"Satisfied" Grönholm doubles up with Höljes win.

PHOTO CREDIT: RallyX Nordic

Niclas Grönholm is "satisfied" after securing back-to-back Supercar wins in Höljes over the weekend. 

Level on points with Fraser McConnell after Q1 and Q2 on Saturday, Grönholm picked up where he left off by setting the fastest time in Q3. 

Having had the superior pace all weekend. The question remained: Would Niclas have the pace for a clean sweep in qualifying? Soon, we'd get the answers to these questions.

Despite keeping his nose clean during the final qualifying race, it was Anton Marklund who sprung a surprise to claim the top spot in Q4 but based on the points tally over the four qualifying sessions, it was Grönholm clinched the Top Qualifiers honors. 

The 2021 specification World RX Hyundai Supercars have had superior starts (launches) all weekend, and in the semi-final, Niclas enjoyed a trouble-free run from the lights to flag, ahead of second-placed McConnell. Whilst Kristoffersson fought back to overhaul Krisztian Szabo to book a spot on the front row in the final. 

From pole position, Grönholm had another impressive start to cover off turns 1 and 2, whilst those behind battled for position with fast-starting McConnell taking the inside line for turn 2 forcing Kristoffersson into a lap one joker. Thereafter, Niclas controlled the pace to the flag.  

With a desire to win, Kristoffersson pulled off an incredible pass on Andreas Bakkerud to keep some pressure on Grönholm. Soon after, he picked off McConnell who took the joker lap, but his efforts to catch the Finn were ultimately in vain as the Hyundai driver comfortably controlled the pace to cross the line 0.400 seconds ahead of the three-time World RX champion. 

"I’m definitely more satisfied with this win than on Thursday!" Grönholm said. "To be honest, the first laps I didn’t know what the gap was behind, they didn’t tell me but it got to the stage where Jussi [Pinomäki] said we need a bit more, luckily I found it and managed to push without making any silly mistakes so that’s something to be satisfied with."

"For sure it feels nice to get these two victories so I’m happy but as always, the hard work continues."

Kristoffersson admits "I did what I could" to challenge Niclas Grönholm in the Supercar final.

"The lap times were just not enough when Niclas got into the rhythm, but it was a difficult place to be in the final starting in the second position, and I have two Hyundai's on the inside. Our starts haven't been good enough, but it was good-ish," Kristoffersson said.

"Niclas had a very good start and I was able to slot in there. Then McConnell came from the outside. I didn't plan to joker on the first lap because of the exact situation that happened. Then tried to get my head down, but it was just not enough. I did everything I could. Right now, it feels shit. I am happy in one way because I could challenge-ish Niclas, but not really because I know that he is controlling it a little bit. The plan was not to make Niclas feel comfortable in the final. I did what I could!"

Round one race winner, Fraser McConnell, brought his Olsbergs MSE Fiesta home in third to keep his championship hopes alive, with Krisztian Szabo finishing in fourth ahead of Enzo Ide, and Andreas Bakkerud who made history for not only winning qualifying races but also making the final in the fully electric STARD Ford Fiesta.  

Kristoffersson’s second-place finish in Höljes means he retains the lead in the Supercar standings, 13 points ahead of McConnell and a further 5 points clear of Sondre Evjen whilst Grönholm sits in joint-fourth with Ide following his two-round appearance in Sweden.

Will Niclas Grönholm return for the three remaining rounds of the RallyX Nordic championship? 

"You never know. Let's see what happens!" Grönholm said. "There are a lot of things going on not only rallycross, so we need to see if it's possible, but for sure racing is always fun."

Grönholm and McConnell share overnight TQ honors in Höljes.

PHOTO CREDIT: RallyX Nordic.

Niclas Grönholm and Fraser McConnell draw level on points midway through qualifying for Round 4 of the RallyX Nordic championship in Höljes.

Both drivers picked up 90 points from their two qualifying heats, both claiming a win and the fourth-best time, which see them on equal points at the top of the Supercar class intermediate standings. 

Changeable conditions did not impact the on-track action, as McConnell stamped his authority on Q1, with a mighty strong start out of blocks with Grönholm and Anton Marklund slotting in behind. Thereafter, the Jamaican showed blistering pace in his Olsbergs MSE Ford Fiesta Supercar to win by a margin of 3.055 seconds in Q1.

