Hong Kong tipped to take World RX ‘to a new level’

The FIA World Rallycross Championship’s leading lights have responded enthusiastically to the news that the 2023 season finale will be held in Hong Kong on 11-12 November, predicting that the event has the capability to elevate the series ‘to a new level’.

It was announced on Tuesday that World RX will venture to the Asia-Pacific region for the first time later this year, bringing the sport to a completely new audience in a city that is renowned for its dynamic, fast-paced approach – much like rallycross’ top tier.

The eagerly-anticipated double-header will take place on a new circuit in Hong Kong’s Central Harbourfront Event Space, next to the iconic Victoria Harbour, and will potentially see the crowning of the 2023 world champion. Four of the likely pretenders are eager to discover it for themselves.

Johan Kristoffersson, Five-Time FIA World Rallycross Champion, said:
“I’m super-excited to go to Hong Kong. I’ve never raced there before, so it will be a new experience with a lot of new things to learn. Hopefully we will see as many fans as possible on-site.”

Timmy Hansen, 2019 FIA World Rallycross Champion, said:
“I’m super-pumped to be going to Hong Kong for the final two rounds of the World Championship this year. It’ll be epic racing around the waterfront there. I couldn’t be more excited – it’s going to be a great event!”

Niclas Grönholm, Seven-Time World RX Event-Winner, said:
“I think it’s really interesting to finally have an event in the Asia-Pacific region, plus it will be a city race for the first time ever which will be really exciting – I can’t wait!”

Kevin Hansen, Two-Time World RX Event-Winner, said:
“I’m so excited that we’re going to Hong Kong this year for the World RX season finale. It’ll be a brand new track in an amazing new location, and I’m so happy for the sport and all the teams, drivers and fans who will get to experience it. It’s going to be incredible!”

Those sentiments are shared by some of the sport’s key figureheads, with Kenneth Hansen and Jussi Pinomäki – Team Principals respectively of Hansen World RX Team and Construction Equipment Dealer Team, and successful former racers in their own right – welcoming the new addition to the World Championship calendar.

Kenneth Hansen said:
“We’re really looking forward to going to Hong Kong to race on this fantastic new circuit.”

Jussi Pinomäki said:
“I think the whole rallycross community is super-excited that we are going to Hong Kong. It’s such an iconic place so I hope we can deliver a great show, and at the same time, I’m sure Hong Kong will take the whole championship to a new level.”