It’s a Kind of Magic

It is an event that is famous for fast-paced action on the track, and a sensational atmosphere in the fan zones, with tens of thousands expected to be making the pilgrimage to see their favourite drivers and teams do battle.

Once again, every race from the weekend will be streamed live and free on the official FIA World Rallycross Championship YouTube Channel.

Höljes is home for a huge proportion of the field – over half of the World RX runners are vying for home support in Sweden, while in the FIA European Rallycross Championship there are a further five local talents in the RX1 category.

Home favourite, Johan Kristoffersson will lead three KMS cars on the entry list, alongside usual team-mate Ole Christian Veiby the pairing will be joined by local driver and 4-time World RX podium scorer Gustav Bergström making a return to the championship for Höljes. KMS has announced that the trio will make the switch to EV VW Polo machinery this weekend.

The sustainably-fuelled ICE contingent in the ongoing Battle of Technologies will be represented by reigning European Champion Patrick O’Donovan and Finnish ace Juha Rytkönen. With the circuit layout looking likely to favour the ICE-powered cars more so than the opening round in Lousada, it will be fascinating to see what progress the pair make across the weekend.

Leading the championship is CE Dealer Team’s Niclas Grönholm. The Finn will be looking replicate his strong season opening victory in Sweden. Niclas’ team-mate Klara Andersson scored a home-race podium last season and will no doubt be pushing for the same.

Finally Swedish rallycross stars Hansen Motorsport field their two fully-electric Peugeot 208s. Timmy will be looking to repeat his 2021 win, while Kevin is chasing a first victory on home soil.

The FIA said...

“After a brilliant start in Portugal, we couldn’t hope for a better place to host Round 2 than Höljes. From a sporting point of view, the track is a very different challenge to Lousada, so it will be interesting to see what effect this has on the competition. The Magic Weekend has an atmosphere that is unlike anything else in world motor sport, and I’m sure the fans will be back in force this year to cheer on the home heroes – of which there are plenty!

“We’re very happy to be bringing every race from the weekend to the fans live and free once again – Andrew Coley is back in the commentary box for this weekend, so I think it’s going to be a weekend of classic rallycross action in every sense.” Emilia Abel FIA Road Sport Director

Fast facts

❱ Kristoffersson’s Höljes Stronghold Over the past eight years, Johan Kristoffersson has made Höljes his personal fortress, winning six times (2017, 2018, 2020, 2023, 2024x2), matching the record of Kenneth Hansen.

❱ Historic Track Often referred to as the home of rallycross, Höljes first opened in 1976 and has been a cornerstone of the Euro RX Championship since 1999. It joined the World RX calendar in 2014, only missing out in 2022 due to a one-year hiatus.

❱ Karting Roots Originally part of a go-kart centre opened in 1972 by Finnskoga Motorklubb, the track fell into disuse before being reborn as a rallycross circuit in 1974. Its first-ever event took place on February 1, 1976, attracting 3,500 spectators in freezing weather, won by the legendary Per Eklund.

❱ The Return of ‘Happy Street’ As racing returns, the quiet forests of Sweden will once again transform into a rallycross festival ground. Known affectionately as ‘Happy Street’, Höljes will welcome over 15,000 fans, with tents, caravans, and roaring muscle cars creating an electric atmosphere all weekend long.