Having set the fourth-fastest time in Q1. Niclas Grönholm launched a fightback in Q2, and despite not getting the perfect start. He drew level with Fraser and squeeze Marklund and Kristoffersson to back off and slot in behind. On the run into turn 2, the Finn took the joker lap with an aim to benefit in clear air. 

Marklund, who was right on the bumper of McConnell spun off from second-place, dropping to the rear of the field on the first lap clearing the way for Szabo, Grönholm, and Kristoffersson behind. 

With a clear pace advantage, Niclas latched onto the rear of Krisztian Szabo who strategically jokered on lap 2 to make life easier for his team-mate. The ice-cool Finn started chipping away at Fraser's lead in the wet conditions, and as McConnell jokered. Who emerged in the lead? None other than Niclas Grönholm who won Q2. 

Three-time World Rallycross Champion Johan Kristoffersson had a day to forget after suffering from a turbo hose issue, which slowed him down quite considerably in Q1. After two qualifying sessions, Johan is six points behind Grönholm and McConnell in the intermediate standings, with his immediate championship Sondre Evjen a point further back in fourth. 

What will happen on day 2 is anyone guess? But it's all to play for tomorrow! 

Kristoffersson retains championship lead, despite semi-final exit.

PHOTO CREDIT: Volkswagen Dealerteam BAUHAUS/QNIGAN

Johan Kristoffersson retains the RallyX Nordic championship lead, despite missing the final of round 3 in this weekend's Höljes doubleheader.

The three-time world champion dominated from the start, winning all the three qualifying rounds with tough but thrilling on track battles especially from the likes of Krisztian Szabo and Niclas Grönholm their 2021 specification Hyundai i20's.

 "I had to use all the tricks in my book," Kristoffersson said. 

Constant work to improve the Kristoffersson Motorsport Polo GTi RX has yielded positive results, but Johan admits that the car is the best it has been to date. 

"The car has never been as good as it is now. I actually do not know if I can improve more without rebuilding the whole car," he adds.

In the semifinals, it all went according to plan initially, with Johan out in the lead after an intense battle with Niclas Grönholm. A spot in the final looked secured, but during the fourth lap, he had a puncture on the right front tyre (a new tyre) and his lead quickly evaporated. 

"Leading is absolutely the worst place to get a puncture, especially in Höljes. I lost a lot of time right in the velodrome corner," he says. 

In the end, he crossed the checkered flag in fifth place and would go no further. 

And, despite missing out on the final, the 32-year-old maintains the championship lead, four points ahead of rival and former teammate Sondre Evjen. 

Johan will have a chance at redemption when the championship continues in Höljes on Saturday and Sunday.

"It's going to be super fun. I hope to use all the tricks in the book, even this time," he concludes.

Grönholm claims "nerve-wracking" win in Höljes.

PHOTO CREDIT: RallyX Nordic.

Nicolas Grönholm claimed a nerve-wracking victory behind the wheel of his Hyundai i20, staying level-headed in a frenetic Supercar final in Höljes.

The 24-year-old bagged third-place finish in the opening race of the 2020 'Magic Weekend' and finished as top qualifier in the second event - onto to run into mechanical issues. 

This year, however, there were no such problems for the Finn who worked throughout the day to find the perfect balance with his Supercar, finishing third in Q1 then matching the result in Q2 after a thrilling wheel-to-wheel duel with Krisztian Szabo and Johan Kristoffersson. 

Niclas followed that up with a second-place finish in Q3 after a stunning pass on team-mate Szabo to took the runners-up spot in his semi-final.

Lars Andersson rolling after a high-speed impact with a grass bank.
PHOTO CREDIT: RallyX Nordic LIVE coverage.

In the semi-final, he recovered well to finish 0.270s behind Anton Marklund in a hideous affair, which saw Lars Andersson involved in a high-speed accident whilst fighting Fraser McConnell. Thankfully, he walked away unscathed. Thereafter, race leader Kristoffersson bowed out with a front-right puncture. 

With a second row slot for the final, Grönholm was forced into a first lap joker due to congestion at turn two but made the most of the clear air and leapfrogged early race leader Sondre Evjen when the latter ran wide at turn one and was forced into a joker of his own.

