Following yesterday’s publication of the best ‘Action’ shot from the 2023 FIA World Rallycross Championship campaign, today, we reveal the photo selected as the cream of the crop in the ‘Portrait / Behind-the-Scenes’ category.
When they are strapped into the cockpit and ‘in the zone’, drivers famously put their emotions to one side in order to concentrate fully on the job in hand – the single-minded pursuit of victory. But after the chequered flag has fallen and the helmets have been removed, that is when the emotions are once more allowed to run free – and our top three submissions all immaculately immortalise that release.
Far from a celebration, the winning shot – Jaanus Ree’s Sometimes it’s just not your Day (above) – reflects the other side of the sport, as CE Dealer Team by Volvo Construction Equipment ace Niclas Grönholm mulls over a race that did not go to plan in a rare moment of solitude and silent contemplation.
“I’m surprised to win and it means a lot!” the experienced Estonian photographer enthused. “I’m mostly known for action photos, so it’s nice to also be recognised for a different genre.
“I had an amazing opportunity to cover CE Dealer Team in World RX last season, with a focus on going behind-the-scenes. From the start, I wanted to show the tough side of the sport, too. In this photo, Niclas is gathering his thoughts after a race which ended with a puncture – but it’s moments like this that make winning even sweeter.”
Finland
Italy
Hungary