The
‘Battle of Technologies’ begins
There
has been much talk pre-season regarding the forthcoming duel between drivers in
electric RX1e cars and those in sustainably-fuelled RX1 combustion cars – and which technology will come out on top.
This weekend, it’s time for the talking to stop, as battle finally begins
around one of rallycross’ most iconic circuits.
Can
Kristoffersson do it again?
To
rallycross fans, Johan Kristoffersson needs no introduction. The super Swede
has been crowned world champion in the dual-surface discipline in six of the
past seven seasons. The only time he did not win during that period was when he
didn’t compete. In 2024, Kristoffersson has traded his electric Volkswagen RX1e
for a sustainably-fuelled VW Polo KMS 601 RX. Can he guide the all-new machine to
a seventh career title? Don’t bet against it...
Epic
Euro RX1 fight in prospect
With
a high-calibre 18-strong field at Höljes, the battle for glory in the FIA
European Rallycross Championship’s top-tier is sure to be fierce indeed. Last
year’s ‘Magic Weekend’ winner Patrick O’Donovan – the highest-placed returnee
from 2023 – is back with his sights solidly set on the coveted crown, but he
will face fierce opposition from the likes of regular rivals Sivert Svardal,
Ulrik Linnemann and Tamás Kárai as well as former Euro RX3 champions Yury
Belevskiy and Damian Litwinowicz.
Without
forgetting, of course, Höljes ‘local’ Peter Hedström as a wild card entry, with
nothing to prove and nothing to lose in his ex-Hansen Motorsport Peugeot 208
WRX. Can the fans’ favourite spring a surprise on home soil..?
New
faces in the field
At
the start of a new season, there are always new faces and intriguing new
combinations, and this year is no different. Sondre Evjen and Anthony Pelfrene
make their World Championship debuts, while rising stars Luka Wlömer and Nicolas
Geleyns will be competing in rallycross for the very first time this weekend in
RX2e and Euro RX3 respectively.
Reigning
Euro RX3 champion Damian Litwinowicz, meanwhile, is stepping up to Euro RX1
alongside Yury Belevskiy, who returns to the paddock full-time for the first
time since 2021. Will the Volland Racing duo prove to be the team to beat?
Mike
on the mic’
The
changes this season are not only inside the cockpit. There will also be a new
voice behind the broadcast, as Mike Chen joins Hal Ridge in the commentary
booth. ‘Chenny’ has previously covered the Dakar Rally and Red Bull Air Race and
is a familiar face to fans of the the FIA World Rally Championship, and he has
promised World RX viewers ‘a great show’.
Tune into Rally.TV to follow the action live!
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Turkey