Contact between Marklund and Szabo slowed the pair, who took their jokers in simultaneously, clearing the way for the Finn to cruise to the checkered flag. Anton Marklund brought his Hedstroms Motorsport VW Polo across the line in second followed by Szabo in third. 

But, ultimately, it was Niclas Grönholm in his 2021 specification Hyundai i20 Supercar who came out on top in Höljes.

"It wasn’t the easiest win today - it was nerve-wracking!" he said. "I had the pace to go a little bit quicker but in the end, I knew that those ahead hadn’t taken their jokers so I tried to keep the car in one piece and avoid punctures.

Whilst a race win is always good on paper, Niclas admits that he was not entirely happy with his return to the RallyX Nordic championship.

"The result is good, but I’m not completely happy with it," the Finn added. "We’ve been struggling all day and we need to sit down and find out why. On the bright side, we got the win but there were some tough competitors who didn’t make the final. I hope they will on Sunday so we can have a rematch with Johan and Enzo [Ide] – if we can match their pace, I will be a bit happier."

The action resumes at Höljes with Round 4 of the 2021 season, starting on Saturday (15 May) and concluding on Sunday (16 May), and you can catch it LIVE on RallyX TV.

Written By - Junaid Samodien

Bakkerud to make history with electric RallyX Nordic entry

PHOTO CREDIT: RallyX Nordic

Andreas Bakkerud will make his RallyX Nordic debut this weekend at the legendary Höljes circuit. 

The 29-year-old Norwegian was drafted in to drive Manfred Stohl's all-electric Ford Fiesta Mk8, which is set to go door-to-door with a field of internal combustion-engined Supercar competitors.

Andreas will test his mettle against a strong field, comprising of several of his World RX adversaries including three-time Champion Johan Krisroffersson and three-time event winner Niclas Grönholm, as well as the usual RallyX Nordic fraternity with the likes of Fraser McConnell (Olsbergs MSE) and EKS JC’s Sondre Evjen continuing their 2021 title campaigns.

RallyX Nordic opened up the rules for Rounds 3 and 4 at Höljes to allow electric cars to enter into the headlining Supercar class for the first time. 

"Lots of people think that this will be a David and Goliath story and that I don’t stand a chance – but this an opportunity to look into the future and I couldn’t let it pass me by!," Bakkerud said.

"The whole car world is now looking at electrification, and everyone points out that it must come to rallycross. These cars are extremely powerful and have both strengths and weaknesses compared to petrol-powered cars. For me, this is going to be a great challenge, and an opportunity to measure the potential of an electric car.

"It is also important to learn about where we stand in the development, and how it compares against some of the world’s toughest cars and drivers. I will of course give everything I have and I’m excited to see what it can do. I won’t have tested before the race so it will be interesting when I hit the track! It’s a really competitive grid so its going to be a challenge for sure.

"Being at Höljes gives the whole thing an extra boost for me – it’s my favourite course. It is also the only track in the world where I have driven all the different cars I competed in, so I have a lot of knowledge there."

Bakkerud will also be racing in the recently announced Superteam Challenge as a field of four RX2e cars compete in a one-off event this weekend.

Norway axed, Sweden delayed and Portugal returns in revised 2021 World RX calendar.

PHOTO CREDIT: FIA World Rallycross Championship.

The FIA World Rallycross Championship has today issued a revised calendar for the 2021 season due to the ever-changing global situation surrounding the coronavirus pandemic. 

The Norweigan round originally set to host the season opener for the 2021 season in mid-June has been canceled, but the season will now begin at Circuit de Catalunya-Barcelona in Spain on 23-24 July. 

"Earnest efforts were made by all parties to reach a resolution, but strict border restrictions and the lack of a suitable alternative date made it impossible to hold the event in 2021," the championships statement said.

Germany's Nürburgring will host rounds 2 and 3 (a double-header) at its new rallycross track based around the Müllenbachschleife amphitheater section of the illustrious circuit. Thereafter Höljes - the discipline's most iconic venue which was originally penciled in as round 2 has been delayed by seven weeks in hopes of accommodating a limited number of fans. 

"The challenges of the ongoing pandemic have required Rallycross Promoter GmbH to adopt a flexible and agile approach to respond to an ever-changing global situation," the championship statement adds.

"Following close consultation with event organizers and the relevant authorities in each of the host countries, an updated calendar has been put together that not only visits some of the best rallycross tracks in the world but also maximizes the likelihood of welcoming fans on-site where possible."

