Rising star Baciuška ready to make Euro RX1 statement on return in Riga

One of the most exciting young talents to emerge from the Baltic region in recent years, Baciuška first made his mark in rallycross with a sensational title-winning campaign in Euro RX3 (then Super1600) in 2018. Competing in an Audi A1, he secured the crown at the end of the 2018 season and established himself as a driver to watch from early on.

That success paved the way for a step up to the FIA World Rallycross Championship, where he gained valuable experience across partial campaigns in 2019. Driving machinery including the Škoda Fabia, Renault Mégane and Renault Clio, Baciuška showcased his raw speed against the sport’s elite, most notably reaching the final at Lohéac and narrowly missing out on a podium finish.

Since then, the 25-year-old has broadened his horizons with remarkable success in the FIA World Rally-Raid Championship, rapidly becoming one of the discipline’s standout performers. Multiple podium finishes at the Dakar Rally and title-winning performances in international competition have underlined both his versatility and his ability to deliver under extreme pressure – qualities that translate seamlessly back to the rallycross arena. Now a driver for Defender in W2RC, Baciuška further underlined his credentials by winning the opening stage of the the 2026 Dakar Rally on the brand’s debut, marking a significant milestone in his career.

Now, Baciuška returns to his rallycross roots in Riga, a venue that holds fond memories from his early career, eager to reassert himself against a highly competitive Euro RX1 field.

“After my Dakar victory in January, I felt I needed more. My contract with Defender in the World Rally-Raid Championship is still in place, but with only five events on the calendar, it’s clear that I need more mileage to stay sharp. That’s why a program in the FIA European Rallycross Championship made sense to me,” said Bačiuška.

“It makes even more sense considering the opening round of the 2026 season will take place in Latvia, just a few kilometers from my home. Not taking part in that event would have been almost absurd, especially for the fans who will be there in large numbers.”

Armed with the Hyundai i20 RX1, Baciuška adds further depth to an already stacked entry list, bringing both youthful energy and a proven track record to the championship’s curtain-raiser. His return also continues a growing trend of crossover stars from other disciplines re-entering rallycross – including the likes of Sébastien Loeb and Petter Solberg, who have competed at the highest level across several motor sport fields, including Rallycross, the FIA World Rally Championship and the FIA World Rally-Raid Championship – reinforcing the category’s reputation as one of the most intense and technically demanding forms of motor sport.

Bačiuška added: “It’s been four or five years since I last raced in rallycross. The level will be very high and it won’t be easy. But for me, that’s not a problem. I just want to enjoy it, do my best and see where I stand.”

With a blend of past success at the circuit, recent experience at the highest levels of global competition and a clear hunger to succeed, Baciuška is assured to be a driver to watch when the action gets underway in Latvia. With the action set to unfold on 9-10 May in Riga, the Lithuanian will be aiming not just to make an impression – but to remind the paddock exactly what he is capable of.