‘Battle of Technologies’ begins in fast-and-frantic fashion

In the headlining World RX category, reigning world champion Johan Kristoffersson (KMS - HORSE Powertrain) and fellow Swede Klara Andersson (CE Dealer Team) are tied at the top of the table after winning a race apiece in heat one, making it honours even so far in the ‘Battle of Technologies’ between the electric RX1e cars and their sustainably-fuelled RX1 combustion counterparts.

Andersson produced a flawless performance, but Kristoffersson was aided a little by good fortune as he inherited the lead on the last lap when Niclas Grönholm slowed almost within sight of the chequered flag due to electrical issues, denying CE Dealer Team a dream double on home soil.

Elsewhere in the field, last season’s championship runner-up Kevin Hansen (Hansen World RX Team) has some work to do in heat two after first corner contact pitched his Peugeot into the gravel.

Nils Andersson kick-started the defence of his RX2e crown in fine style by setting the early pace in the single-spec series, while there were race wins for Patrick O’Donovan, Peter Hedström, surprise package Paulius Pleskovas and Mika Liimatainen in Euro RX1.

O’Donovan’s result was particularly significant given that a number of his anticipated title rivals hit trouble. João Ribeiro tops the table following two heats in Euro RX3, ahead of impressive rookie Sámuel Kovács.

The action continues at 14:00 CEST, with all of the racing broadcast on Rally.TV.