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

Kristoffersson extends championship lead despite Battle of Technologies tie in hot Nyirád.

PHOTO CREDIT: Red Bull Content Pool

Hungary turns up the heat, as the FIA World Rallycross Championship serves up a thrilling double-header at the 'Red Cauldron', with Niclas Grönholm and Johan Kristoffersson winning Rounds 3 and 4 respectively in the ‘Battle of Technologies’ at the World RX of Hungary. 

Six-time World Champion Johan Kristoffersson kickstarted his 2024 campaign in commanding fashion winning both rounds in Holjes, Sweden earlier this month in the teams' newly-developed Volkswagen 601 KMS RX sustainably-fuelled combustion-engined Supercar, while his rivals expect the 'Battle of Technologies' to sway between ICE and EV cars, as the season progresses. 

PHOTO CREDIT: Red Bull Content Pool

Nyirád's famous 'Red Cauldron' played host to rounds 3 and 4 of the World RX Championship, and boy did it deliver, as Johan Kristoffersson and Kevin Hansen were quite literally locked in a sprint to the tight turn one, with neither of them willing to concedes as the field barrelled into the first corner, and both had heavy impacts into the outside barrier, with Hansen's damaged Peugeot 208 RX1e going no further, whilst Niclas Grönholm, cool as a cucumber navigated his way through to the lead, and eventually, his first victory of the season ahead of new father, and second-placed finisher Ole Christian Veiby by 5.364s with Hungarian Jankó Wieszt reaching the rostrum on his World RX debut. Behind them were champions, Timmy Hansen in fourth and Kristoffersson in fifth, who lost heaps of time due to suspension damage from the turn-one incident.

“I am proud of everyone in the team, they have been working hard and now when we get the results it is amazing. We are here to win and do good, so it is a good reward to everyone and a testament to our core philosophy of equal and sustainable motorsport,” Grönholm said.

Following the final, the FIA Stewards investigated the first corner incident between Johan Kristoffersson and Kevin Hansen, and deemed the reigning World Champion "predominately to blame for the first incident", whilst Hansen was disqualified for "failure to provide footage from the Judicial Camera".

Round 4 Podium - Johan Kristoffersson winner [center], OC Veiby second [left], and Klara Andersson third [right]
PHOTO CREDIT: Red Bull Content Pool

With temperatures on the rise in Hungary and between rivals, Sunday was another day to find some improvements for all in the field, and that seemed to be the target for Johan Kristoffersson who was fairly mighty, despite damage in the second heat, he posted the fastest lap, and led from lights-to-flag in the semi-final and final, winning Round 4 by 10.809s to further extend his lead in the World RX championship. 

“Yesterday wasn’t a great day, but today was much better!” Kristoffersson said. “It’s been a great first experience here in Hungary and it’s been nice to see so many fans. I got a good start in the final and could then control the race from there – I wasn’t pushing hard. I just tried to drive smoothly and avoid making any mistakes. If I’d needed a real ‘killer’ lap, I’m pretty sure I could have gone quicker...”

Like a 24-hours earlier, OC Veiby finished second once again to jump from fourth to second in the drivers’ standings, while Klara Andersson came home third.

"Twice P2 is absolutely acceptable. Up to second place in the championship as well and many team points. It can't get any better," Veiby said.

Klara Andersson has been on fantastic form – but when margins are so tight a brush with a barrier on the joker lap in Saturday’s semi-final denied her a place in the Round 3 final, while bent steering after contact with the barriers at the first comer hampered her efforts of winning Sunday’s Round 4.

“It was a tough weekend, but I’m really happy to finish on the podium today. The car felt great, and winning two heats was a big highlight. A big decision today was switching to rain tires for the final, and it paid off as we secured third place. Standing on the podium and earning good points felt amazing. Sharing third place in the championship with Niclas is a great comeback from yesterday, but I know there’s more potential to unlock,” said Klara Andersson.

PHOTO CREDIT: RED BULL CONTENT POOL

Coming into the Hungarian weekend, the Hansen World RX team drivers expected EV cars to get one over their sustainably-fuelled internal-combustion-engined rivals, but it was yet another difficult weekend. 

Timmy Hansen finished fourth in both Saturday and Sunday’s finals, which was a scant reward for the driver’s efforts.

