Johan Kristoffersson has made a habit of tearing up the record books in the FIA World Rallycross Championship – he has won the title in every season he has contested since 2017, after all – but the statistics suggest 2023 was the Swede’s most dominant campaign to-date. And it is hard to disagree.
Out of the 23 heats held over the course of the year, Kristoffersson was fastest no fewer than 15 times – almost a two-in-three strike rate – and he went unbeaten in the first three events in RX1e machinery, achieving commanding clean sweeps in Portugal, Norway and on home soil in Sweden.
Indeed, the Volkswagen Dealerteam BAUHAUS star never placed lower than third in the heats, and the manner in which he responded on the rare occasions when he was vanquished spoke volumes.
After being pipped to the top spot in SuperPole in South Africa – where Kevin Hansen ended his countryman’s unbroken 13-round run – Kristoffersson battled back to dominate the final to the tune of almost four seconds. Then in Hong Kong, he banished the disappointment of the first day by roaring to a 40th career victory 24 hours later. Thirty-seven points clear of his closest rival in the end-of-season standings, the Arvika native is palpably very much still at the peak of his powers. Perhaps more so than ever.
2023
Stats
World
RX Starts:
7
Wins:
5
Podiums:
6
Finals
Reached:
7
Best
Result: 1st
Points:
141
Championship
Position:
1st
Finland
Italy
Hungary