Kevin Hansen has described last weekend’s
inaugural World RX of Hong Kong, China (11-12 November) as ‘probably the best rallycross
event we’ve ever had’, after sewing up the runner-up spot in the standings courtesy
of his third career victory.
The younger Hansen brother was the driver to
beat throughout the opening day of competition on the Central Harbourfront
circuit – the first city-centre track ever visited by World RX – and he duly
carved out his own little piece of history by leading the all-important final
from lights-to-flag. While Johan Kristoffersson’s dogged pursuit was cut short
by a technical issue on the last lap, the Hansen World RX Team ace always appeared
to have proceedings under control.
The result secured the Swede a maximum score,
and he looked to be on-course to repeat the feat 24 hours later, setting the
pace in both the single-lap SuperPole shootout and heat one to seize the early
initiative, but in heat two, he found himself ‘bulldozed’ by Kristoffersson into
the first corner. Thereafter, his efforts were consistently hampered by
traffic, with the upshot that Saturday’s winner narrowly missed out on reaching
Sunday’s final.
Nonetheless, Hansen had already done enough to cement
a career-high second in the championship classification – an achievement he was
delighted to accomplish in front of a huge and enthusiastic trackside crowd.
“What a great
weekend in Hong Kong – probably the best rallycross event we’ve ever had,”
enthused the 2016 FIA European Rallycross Champion. “It’s been a very tough
season for World RX, as everybody knows, but this whole event was unbelievable.
“I was part of
the process of wanting to race in Hong Kong for a long time, and to win on
Saturday in front of such an epic backdrop and so many amazing fans was
incredible, absolutely mega. Celebrating up on the podium with them was simply
unreal and unquestionably one of the highlights of my career so far. That was a
magical feeling.
“I really enjoyed
the whole weekend. The track was so much fun and generated a lot of adrenaline
and entertainment,
and I really look forward to coming back again. I was also very happy to finish second in the championship.
That means there’s just one more step to go next year – and just one more trophy
still missing from the cabinet...”
Team Principal
Kenneth Hansen has seen countless rallycross circuits over the course of his long and illustrious career – both behind the wheel and at the helm of the team
that proudly bears his name. He believes Hong Kong can serve as a blueprint for
the sport’s future direction.
“It felt amazing
to be in a new place for rallycross where everyone was crazily excited,
especially when Kevin was on the top step of the podium,” he remarked. “That
was fantastic. Alongside the traditional tracks we already have, we have shown
how rallycross can also work in city centres now. The event was a big success.”
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