"A big thank you to our team. They worked until the early hours of the morning preparing for today and fixing the damage from yesterday. They did an amazing job and the cars were like new. The 'Battle of Technologies' is still in favour of the ICE cars, we are 160kg heavier than them and even with our extra power we can't seem to get the advantage," Timmy said. "We are fighting with the CE Dealer Team for best of the electric, and that fight is looking very close. We've got testing tomorrow so we'll be looking into everything and improving where we can ahead of Belgium."

The Hansen World RX team may still be searching for its first podium result of 2024, but nevertheless, Kevin and Timmy remain a close fourth and fifth in the points table respectively.

"This weekend has been a tough one for all of us. It was a very hot couple of days so it has been a real challenge to keep pushing forward, but the team were amazing and we kept improving the car step by step. We were much more in the fight today and that was a good feeling. Unfortunately, we couldn't get all the way to the podium on either day this weekend, but we'll keep pushing until we get that win," the younger Hansen brother said.

Jankó Wieszt reaches the podium on debut.
PHOTO CREDIT: Red Bull Content Pool

Having celebrated a third-place finish on Saturday, the former Hungarian rallycross champion Jankó Wieszt was involved in an incident on the run up to turn one in Sunday's semi-final, and after wheel-to-wheel contact, his Renault Megane rotated sharp left and hit the tyre wall bringing out a Red Flag.

It wasn't smooth sailing for Rene Munnich either, as he was denied a place in the final after a turn-one incident as well, but just a day later, he made it through the semi-final, on course to a sixth-place finish on Sunday. 

World RX returns on 17 to 18 August at Mettet, Belgium for rounds 5 and 6. Can anyone stop Kristoffersson? 

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! 

Maserati Corse’s Sgro says Formula E will evolve with larger battery capacity planned for Gen4 which will see longer races.

Giovanni Tommasso Sgro, Head of Maserati Corse. 
PHOTO CREDIT: Maserati Racing

The Head of Maserati Corse, Giovanni Tommasso Sgro has said that more battery capacity in the Gen4 era of FIA Formula E will mean the likelihood of longer races on full tracks ‘like it is in Formula 1’. 

Ten years since Formula E's inception, the championship has made major strides on several fronts, whether it be, a push to NetZero, or technological advancement, but, recently strides have been made regarding the future development of the Gen 4 era, which is expected in 2026-27. 

Generation 4, or Gen4, as we like to abbreviate names, will boast even more performance than its soon-to-be predecessors - Gen3 or 3.5 with much bigger battery capacity, and an evolved look but, until then, Formula E continues with the Gen3 era, which Giovanni Tomasso Sgro says is "extremely exciting because you have so much energy and so much exciting racing packed into shorter races.”

Max Guenther racing in the Saudi EPrix
PHOTO CREDIT: Maserati Racing

Based on the information available, the Gen4 cars will have four-wheel-drive, and more power output 600kW, with 700kW of recuperation. 

In terms of the car's look, it will be shorter, wider, and heavier than the current Gen3 car, with further details still to be confirmed, however, with more power output, and battery capacity, Formula E races in the coming years, could potentially extend from 45 minutes and one lap to a lot longer. 

“So, I think that makes it super exciting. The attention of the audience, whether you're a motorsport fan or just somebody who is interested in technology and innovation, because that's how the audience is split, not 50-50, but you have a really interesting dynamic of a really diehard motorsport fans that is interested in competition, and seeing some of the best drivers in the world compete at the highest levels,” the Head of Maserati Corse told Slipstream SA. 

“And then you have innovation and technology gurus who are following the race and following teams because they want to understand, what they are going to drive in five years, three years, or even 10 years in terms of what a manufacturer learning from being a part of the Formula E Championship? So I think it would be great to have longer races because it then means that we are evolving.” 

“We're adding innovation to these types of races, not because batteries now, and street cars are not sufficient enough. It's just that when you think of these high-caliber drivers going 250, 260, 270 kilometers an hour in some races and some of the circuits that we have, you understand that more power, more speed is going to absorb more energy from the battery. So I think that if we get to longer races, it means that we've evolved and we've done a great job of doing so.”

“So I'd be very excited to see longer races, longer circuits. And I think it's just a matter of time before that happens.”

