TOP 30 PHOTOGRAPHS: 2018 Gumtree World Rallycross of South Africa - DAY 2.

The 2018 Gumtree World Rallycross of South Africa has come and gone, but the memories will last forever, and so will photographs taken at the event. 

Over the course of the World RX event, I captured an incredible 5215 photographs on a  Nikon D3100 (body) with two lenses - 18-55mm and 55-200mm.

Day Two promised to be exciting after Sebastien Loeb took the overnight top qualifiers spot, and the 2018 Champion Johan Kristoffersson would have to launch a fight back to claim the overall top qualifiers spot. 

The Swede fought back and claimed wins in the two qualifying heats, and on count back claimed the overall top qualifiers spot. 

Oliver Eriksson was crowned the 2018 RX2 Series World Champion.

Kristoffersson claimed his 11th win from 12 rounds in Cape Town, with Mattias Ekstrom in second, Sebastien Loeb third, Kevin Hansen in fourth, DNF's for Timmy Hansen and Petter Solberg. 

Timo Scheider chatting outside the Munnich Motorsport garage.

Timur Timerzyanov initiating a slide to enter the dirt corner perfectly. 

Guerlain Chicherit attacking the barriers. 

Kevin Hansen attacking the kerbs.

RX2 driver Oliver Eriksson landing his jump.

National Rally demo.

South African Cross Country Series demo with Renault. 

South African Cross Country Series buggy demo lap.

Janis Baumanis flirting with the barriers. 

Niclas Gronholm with the stunning Table Mountain in the background.

Johan Kristoffersson leading the qualifying 3 session.

Andreas Bakkerud flirting with the barriers in pursuit of Petter Solberg.

Synchronized RX2 jumping.

Jason Webb drifting his MONstang. 

Robin Larsson turned around by his teammate Kevin Eriksson.

Kevin Eriksson being chased down by Guerlain Chicherit.

Andreas Bakkerud defending Turn 2 with Kevin Hansen and Timo Scheider attacking from behind.

Kristoffersson taking the kerb, while Solberg and Ekstrom are trying a different line in Turn 2.

RX2 driver Trogen leading the way. 

Timmy Hansen leading the way while Bakkerud has a sideways moment on the jump.

Some serious air for Petter Solberg.

RX2 driver Gryazin got caught off-guard by Oliver Eriksson and rear ended him. Gryazin continued racing with the damage. 

Johan Kristoffersson and Petter Solberg neck and neck with the Loeb, T. Hansen, Ekstrom and K. Hansen chasing.

Ekstrom leading Loeb and Hansen. 

Johan Kristoffersson celebrating his win. 

The PODIUM with WINNER Kristoffersson, Ekstrom and Loeb. Including Petter Solberg with the Supercharge Award.

Petter Solberg and Johan Kristoffersson celebrate their results.

Sebastien Loeb and Mattias Ekstrom gate crash the celebratory photo. 

Oliver Solberg hugging his father after the World RX final retirement (after an incident on lap 2).

The 2018 FIA World Rallycross Champions - PSRX Volkswagen Sweden.

The TOP THREE drivers in the FIA World Rallycross PRESS CONFERENCE. 

I truly hope that you have enjoyed these photographs and the galleries!

TOP 20 PHOTOGRAPHS: 2018 Gumtree World Rallycross of South Africa - DAY 1.

The 2018 Gumtree World Rallycross of South Africa has come and gone, but the memories will last forever, and so will photographs taken at the event. 

Over the course of the World RX weekend, I captured an incredible 5215 photographs on a little Nikon D3100 (body) with two lenses - 18-55mm and 55-200mm.

Day One was rather thrilling with Aerobatic display's, National Rally demos, RX2 and the World RX supercars taking to the track. 

Sebastien Loeb topped the day, while Johan Kristoffersson was languishing in 16th overall after Q1, but staged a masterful come back after suffering with turbo issues in the first qualifying heat. Kristoffersson claimed victory in the second qualifying heat climbing from sixteenth overall to sixth on day one. 

The Silver Falcons aerobatic team at work.

Oliver Solberg giving his father [Petter Solberg] a hug ahead of Q1.

Petter Solberg leading Kevin Eriksson and Mattias Ekstrom [Three cars in the air]

Norwegian RX2 driver Sondre Evjen climbing the kerbs.

Guerlain Chicherit coming out of the jump sideways.

Johan Kristoffersson spinning in Q1 after suffering turbo issues.

Kevin Hansen leading Timur Timerzyanov and Anton Marklund over the jump.

