Stacked Line-Up Confirmed for Showdown at Hungary’s ‘Red Cauldron’

A total of 33 cars will battle it out across the three premier categories: 8 World RX, 13 Euro RX1, and 12 Euro RX3 entries will battle it out in front of Hungary’s famously passionate fans. After a rain-soaked ‘Magic Weekend’ in Höljes, the World RX field has regrouped, dried off, and is ready to trade slippery Swedish forest trails for the deep red dust of Nyirád- one of Europe’s most revered and technically demanding rallycross tracks.

Championship leader Niclas Grönholm leads the CE Dealer Team charge and will be pushing to protect his narrow 6-point lead. He’s joined by teammate Klara Andersson, who returns to the red clay aiming to replicate her 2024 podium finish. 

Fresh off a commanding home victory, seven-time World Champion Johan Kristoffersson is out to keep his winning streak alive. The KMS driver has a proven track record at Nyirád and will be tough to beat. Ole Christian Veiby, also representing KMS, will look to bounce back after a challenging weekend in Höljes.

Hansen brothers Timmy and Kevin Hansen return to the fray next weekend. Kevin, fresh off what many are calling the "save of the century" in Höljes, will be aiming to turn that show-stopping moment into real momentum. Lining up alongside him, Timmy Hansen comes in holding third in the championship standings and will be fully focused on closing the gap to Johan Kristoffersson in second.

Flying the flag for sustainably fuelled internal combustion in a field of EV rivals is Juha Rytkönen,  who impressed in Sweden with strong Qualifying and Semi-Final performances. The Finn and his Hyundai i20 could be ones to watch on Nyirád’s gravel-heavy surface.

Reigning FIA European Rallycross Champion Patrick O’Donovan completes the World RX line-up, hoping the track’s abrasive conditions will give his ICE-powered machine an edge in the ongoing duel between electric and combustion technologies.

The Euro RX1 category is shaping up to be a homegrown showdown, with seven Hungarian drivers confirmed-nearly half the grid. Local fans will have plenty to cheer for as national talents take to the track in a variety of machinery including Audi A1s, Skoda Fabias, VW Polos, Peugeot 208s, Hyundai i20s, and Renault Méganes.

Leading the Euro RX1 title fight, Volland Racing’s Yury Beleveskiy returns to Nyirád aiming to make it a perfect three wins from three starts. Teammate Nils Volland will be determined to close the gap, hoping to match the Swiss driver’s scorching pace.

Mika Liimatainen is back in action for PGRX after an impressive run of two podiums from two starts. The in-form Finn now has his sights set firmly on the top step for his third appearance of the season.

Also rejoining the grid is ALL-INKL.COM MUENNICH MOTORSPORT, making its second outing of the year. The experienced pairing of René Münnich and Mandie August will be eager to fight their way onto the podium and shake up the standings.

In the Euro RX3 category, Antiguan rising star Nicolas Geleyns returns to action, eager to replicate his standout performance in Höljes. Meanwhile, Lithuania’s Rytis Gurklys enters his third event of the season with eyes firmly set on building consistent pace and closing the gap to the current championship leader.

At the top of the leaderboard, Portuguese ace João Ribeiro heads to Hungary clinging to a razor-thin, 1-point advantage. Expect him to give everything he's got to maintain his lead. Local hero and podium finisher Sámuel Kovács, will be aiming to thrill the home crowd by climbing the steps once again, this time on Hungarian soil.

With a stacked grid and one of Europe’s most demanding rallycross circuits setting the stage, Round 3 in Nyirád promises a weekend packed with drama, dust, and pure rallycross adrenaline.