Team News: Niclas Grönholm: World RX title “still possible” in Türkiye

The season finale begins on Saturday, September 20 at the 1.3-kilometre (0.8-mile) Istanbul Park circuit, and concludes the following day on Sunday, September 21. 

Grönholm left his home event in Finland empty handed due to no fault of his own. Yet despite his misfortune last time out, he still remains second in the drivers’ title standings - 15 points behind the championship leader. 

Given that this weekend’s Türkiye double-header is offering a maximum score of 56 points, the CE Dealer Team driver believes that with some good fortune, he is able to overcome the points deficit to the top of the standings. 

Moreover, Grönholm sees his season-long front-running pace as a reason to be optimistic heading into the fifth and final round of the 2025 World RX season. He also finished second overall in Türkiye last year. 

“From the moment we started the season in Portugal, we’ve seen that our PWR-run RX1e has been capable for fighting for wins and podiums at each round of the year,” said Grönholm. “In Hungary, we were on course to finish at least third, and I still believe that we’d have won Finland had we not retired at the first corner.

“We’ve had some misfortune in the last two rounds, but these things always come to an end. I just have everything crossed that good luck favours us in Türkiye, because I believe that my first World RX title is still possible in 2025. The speed and the consistency is there, that’s for sure.”

Grönholm, who is managed by the GRX Management team, also refused to change his behind-the-wheel approach heading into the weekend. Throughout his World RX career, which began full-time in 2016, the 29-year old has earned himself a well-deserved reputation a clean driver who doesn’t get involved in any major racing incidents. 

“I’ll continue driving how I always have - that’s being respectful, while doing my absolute best on-track,” he said. “A first World RX championship is my priority, but finishing the season with my head held high is just as important.” 

GRX Team Manager, Marcus Grönholm, echoed his driver's sentiments and said that while becoming Finland’s FIA World Rallycross champion is a priority, Niclas can reflect on 2025 as his finest World RX season yet. 

“Niclas has had his best World RX season ever this year, and it’s been a pleasure to see how much he has grown over the last 10 years - he’s been quick and consistent at each round,” said the winner of 30 WRC events. “Some luck would help us in the title fight, but it’s a double-header weekend, and there are still 56 points on the table. 

“Despite what’s happened in the last two events, Niclas hasn’t let his head drop once - he’s made of strong stuff. I’m confident he’ll give it 110% out there in Türkiye.” 

Türkiye RX action begins at 08:00 local time (GMT+2) with Free Practice 1 on Saturday, August 20th. You can watch the event live here on YouTube.