in the impact at the Hungaroring with Lance Stroll's Aston Martin and can no longer be used".

The third power unit of the three available will be mounted in the SF21 of the Monegasque driver at Spa-Francorchamps before incurring a penalty.

Something already planned at this point of the season, given that Spa and Monza (this year will be run after Holland) are very demanding tracks on the power unit. All this, however, having the first and second power unit available for the classic rotations on Friday free practice, considering the two remaining weekends with the Sprint Race (Monza for sure, then Austin?) Where it will be impossible to carry them out.

However, no longer having the second engine available for these rotations, which had only covered just over 1500 km, and with PU 1 over 4300 km, Charles Leclerc could incur a penalty on the grid in the second part of the season when he installs the fourth power unit and, as often happens, the fourth turbocharger group and MGU-H.

But let's understand how the power unit installed on the SF21 of the Monegasque could have been irreparably damaged.

Everything arose from the strong impact between the left front tire of Stroll's Aston Martin and the right sidepod of Leclerc's SF21 in turn 1 which caused the cooling system to break. This led to a major leakage of liquid, as can also be seen from the image above.

The Monegasque driver who was unable to see the damage in his mirrors tried to continue until his SF21 spun and the engine fell silent at the entrance to turn 2. Having continued with the engine not cooled, even in the few hundreds of meters that divide the first two curves of the Hungaroring, has generated devastating consequences on the power unit.

Something similar also happened to Sergio Perez, albeit in a more contained way (at least initially), so much so that the Mexican driver managed to get up to the straight between turns 11 and 12 where he had to give up, parking his "croaking” RB16B after the order given via radio from the pits (they had noticed the important anomaly).

Valtteri Bottas' serious braking error in turn 1 had in fact caused him to break the “right” cooling system of the Honda PU, which could very easily have suffered the same damage as its Italian 'sister'.

"He lost all the water immediately. We will have to investigate in more detail, but the first reports say that the engine will be difficult to use in the future," said Red Bull team principal Christian Horner.

An innocent Leclerc, who sooner or later will have to serve a penalty of at least 10 positions on the grid, is contrasted by a Stroll who will be behind "only" 5 positions at Spa. The same situation is also between Perez and Bottas. It is strange to write it, but the two innocent drivers will pay a higher price than those who awkwardly generated the accident.

Then there is a question of money for the 'repairs' of the damages. These accidents obviously enter into the calculation of the millions of dollars (145 this year) available to the teams from the budget cap, thus going to 'limit' even those who suffer them without 'blame' as in the case of the duo Red Bull and Leclerc in Hungary.

Recall that Mercedes has chosen to skip a day of testing on Pirelli 2022s to compensate for the extra cost caused by the accident between Bottas and Russell in Imola.

The Milton Keynes and Ferrari team would like F1 managers to discuss how to account for this 'crash' damage.

"Accidents like the ones we have suffered in the last two GPs have not been foreseen and it is something that needs to be examined in more detail by the FIA," Horner said.

The British team would like these 'accident' costs to be excluded from the 145 million cap budget.

Scuderia Ferrari, on the other hand, is of the opinion that the teams of the drivers who caused the accident should pay for the damage. Mercedes in Silverstone, Mercedes and Aston Martin in Hungary. This is also to make the drivers more responsible.

Both solutions are complicated to implement, the Scuderia Ferrari one even more so. Who would determine what is the cost of repairing a particular damaged car? According to Red Bull, the Silverstone accident cost $1.8 million but it is not certain that for another team the estimated figure will be the same.

In addition to this, which components would be considered truly damaged and which not? And what about the engines? On the other hand, above all competing teams (Mercedes and Red Bull in this case they are) would do everything to increase the expense to turn over to the other team, if the Ferrari solution were used.

The inspection should then take place piece by piece, with the FIA ​​as supervisor. However, the latter we have already seen how often it does not have the ability to do it correctly.

In conclusion, it is rather difficult to find a solution that does not leave room for too many interpretations, always deleterious in a very regulated system such as F1 which instead, even more so with the budget cap, should grant more freedom.

Written By: Piergiuseppe Donadoni and Giuliano Duchessa

Original Link: https://www.formu1a.uno/come-ha-fatto-il-motore-ferrari-di-leclerc-a-danneggiarsi-in-maniera-irreparabile/

PHOTO CREDIT: Scuderia Ferrari

City of Cape Town plans to spend R44 million on infrastructure upgrades for Formula E

PHOTO CREDIT: ABB FIA Formula E Championship.

The City of Cape Town’s mayoral committee (Mayco) is calling on the Council to support the upcoming ABB FIA Formula E Championship event set to take place on 26 February 2022 around the Cape Town Stadium and Green Point Park. 

The FIA recently announced Cape Town as a new host city on its provisional FIA Formula E race calendar for the 2021/2022 season.

Cape Town has already demonstrated its capabilities in hosting major international motorsport events with the success of the FIA Rallycross Championship, the Extreme Festival National Championship (at Killarney), as well as the annual Drift City at the iconic Grand Parade.

"Over the last two years, we have been working hard behind the scenes within the administration and with the event organisers putting together all the requirements necessary to put together an event of this magnitude. Approval from council will allow us to begin the civil engineering works on the racetrack and ensure we can finalize all the logistics before the first-ever Formula E race on the African continent," Executive Mayor Alderman Dan Plato, said.

The proposed Formula E race track will be around the Green Point Park and Cape Town Stadium area(s).

"We have already had great engagements with local residents and ratepayers’ association who are fully behind this race event coming to Cape Town. This event will help Cape Town create job opportunities for residents, business opportunities for local entrepreneurs, the hospitality sector and benefit communities who are still feeling the economic effects of the pandemic," Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security Alderman JP Smith, said.

"The City notes the various issues raised by local civic and ratepayers associations around managing the events impact on residents during such a major event and these will be factored into the events approval."

Furthermore, the council has been requested to approve support for the road infrastructure updates required to host the Formula E event in 2021. These upgrades will cost approximately R44 million and will provide a long-term benefit to residents and reduce the need for future budget allocation to perform routine maintenance and upgrades in the future.

Plato's executive mayor delegation has also approved supporting the event with R2 million in cash to the event returning to the City for future races. A further R2 million will be provided in the form of services, on the above premise. 

Mayor Dan Plato admits that "the City’s contribution to this race event is dwarfed in comparison to the return on investment from hosting such an established international sporting event. In the three years that Formula E has been hosted in Hong Kong, it has contributed approximately R1,5 billion to that economy. This benefits a wide range of business in the event chain including manufacturing and service industries."