Thereafter, Lohéac in France, Riga in Latvia, and Spa-Francorchamps in Belgium will maintain all the dates as previously revised in March. 

Portugal's Montalegre track will host the final round of the 2021 campaign, returning after two years. 

“We all acknowledge the positive trend over the summer of the pandemic in Europe," Arne Dirks, Executive Director, Rallycross Promoter GmbH, said. "That’s why, after having liaised closely with our key stakeholders, we have taken the deliberate decision to delay the start of the campaign in the hope of being able to open the gates to fans at as many rounds as is feasible and safe, and have assembled what we believe is an irresistible blend of iconic rallycross tracks and state-of-the-art modern venues. We are confident we now have the best possible World RX calendar for 2021."

"To be able to confirm the return of Montalegre – a circuit that has always been a fan-favourite and never fails to offer World RX a warm welcome – is fantastic news for all concerned, and whilst we are obviously disappointed not to be able to race in Norway this year due to ongoing complications related to the pandemic, we are sure we will see Hell back on the calendar in the future as World RX races into a bright new era."

The first-ever FIA RX2e (electric) rallycross championship – will also join World RX in Spain, Germany, Sweden, France, and Belgium.

Höljes to stage one-off electric Superteam Challenge with the world's best drivers.

PHOTO CREDIT: RallyX Nordic.

A legendary line-up of rallycross stars will go head-to-head in a one-off RX2e Superteam Challenge at the upcoming RallyX Nordic meeting in Höljes (on 13 to 16 May).

World Rallycross title winners Johan Kristoffersson and Timmy Hansen will be joined by, among others, multiple World Rally Champion Marcus Grönholm for the inaugural Superteam Challenge. 

Oliver Eriksson, 2020 RallyX Nordic Supercar Champion, and double RX2 champion will also be in the mix alongside RX Lites title-winners Kevin Hansen and Kevin Eriksson while World RX race winners Andreas Bakkerud and Sebastian Eriksson complete the star-studded driver pool.

The eight drivers will be split into four teams, with each pair sharing a brand new RX2e car that is set to be used in the 2021 FIA RX2e Championship. 

PHOTO CREDIT: RallyX Nordic.

The electric RX2e vehicles, generate 250kW (335bhp) of power and up to 510Nm torque, and will be showcased in four heats and two finals as the world’s best rallycross/rally racers do battle.

Renowned rallycross commentator Andrew Coley will be tasked with drawing out the team pairings, and he is well-aware of the potentially explosive partnerships he could create and is equally excited about the new technology on display.

"I’m looking forward to seeing the RX2e cars head-to-head for a number of reasons; first and foremost the driver line up! Who doesn’t want to see a legend like Marcus Gronholm going up against Kristoffersson, the Hansens, Bakkerud, the Erikssons?!," Coley said.

"But aside from that, I’ve been lucky enough to see electric rallycross cars run on several occasions, but we’ve rarely seen them racing in a close pack, so this should be great fun and a proper demonstration of the technology."

The Superteam Challenge heats and finals will slot into the packed RallyX Nordic schedule, with on-track action at Höljes getting underway on Thursday (13 May) at 9:15am (CET) and continuing on until Sunday (16 May).

Grönholm joins Kristoffersson, McConnell for Höljes doubleheader.

PHOTO CREDIT: RallyX Nordic.

RallyX Nordic returns this weekend at the iconic Höljes circuit, with the Swedish double-header, that is set to serve up another dose of top-class action.

Missed the season opener in Denmark? Don't worry! Here's a quick round-up of events. Fraser McConnell grabbed the headlines in round one in the Supercar class in Nysum, with the Jamaican putting in a stellar display to get the better of Johan Kristoffersson and secure his maiden RallyX Nordic victory.

The 22-year-old started the final on the back row of the grid but a lightning launch in his Olsbergs MSE Ford Fiesta saw him go door-to-door with his established rivals before he claimed an advantage that he would not relinquish.

However, the three-time World Rallycross Champion Johan Kristoffersson fought back on Sunday with an unrivaled display having overcome a number of technical issues. He even at one point he entered Turn One backward - and finishing the weekend on top of the championship classification.

The Super Swede will return to the RallyX Nordic Championship this weekend. 

