World RX Saturday: Niclas Grönholm
Niclas Grönholm has rarely enjoyed the rub of the green in World RX in 2023, but the Finn was on fine form on the first day of action in Hong Kong – and for once, his luck held out. Right from the outset on the Central Harbourfront circuit, Grönholm was in maximum attack mode, showcasing his commitment and car control as he threw his ZEROID X1 around with brio.
Second-quickest in qualifying practice, he held his nerve around the outside at the start of both heat races to snatch a lead he would not subsequently relinquish – in the second of them, fending off champion-elect Johan Kristoffersson right the way to the chequered flag to post the fastest time of the session.
Another win in his semi-final secured the CE Dealer Team by Volvo Construction Equipment star a front row grid slot for the all-important final, but at the start, he found himself shuffled down to fifth. A late decision to dive into the joker at the end of the opening tour paid dividends, however, as he leapfrogged Timo Scheider and then fought past Ole Christian Veiby on the last lap. Allied to Kristoffersson stopping on-track, that earned Grönholm the runner-up spoils, matching his best result of the season – and deservedly so.