Double-header means double jeopardy in Turkish title showdown

There is no denying that the Kristoffersson Motorsport star – who has dominated the dual-surface discipline’s modern era, lifting the world championship laurels in 2017, 2018, 2019, 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024 – is the favourite heading into the event. With only a 15-point margin over chief rival Niclas Grönholm at the summit of the standings, however, and 56 points remaining in play – not to mention rallycross’ infamous proclivity for delivering drama – he cannot afford to take anything for granted. 

It should also be noted that CE Dealer Team ace Grönholm would almost certainly be a chunk closer in the points table but for unfortunate first lap contact on home soil at the KymiRing last month that turfed him out of the lead of the final and into retirement. Indeed, had the Kauniainen native stayed in front to win in Finland, he and Kristoffersson would now be level-pegging.

To further complicate the scenario, the sister electric KMS Volkswagen Polo of Ole Christian Veiby is still solidly in the mix as well, with the Norwegian riding the crest of a wave after fending off his illustrious stablemate to clinch his second career victory at the highest level at the KymiRing. And where did he achieve his first victory? Türkiye... If Kristoffersson thinks he can count upon favours from his team-mate in his nip-and-tuck battle with Grönholm, he may be forced to think again.

Oh, and one more thing. While the combined qualifying format for World RX and Euro RX1 on Saturday in Istanbul is unlikely to upset the applecart too much – with competitors in each division advancing to their own respective semi-finals and final – 24 hours later, the situation is much less clear-cut. 

The addition of Euro RX1 ‘wildcard’ entries raises the prospect of one or more of the World RX title protagonists failing to reach the final – which is, after all, where the lion’s share of points are handed out. And that could have significant implications for the championship fight...

“World RX is definitely the most complex of the three categories to call as we head to Türkiye,” mused Coley. “Niclas Grönholm’s pace was very impressive at the KymiRing, while Ole Christian Veiby is right up there, too, only four points further behind, and they will each be trying to take the Top Qualifier spot on both days to steal back some points from Johan Kristoffersson.

“Where it gets interesting is that if all the Euro RX1 runners enter World RX, for the first time this year, you could miss not just the final – in theory, you could even miss out on the semi-finals if you have major issues in the heats and qualify outside of the top 12. That is clearly an additional challenge and a very real risk on what will be the most crucial day of the season.

“With that injection of jeopardy, the weekend is shaping up to be incredibly intense, exciting and unpredictable. It definitely isn’t job done for Kristoffersson yet – he’ll be up against drivers he doesn’t normally encounter and who will want to prove something against the seven-time world champion. If he is to pick up an eighth title next weekend, he needs to avoid all the potential pitfalls...”