Top 10 Drivers of 2022: Klara Andersson (5th)

Series: World RX
Championship Position: 7^th
Wins: 0
Podium Finishes: 1 (3^rd)

Klara Andersson’s season was one of firsts and breaking down boundaries. In May, it was announced that she would compete for Construction Equipment Dealer Team in 2022, in so doing, becoming the first permanent female competitor in World RX history. Four months later, she hit the headlines again, as a third-place finish at Montalegre made her the first woman ever to reach the rostrum in top flight international rallycross.

While clearly the highlight, there was far more than just that Portuguese podium to Andersson’s campaign. As early as the opening round in Hell, her potential was clear to see, as the Swede progressed through to the final on her World RX debut – taking the chequered flag ahead of team-mate Niclas Grönholm, a multiple event-winner at the pinnacle of the discipline.

She outpaced the Finn once more in the Nürburgring season finale, where she won a heat race for the first time and very nearly beat multiple world champion Johan Kristoffersson in the pair’s progression contest. She was due to advance to the final again, only to graciously give up her place to allow Grönholm to fight for a top three spot in the standings – in the process, sacrificing her own chances of finishing sixth.

That display of magnanimity spoke volumes for Andersson’s character and team player approach, and will surely be repaid. Her time will come...