Petter Solberg signing a 2010 Citroen Xsara C4 WRC.

Petter Solberg, Sebastien Loeb and Timmy Hansen chatting before the press conference.

The World RX of South Africa signing session.

Mattias Ekstrom leading Marklund and Timerzyanov.

Ben Philip Gunderson launching off the kerbs.

Kenneth Hansen driving Timmy Hansen and Sebastien Loeb after they were called to the stewards.

Petter Solberg leading Timmy Hansen, Andreas Bakkerud and Janis Baumanis in Q2.

EKS Audi Sport preparation.

Kevin Eriksson coming withing millimeters of hitting the barrier.

PSRX Volkswagen Sweden system set-up.

RX2 driver Oliver Eriksson cleaning his front bumper after hitting yellow pylons on the circuit.

GCK Kompetition's rear end assembly.

The race into Turn 1. 

TOP 20 PHOTOGRAPHS: 2018 Gumtree World Rallycross of South Africa - BUILD UP.

The 2018 Gumtree World Rallycross of South Africa has come and gone, but the memories will last forever, and so will photographs taken at the event. 

Over the course of the World RX weekend, I captured an incredible 5215 photographs on a little Nikon D3100 (body) with two lenses - 18-55mm and 55-200mm.

Capturing 5215 photographs makes it an incredible challenge when choosing a selection of TOP 50 or 100 shots. So, over the course of the next few days, I will compile the TOP 20 photographs over the three day event. From Build-up to the Chequered Flag.. I hope that you will enjoy these galleries! 

Toyota Gazoo Racing - South African Cross Country TOYOTA HILUX

Timmy Hansen's Peugeot 208 WRX Evo supercar being prepared. 

Oliver Bennett's BMW Mini SX1 bonnet.

Sébastien Loeb at the Team Peugeot Total garage.

The FRIDAY PRESS CONFERENCE with Niclas Gronholm (left), Sébastien Loeb, Johan Kristoffersson and Timo Scheider. 

Timur Timerzyanov heading to the shakedown session in his Hyundai i20 Supercar.

The stunning view from POLE POSITION.

Guerlain Chicherit heading out of the pits in his GCK Renault Megane R.S. RX Supercar.

Andreas Bakkerud performing a practice start in his EKS Audi Sport S1 

Niclas Gronholm returning from his practice run.

Loeb performing a practice start in the Peugeot 208 WRX Evo.

Oliver Bennett in his BMW Mini SX1 with the wrong side door livery and performing a practice launch.

Timo Scheider launching around the first corner after performing a practice launch.

Friday preparation at Olsberg MSE.

Kevin Hansen sliding his Peugeot 208 RX during the Friday shakedown session.

Andreas Bakkerud's car tag and sponsors.

Anton Marklund performing a practice launch at the Friday shakedown session.

EKS Audi Sport's wheel rim.

GCK Kompetition's rear end wheel assembly designed by Prodrive Engineering

Sébastien Loeb joking about Johan's chances of winning, as his car was stuck at the Cape Town harbour

I hope that you have enjoyed taking a look at my favourite build-up photographs! 

Kristoffersson credits PSRX Volkswagen Sweden for the successful 2018 World RX season.

PHOTO CREDIT: Junaid Samodien.

Nothing could stop Johan Kristoffersson for clinching an incredible 11th win from 12 races at the World RX of South Africa.

The unfazed Swede arrived in Cape Town on Thursday evening ahead of the season finale. Upon arrival at the Killarney International Racing on Friday morning, he discovered that the teams equipment and cars had not arrived yet. 

A cargo ship transporting the Polo R Supercars were two days late docking due to bad weather at the Cape Town harbor. But, in a dramatic race against time, the team got the cars prepared for the first qualifying session.

Kristoffersson joked on Friday in the press conference that if his car does not arrive, he will race the electric golf kart: "Our biggest struggles at the moment is not let the golf kart be underweight." 

Johan did not have it easy in the first qualifying heat and finished 16th overall after suspected turbo failure. But would the Swede allow turbo failure to stop him claiming the top qualifiers spot? The answer is simple.... NO! He came back firing and claimed victory in Q2 and moved up to sixth overnight.

Heading into the final day of racing, Kristoffersson held nothing back and claimed wins in Q3 and Q4, which then put him on level pegging with Sébastien Loeb. The Swede claimed his eighth top qualifier spot after a count back. 

The unbelievable Swede sailed to victory in semi-final 1 by 1.909s to Team Peugeot Total's Timmy Hansen. Johan would start on pole position for the final.

