Each venue so far this
season has showcased the respective strengths and weaknesses of the electric
and sustainably-fuelled internal combustion cars competing in the discipline’s
top-flight, but none have done so more dramatically than Montalegre.
The Barroso circuit’s elevation and long main straight enabled the powerful
electric contingent to really stretch their legs, before being reeled back in
again by the lighter ICE machinery through the tighter and twistier second half
of the lap.
In recent seasons, Hansen
vs. Kristoffersson duels in Portugal have become part of the sport’s folklore –
but this year, they were more energetic than ever, to the palpable delight of
the fans lapping up the action at the side of the track.
The reigning world
champion and the younger of the Hansen brothers engaged in multiple crowd-pleasing
tussles on the opening day, with Ole Christian Veiby and Niclas Grönholm similarly
getting in on the act in a series of classic no-holds-barred rallycross scraps.
Twenty-four hours
later, spectators were treated to five epically entertaining laps in Sunday’s
final, with Veiby and 2019 world champion Timmy Hansen going at it
hammer-and-tongs over the first half of the race, exchanging the lead on
multiple occasions. Further back, Kevin Hansen had his hands full fending off fellow
early joker Johan Kristoffersson, who was trying every which way to prise the
door open.
It was a breathless
bout, with Kevin Hansen ultimately emerging on top to claim his first victory
of the campaign, as Kristoffersson flashed across the finish line right in his
countryman’s wheeltracks. Veiby and Timmy Hansen’s own fight culminated in
contact almost within sight of the chequered flag, sending the Norwegian into
the barriers.
“We had a much
better day on Sunday,” acknowledged Kenneth Hansen, Team Principal of Hansen
World RX Team and a 14-time European champion in the discipline. “We were in
the game on Saturday, but on Sunday, we were really fighting for the win. Timmy
on the podium and Kevin first – you can’t ask for much more than that.
“I must say, it
was fantastic rallycross. There were a lot of overtakes and a lot of
entertainment – this is when rallycross is at its best.”
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