South Africa's 'only card to play' is the absence of an African F1 race - Roux

Kyalami Grand Prix circuit main straight, and pit facility. 
PHOTO CREDIT: Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit

Long, twisty, and undulating, are but a few words to describe South Africa’s journey to bring Formula One back to the African continent after nearly 31 years. 

South Africa's Grand Prix history dates back to 1934 when races were first held in East London, before a move to Kyalami in Johannesburg.

As the years ticked on, the day finally arrived, and in 1993 Formula 1 hosted its final Grand Prix in South Africa, which was won by Alain Prost in a Williams at Kyalami. But, despite the departure of F1, motorsport within the country continued to thrive, with various tin-top championships, and single-seater races continuing, including the MotoGP Championship that raced in the southern tip of Africa until 2004. 

Whilst MotoGP also departed, in came the A1 Grand Prix championship, which was first held in Durban, before moving to Kyalami, but as the years progressed, the 4.529-kilometer circuit located in Midrand, Gauteng fell into disrepair, and came close to being sold to property developers. However, a late bid from Porsche SA's CEO Toby Venter, meant the iconic circuit's future was secure. And with further investments, to the value of R100 million, Kyalami began their facility upgrade project, broadening the pitlane, constructing bigger garages, and a state-of-the-art conference facility.

With the upgrades completed, in 2016, the Kyalami Grand Prix circuit earned FIA Grade 2 certification, which means the circuit can host the FIA World Endurance Championship, as well as MotoGP, but to secure a Formula One return, Grade 1 certification is required, and to achieve this minor changes are required, mainly: run-off zones, and paddock facilities. 

Like many countries, there are governing bodies overseeing motorsport, and in South Africa,  Motorsport SA (MSA) sanctions all events in relation to rules and regulations, that emanate from the South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee (SASCOC), as well as its membership with the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA). This in turn means that no international event, or no acknowledged international event can take place within South Africa without MSA issuing a permit. 

The revamped 17-turn Kyalami Grand Prix circuit.
Circuit Map Credit: Kyalami Grand Prix circuit. 

Speaking to Slipstream SA about Formula 1 at Kyalami, Anton Roux, MSA Chairperson and FIA Senate Member explains the changes required to the track: “They are small. It’s not an insurmountable problem. There are other bigger challenges that we would need to overcome, but the actual circuit is not the issue. The changes to the circuit are minuscule, it’s small!"

South Africa returned to the international spotlight in 2017 when the FIA World Rallycross Championship made its debut in Cape Town at the Killarney International Raceway, and just years later, the Intercontinental GT Challenge announced the revival of the famous Kyalami 9 Hour. 

In 2023, single-seater racing returned to the African continent in the form of the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship, which raced in Cape Town, before it too departed, with hints of a possible return in the not-too-distant future. 

With South Africa well and truly propelled back onto the international stage, talks began regarding a potential return of Formula One to the Kyalami Grand Prix circuit, but if we were to rewind to 2011 when talks first emerged to host F1 in Cape Town, those talks never truly got off the ground despite the support of Anthony Hamilton, the father of seven-time F1 World Champion Sir Lewis Hamilton. 

However, renewed hope came in 2019, when former F1 commercial managing director Sean Bratches spoke openly about Formula One’s intentions to host a Grand Prix in South Africa, and soon after, talks were initiated to host Formula 1 at the Kyalami Grand Prix circuit, with Formula 1 CEO, Stefano Domenicali, visiting the country in 2022, where he got a taste of the 4.529-kilometer track on a hot lap with Toby Venter.

When asked by SkySports F1 about a return of Formula 1 to Kyalami, and why a deal has not been struck, Stefano Domenicali said: “Africa is still a continent that we are working very hard on. As I always said, we need to find the right partners and the right middle-term plan. What I want to avoid is that we go there for one year and then forget it. We are working, trying to find a solution for the best of the sport, for the best of the country."

Whilst initial talks proved fruitful with the South African Grand Prix (Pty) Ltd promoter, and Formula One Management (FOM), Anton Roux exclusively tells Slipstream SA that a deal to host Formula One at the Kyalami Grand Prix circuit “was incredibly close. I think everything was agreed.”

The South African Grand Prix (Pty) Ltd promoter came extremely close to sealing a deal with FOM, however, those talks were put on hold when South African President Cyril Ramaphosa deflected calls to have his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin arrested when he was set to visit the country for the BRICS summit after the International Criminal Court issued an arrest warrant for Putin in March over war crimes related to Russia's invasion of Ukraine, and the subsequent war between the two nations. And, as a member of the ICC, South Africa is theoretically required to arrest Putin under the court's warrant.