Kristoffersson celebrates victory in Cape Town.
PHOTO CREDIT: Junaid Samodien.

Kristoffersson would line-up alongside his teammate Petter Solberg in the final. Solberg claimed the Monster Energy Supercharge Award for the fastest reaction time, but that was not enough to stop the Swede from claiming yet another victory.

“What can I say? Winning is what we are here for, but this win really means a lot – and I know I said that every time I won a race, but it’s really true!," says Kristoffersson. "When you come to the last race of the season, it’s really important to go to the winter with a win. We all know you’re only as good as your last result, so to start round one in 2019 off the back of this is nice."

Johan Kristoffersson joined PSRX Volkswagen Sweden in 2017. He claimed seven wins and the 2017 FIA World Rallycross Championship in his maiden season with the team, but it did not end there, the Swede returned in 2018 and successfully defended his crown. 

“This team is so special," the Swede says. "Everything I have achieved this year has come because of the hard work all of the guys, everybody has put in – all the team in Torsby; everybody in Volkswagen Motorsport in Hannover and, of course, with the great support from Volkswagen Sweden." 

"Talking now, I actually feel really quite emotional – the title has sunk in a little bit and this win is such a nice way to end a fantastic, fantastic season."

The Swede was deprived of a clean sweep of victories by Team Peugeot Total's Sébastien Loeb who claimed victory in Belgium.

“Winning 11 from 12 is really nice – makes me a little bit frustrated about [World RX of] Belgium where [Sébastien] Loeb won – but that 100 per cent record gives us something to work towards next year! I’m just joking…" says Kristoffersson.

The Swede has been in incredible form this season, and his teammate Petter Solberg came close to victory in America, but a slight mistake cost the Norwegian, and Johan slipped through to claim victory.

And, if you did not know.... Johan Kristoffersson also claimed the 2018 Scandinavian Touring Car Championship this year. Yes, his a double champion in 2018! 

With victory in Cape Town, Johan equaled Sebastian Vettel's [Formula 1] record of nine wins in a nine races set back in 2013.

"To make nine wins in nine races is also something special for me; I remember watching Sebastian Vettel winning the last nine races of the 2013 [Formula 1] season and just thinking how incredible that feeling must be, to have so much success in one season," the Swede said. “And now I did that. Unbelievable."

"I will never forget this season, it’s such a special one.”

Petter Solberg happy to show good speed in Cape Town.

PHOTO CREDIT: Junaid Samodien

Three-time FIA World Champion Petter Solberg arrived in Cape Town, with a slim chance of claiming second in the 2018 World Rallycross Championship after a forced engine change penalty. 

“It was quite a long shot for me to make the silver medal and in the end it wasn’t possible," said Solberg. "That’s kind of the way the season has gone for me."

The Norwegian showed strong pace throughout the weekend [in Cape Town], but there were question marks as whether PSRX Volkswagen Sweden would even make the start of the Q1. After a cargo ship transporting the Polo R Supercars were two days late docking due to bad weather. 

PSRX Volkswagen Sweden missed the shakedown on Friday afternoon, but a few hours later the shipping containers arrived with the Polo R Supercars onboard, and it was a race against time, to get the cars prepared and on the grid with just hours to the opening qualifying session. 

"It’s true that the start of the event was a little bit difficult, not having the cars here on time made it quite stressful, but Pernilla [Solberg] and the rest of the team did a fantastic job in getting everything ready in such a quick time," the Norwegian said.

Petter Solberg claimed fourth in the first qualifying heat and second behind his teammate Kristoffersson in the second qualifying session placing him second overall on day one.

On Sunday, he finished fourth fastest in the third qualifying heat and fifth in the final qualifying heat placing him fourth overall in the standings. Qualifying for the semi-final, Solberg would start in second place alongside Sebastien Loeb, but with strong pace he won the second semi-final booking a slot on the grid for the final. 

Petter Solberg and his son Oliver Solberg discussing the final.
PHOTO CREDIT: Junaid Samodien

“I’m really happy that I’ve been able to show such good speed through this weekend," said the PSRX Volkswagen Sweden driver.

Solberg lined up on the grid for the final alongside his teammate Johan [Kristoffersson], both PSRX Volkswagen Sweden drivers had strong starts, but Kristoffersson edged ahead at Turn 2. The Norwegian was running second overall and had his sights set on claiming his first win of the season. Unfortunately, it was not to be, Petter was forced to retire after a first-lap incident lead to him hitting the barrier at Turn 3 in the final. 