"It will be exciting to continue working with the development of our own car," Kristoffersson said. "And Höljes is one of the coolest tracks in the world, so of course, you want to be part of it."

Kristoffersson currently leads the Supercar class with 56 points, five ahead of former teammate Sondre Evjen, with Fraser McConnell in third on 47 points.

PHOTO CREDIT: RallyX Nordic.

Among the well-known names returning for rounds 3 and 4, Niclas Grönholm returns in 2021 along with Krisztián Szabó, and Anton Marklund.

The Finn expects to have a pretty competitive weekend in his Hyundai i20 Supercar.  

"I’m looking forward to the RallyX Nordic race at Höljes, it’s a track I enjoy driving on. We did that race last year and it was pretty competitive – I expect it to be the same this year too," Grönholm said. 

"We have some small things on the car we would like to test, and what better way to do that than in a race against some good drivers and cars. It’s going to be interesting to get racing again after a long break, so it’s going to be very exciting." 

In a first for rallycross, the Höljes doubleheader will see electric rallycross cars compete alongside internal combustion-engined Supercars, with Manfred Stohl's team joining the line-up in a Ford Fiesta ERX [Projekt E Supercar]. 

But, wait there is more! Extreme E racer Catie Munnings is linking with 2019 World RX champions Team Hansen and LifeLive Nordic to compete in the CrossCar/Crosskart category and gain more wheel-to-wheel experience. 

Don't miss the live free-to-air broadcasts on tv.rallyx.se this weekend.

Electric cars to compete against ICE Supercars in Open 4WD class.

PHOTO CREDIT: RallyX Nordic

In a first for rallycross and motorsport alike, the RallyX Nordic championship has announced the FIA's approval for electric rallycross cars to compete alongside internal combustion-engine Supercars in a newly re-named 'Open 4WD' class for the remainder of the 2021 season. 

The new season kicked off over the weekend in Denmark, but moving forward, all FIA-approved rallycross EVs will be able to compete wheel-to-wheel with their combustion-engined counterparts in the RallyX Nordic's 'Open 4WD' category. 

In order to preserve the current championship battle, the series organisers have decided that "whilst electric entries will be classified in the results, they will not be eligible for points."

"The concept of running ICE and EVs alongside each other is one that has never been tried before but we have no doubt that RallyX Nordic fans and drivers will greatly enjoy the racing spectacle," the RX Promotion spokesman, said.

"The revolutionary P1 Racing BIO RACING 100% fuel has been approved for use in all RallyX Nordic classes and our aim for the 2022 season is to hold fossil-fuel-free events; this is something that is unique in motorsport and is vitally important for future generations.

"Electric vehicles and fossil-fuel-free ICE cars can now compete on a level playing field, helping us retain the dedicated fanbase and amazing atmosphere that RallyX Nordic has become synonymous with while leading the way into a new era of rallycross."

RallyX Nordic returns at Sweden’s iconic Höljes circuit on 13-16 May.

Evjen 'delighted to be second' in RallyX Nordic championship.

PHOTO CREDIT: EKS JC.

Sondre Evjen is delighted to be second in the RallyX Nordic championship after a successful debut with the EKS JC team in Denmark this weekend. 

The Norweigan excelled with a fast pace from the outset, including good starts and lap times at the front of the field. Thanks to a third and then second-place finish in the two rounds, he leaves Nysum second in the Supercar standings.  

"Two podiums in Nysum is of course good, and today it felt really nice to be able to take second place. I’m very happy with my launches and felt more and more comfortable in the new car. But, I struggled a little to do the first and second corners perfectly," Evjen said. "I often drove against Johan [Kristoffersson] and it’s not so easy to pass him considering his level, but we still gave him a good fight."

"Saturday went very well until the final, where I lost out a bit at the start and then decided to take the joker too early. Sunday in the final I did what I could and pushed as much as I dared in the dust, and ended up second." 

"I’m delighted to be second in the championship. We’re all looking forward to Holjes, it’s a track I’m comfortable on and we go there with a fast car, strong team, and good setup. If we continue like this, we will be hard to beat."

After a frenetic weekend in Denmark, teams will have little time to catch their breath before the action resumes with rounds three and four of the 2021 campaign at Sweden’s iconic Höljes circuit in just two weeks’ time (13-16 May).