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Kristoffersson Motorsport duo Kristoffersson and Veiby set to shake up Riga Euro RX1 opener

Johan Kristofferson & OC Veiby

Kristoffersson Motorsport (KMS) will field an all-star line-up for the opening round of the 2026 FIA European Rallycross Championship in Riga, as reigning champion Johan Kristoffersson is joined by long-time team-mate Ole Christian Veiby.

The Swedish squad returns to Euro RX1 competition with arguably the most formidable team and driver pairing in the discipline, blending unparalleled experience and proven race-winning track record as it targets a strong start to the season on Latvian soil.

Kristoffersson, the most successful rallycross driver of the modern era, needs little introduction. A multiple FIA World Rallycross Champion and the benchmark in recent years, the Arvika native has consistently rewritten the record books with his sensational speed and consistency. From his breakthrough years in touring cars to his meteoric rise in rallycross, the Swede has established himself as the driver to beat across both combustion and electric eras of the sport.

Having dominated the 2024 campaign to secure a seventh world title, Kristoffersson carried that momentum into 2025, once again demonstrating his adaptability by switching between powertrains mid-season while remaining firmly at the sharp end of the field – becoming an eight-time FIA Rallycross Champion. His stellar performances, often characterised by impressive starts and unshakeable composure under pressure, have become a hallmark of his success.

Now, he turns his focus to Riga, a circuit that has historically delivered high-intensity racing and little margin for error.

Joan Kristofferson celebrating his 8th World Championship title

“Riga will always be special to me of course,” said Kristoffersson. “I have some bad memories from there too, but mostly good ones. The first two corners are tricky, so it’s likely that we will have some action there. But above all, it will be a great pleasure to drive a rallycross car again!”

Alongside him, Veiby arrives as both a proven contender and a driver who continues to build momentum year-on-year. The Norwegian has carved out a reputation for his versatility, having excelled in both rallying and rallycross, with standout performances in WRC2 complementing his success on the RX stage.

After returning full-time to rallycross in the electric era, Veiby quickly re-established himself as a front-runner, playing a key role in the team’s recent success in 2025. His most recent season was marked by a string of podium finishes and wins, representing a significant milestone and highlighting his evolution into a consistent race winner and genuine championship challenger.

That upward trajectory has been matched by increasing confidence and maturity behind the wheel, with Veiby regularly pushing his team-mate while contributing valuable points in the Teams’ standings.

“It is a great calendar with real rallycross tracks and good organisers – many highlights,” said Veiby. “It will also be fun to drive an ICE car again, and after last season, the goal is to carry that momentum into Riga and be fighting at the front from the beginning.”

The Kristoffersson-Veiby partnership has already proven to be one of the most effective in the paddock, combining intra-team competition with a shared drive to deliver results for KMS. Their familiarity with both each other and the team’s machinery provides a strong foundation heading into the opening round of the 2026 season.

With Riga set to host the curtain-raiser on 9-10 May, before visits to Nyirád, Höljes, Mondello Park, Lohéac and Lousada, expectations are high for a competitive and unpredictable start to the season. For Kristoffersson Motorsport, however, the objective is clear: hit the ground running and lay down an early marker in the title fight – even as the team continues to evaluate opportunities beyond the opening round.

“I am proud to have a team of Kristoffersson Motorsport’s calibre joining the Euro RX1 grid in Riga,” said FIA Rallycross Sporting Manager James Nixon. “Johan and OC are both proven winners at the very highest level, and their presence underlines both the strength of the field and the positive direction of the Championship. Riga is set to deliver a fantastic start to the season, and I can’t wait to see who can challenge these guys.”

As the lights go out in Latvia, all eyes will be on the KMS duo to see whether they can translate their formidable credentials into immediate success.