“I really wanted the win here [Cape Town] this weekend," says Solberg. "Like Johan [Kristoffersson] has said, to go to the winter with the win is a special feeling."

The Norwegian hasn't had the easiest of seasons after doctors treating him for a broken collarbone in 2017 discovered that his liver was producing too much iron. He was treated for the condition, but came close to ending his World RX career. Solberg described the struggles that he has had.. "No energy and eyes were blurry."  

"Like the rest of my season, it just didn’t work out as I wanted it to," says Solberg. "But, I must say, when I think back to the middle of the year, when I was struggling to get fit – I am coming back so much stronger now." 

“I want next year to start next week!”

Solberg versus Solberg, while Kristoffersson aims to defend his Gymkhana Grid crown.

PHOTO CREDIT: Gymkhana Grid.

Its Solberg versus Solberg; Petter versus Oliver at Gymkhana Grid at Carnival Circuit, Johannesberg on Saturday.

For the first time ever, 18-year-old Oliver Solberg will go head-to-head with the three-time FIA World Champion he calls Dad. 

And, as if Oliver doesn’t have enough to contend with, Johan Kristoffersson – a two-time FIA World Champion returns to defend his crown.

Johan and Petter will drive their Volkswagen Polo R Supercars that have dominated this year’s FIA World Rallycross Championship, while Oliver will drive his fathers nine-year-old Citroen Xsara WRC.

Oliver Solberg's Citroen Xsara WRC
PHOTO CREDIT: PSRX Volkswagen Sweden.

“It doesn’t seem very fair does it?” Oliver jokes. “I have only 380 horsepower, but they both have nearly 600 in their cars! It’s not going to be easy…"

“It will be quite strange to compete against my father. We have tested and raced against each other at home quite a lot – obviously I am always winning – but this will be different. This is the first time for us racing in a proper competition."

“Being a bit more serious, it will be really nice to be competing with Dad," says Oliver Solberg. "I think the biggest problem for the weekend could be for my Mum – who does she support?”

Petter Solberg is looking forward to go head-to-head with his son at the Gymkhana Grid on Saturday.

“It’s fantastic to be racing with Oliver,” he said. “He’s got a good car there, that Xsara was one of my favourites – and don’t believe what he’s telling you, for sure he has some tricks in that car. I know, I built it!”

Last year’s Gymkhana Grid winner Johan Kristoffersson has his eyes set on a second South African win in six days, having won last weekend’s World RX of South Africa.

“I love working and competing with the Solberg family,” said Kristoffersson, “but Saturday is going to be something special… facing two of them! 

“The Gymkhana Grid is a really nice event. It’s a place to do some drifting and some donuts and have some fun in the car," he adds. "It’s a cool event in a cool place with a lot of fans coming to watch.”

Timmy Hansen: "It’s been five years with Peugeot, so it’s emotional now that it’s all ending."

Timmy Hansen flying over the jump in Cape Town.
PHOTO CREDIT: Junaid Samodien

Timmy Hansen wrapped up his World Rallycross Championship career with Peugeot Sport on a negative note after he was forced to retire from the final in Cape Town. 

Hansen claimed third place overall on Saturday, behind his teammate Loeb and Solberg. 

On Sunday, the Swede claimed third place in the third qualifying heat, and a fourth place finish in qualifying four. He progressed to the semi-finals, and finished in second place booking him a slot in the finals. 

Timmy had a good start in the final but unfortunately he had to retire, as he could not avoid contact with Petter Solberg who spun and threw up a lot of dust. 
“Coming out from the dust, I hit Solberg that has done a spin, and that broke my triangle," said Hansen. "I had to retire."

The Swede has been competing in the World RX championship since its inception in 2014 in a Peugeot 208, five long years but in October, Peugeot announced there withdrawal from the championship at the end of the 2018 season. 

"It’s been five years with Peugeot for me, so it’s emotional now that it’s all ending. I am proud of what we have done," says an emotional Hansen. "I am happy for everything that’s been given to me throughout the years; we have some fantastic memories. I am proud of everything we achieved."

Timmy Hansen would have been in the fight for second place in the drivers' standings, but was forced to take two engine penalties [loosing 15 points per new engine] in Latvia and America. He wrapped up the 2018 World Rallycross Championship in sixth place overall. 

"It has been a good season this year again," says Hansen. "I am happy with the overall result, happy for being with the guys at Peugeot Sport, for sharing this journey with them."