Roux explains that “to bring a Formula One event to South Africa, you need all the parties. These parties are, the Formula One organization, the FIA, an international promoter, and a local promoter for such an event. And then obviously, you can't host such an event without approval from the government, and that is on a national as well as a provincial level.”

"So all of those agreements were in place” but “what you must remember is that Formula One belongs to Liberty Media, which is a listed entity on the New York Stock Exchange.”

He adds that “unfortunately at the time our government made comments that they're not quite sure if they would arrest Mr Putin if he were to arrive in the country for the BRICS summit. There was uncertainty around that, as well as the Lady R event that took place in Simon’s Town, Cape Town, where we had a Russian ship docking in the South African Harbour.”

“And, clearly when you've got the Formula One organization, and you've got a host of countries and cities around the world wanting to host a Formula One event, we were placed at a huge disadvantage and therefore they decided to pursue some of the other options.”

Asked whether talks between FOM and the South African Grand Prix (Pty) Ltd have restarted, Roux says he “doubts if it will”. 

“Cities like Las Vegas are putting down 500 million dollars to host an event. Now, if you are the owner of the series, then you’ve got to make a decision as to where you're gonna put future events. There's a financial benefit in it, as the owner of the series. So, we have a significant disadvantage, and the only card that we've got to play is that there's no event taking place on the African continent. That's actually all we've got!”, he explains. 

Factoring in hosting costs, according to statista.com, the highest 2022 Formula One hosting fee is 55 million dollars, which equates to over R1 billion for the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, to 15 million dollars for the Jewel in the F1 Crown, Monaco. So, with that in mind, it’s quite expensive to secure high-level motorsport events, which requires a lot of investment and support from the local government. 

There is a tremendous hunger for Formula 1 in South Africa, as seen at the recent Cape Town E-Prix, with thousands of fans wearing team merchandise, including MotoGP fanwear, so there is no better time to see the return of either F1 or MotoGP to South Africa.

Slipstream SA asked Roux whether Kyalami could host a MotoGP race, to which, he said: “I’ve had no discussions with MotoGP whatsoever. So, I’m not in a position to comment on that.”

Brad Binder lapping the Kyalami Grand Prix circuit on his KTM Factory RC-16.
PHOTO CREDIT: Red Bull Content Pool

Whilst there are no talks, excitement reached fever pitch, when in 2022, South African MotoGP race winner Brad Binder returned home during the mid-season break with his KTM Factory Racing RC-16, aiming to set a new benchmark lap time around the Kyalami Grand Prix circuit, where no official track record has been set for a modern era MotoGP bike, and with a benchmark of 1:45.00 to target, Binder set a 1:42.26. 

When asked by Simon Patterson if Kyalami is ready to host MotoGP, Brad Binder said:  “Kyalami has the best pits, I think, out of most of the tracks we go to. So, as far as the actual facility is concerned, it's insane! It'll be perfect. But, there are a couple of areas where they need to move the walls back. So, that's the main thing that can stop us from returning to South Africa. The only thing they need to do is, there are two points in particular where they need to really give us a little bit more run-off. And, if they do that, I think we can go back.”

Despite Binder's positive endorsement of Kyalami, it is worth keeping in mind that deals are not struck by the click of a finger, but what bodes well for the country is that costs could be more affordable than F1. According to MotorMatters.com: “In 2011, Motorland Aragon paid Dorna 6 million euros, rising to 7 million in 2012, for 41 million euros (which equates to R835 million between 2011 and 2012).”

Along with affordability and initiating talks come track alterations to cater to the specific needs of MotoGP, for example, and therefore, we asked Kyalami Spokesman Christo Kruger, are there any changes required to host MotoGP at Kyalami, to which, he said: “An event like MotoGP will require FIA inspection and approval. It is difficult to ascertain what changes may be required without professional telemetry simulations and analysis.”

“Kyalami is a host facility and not event promoters, so we have not reached out to MotoGP to assess the appetite/cost for a Kyalami race,” Kruger added.

QUESTION: Would you like to see Formula 1 and/or MotoGP return to South Africa? Please, let us know in the comments section!