Team News: Grönholm looking to build on previous Portugal successes at 2025 World RX season opener

The opening round of the year will take place at the Lousada circuit in northern Portugal from Saturday, May 31st to Sunday, June 1st after moving from the Montealegre venue on the Spanish border. The latter hosted the Portugal RX event from 2014 to 2018, and once again from 2021 to 2024. 

Grönholm believes that while none of the teams and drivers competing in this year’s World RX championship have previously raced at the Lousada, his form of a win and two podiums over three years in Portugal have given him reason to hope for a strong result as he kicks off his fourth season for the CE Dealer Team run by the Swedish PWR team. 

Since 2022, Grönholm has driven PWR’s all-electric, 680bhp RX1e, which has powered him to two of his eight World RX career victories. 

“None of us teams and drivers know where we stand ahead of Portugal. What’s more, it’s been a long time since the season ended in Turkey last year,” he said. “Nonetheless, Portugal has been kind to me in the past, so I’m cautiously optimistic about starting 2025 strongly. 

“Can I win again, though? I don’t know. None of us have been to Lousada before, so it’s a blank canvas for me and everyone else. I’ve been keeping sharp during the off season by competing in the Finnish Rally Championship, so I hope that gives me an advantage - big or small - to fight for some silverware. 

The 2025 World RX season will once again host the ‘Battle of Technologies’, which pits EVs against internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles on the same track in a fight for victory. The format was introduced by the championship’s previous promoter in 2024. 

Grönholm, who is managed by the GRX management team, added that while the ‘Battle of Technologies’ adds another dimension to what makes World RX exciting for spectactors, it’s too early to go predicting which powertrain will prove superior in 2025. 

“I think it’s best to stay neutral on EV vs ICE, because both have their advantages depending on the circuit. I’m just happy to be racing again, and I am sure the FIA can help restore World RX back to where it should be during this season and beyond.”