CE Dealer Team boss says ‘consistency will be everything’ in Turkish title fight

CE Dealer Team and lead driver Niclas Grönholm have kept KMS and multiple world champion Johan Kristoffersson honest all season at the international pinnacle of the dual-surface discipline. Indeed, had it not been for the flying Finn’s unfortunate failure to finish the final on home soil at the KymiRing last time out – after falling victim to opening lap contact – the pair would be tied on points going into the decisive double-header Istanbul Park showdown. 

Pinomäki – three times a European Rallycross Champion during his own driving career – is adamant that nothing is over yet. 

“The stakes are high in Türkiye, but that’s when this team is at its best,” he asserted. “The track is demanding, the competition is strong and with two rounds in one weekend, consistency will be everything. Our focus is on maximising every opportunity and delivering our best right through to the final chequered flag.”

In preparation for the venue’s return to the World RX calendar last year following an absence of almost a decade, the series’ Official Track Building Partner Volvo Construction Equipment undertook a major rebuild of Istanbul Park’s rallycross layout. The project included upgrades to safety barriers, drainage systems, run-off areas and overall infrastructure, delivering a safer, more consistent and more technically challenging circuit.

As he gears up to go head-to-head for honours with Kristoffersson there, Grönholm knows he will need to overturn a 15-point deficit – the legacy of his Finnish DNF – with 56 points still to play for over the course of the weekend. The 29-year-old Kauniainen native acknowledges that every race will be crucial and that there will be no room for error.

“It’s the last push of the season and every point matters,” he reflected. “We’ve had some strong performances this year, and the goal is to finish on a high.”

Stablemate Klara Andersson is similarly targeting a rapid run in Türkiye, as she aims to build upon a best finish of fourth place thus far in 2025 and return to the rostrum for the first time since Hungary last year. 

“Istanbul is a big challenge, but that’s what makes it exciting,” enthused the 25-year-old Swedish star. “A double-header means more chances to deliver, and I’m ready to give everything for the team. We’ve had some highs and our share of lows, but we’re hopeful we can turn our luck around and finish the season with a good result!”