Montalegre celebrates increased fan attendance at World RX opener

Fan attendance at last weekend’s World RX of Portugal was 25 per cent higher than in 2022, the Circuito Internacional de Montalegre has revealed, as the second season of the FIA World Rallycross Championship’s electric era got underway in sensational style.

The racing weekend-long in Portugal was electrifying across the board, with Johan Kristoffersson kick-starting his quest for a sixth Drivers’ crown in impeccable fashion as motorsport legend Sébastien Loeb reached the final on his return to rallycross behind the wheel of Special ONE Racing’s evocatively-liveried Lancia Delta.

Spectators turned out in force despite the inclement weather and frequent heavy rain, and they were rewarded with countless wheel-to-wheel battles, sublime overtaking moves and displays of extraordinary bravery and car control by some of the very best drivers on the planet – not just in World RX, but also in the supporting Euro RX1 and Euro RX3 categories.

“We were very happy to see not only bigger crowds in the grandstands, but also that the championship is on an upward trajectory,” commented Fátima Fernandes, Mayor of Montalegre. “The electric RX1e cars produced some astonishing performances and racing, and it is clear that fans are already starting to forget about the lack of sound. It was an incredible weekend. We want to thank everyone for coming to our event and we hope to see you all again next year.”

“It’s always enjoyable going to Montalegre,” added Rallycross Promoter Managing Director, Arne Dirks, “and it was wonderful to see so many people braving the elements last weekend to come and support their favourite drivers and teams. We are excited by the way in which World RX is growing at the moment, with a lot of positive momentum behind the series, and it seems the fans agree with us.

“The local organiser did a superb job of promoting the event in advance, and the increase in attendance – despite the unfavourable weather at times – is testament to all their hard work. We are already looking forward to returning in 2024.”

World RX moves on to another classic venue – Hell’s Lånkebanen circuit in Norway – for the second round of its 2023 campaign next weekend (17-18 June), with accompanying action once again from Euro RX1 and Euro RX3 as well as the seasonal debut of the FIA RX2e Championship.