Euro RX3 runner-up Pauwels to make RX2e debut in Germany

Having proven himself as one of rallycross’ undisputed rising stars this year in his rookie campaign at Euro RX3 level, Kobe Pauwels will ‘add another string to his bow’ at the Nürburgring (27-28 November) as he joins the FIA RX2e Championship for its season finale – with the podium solidly in his sights.

Following a winning start to his car racing career in the British Rallycross Championship at Lydden Hill late last year – and off the back of a successful formative stint in karting and CrossCar competition – Pauwels has maintained his burgeoning momentum in Euro RX3 in 2021.

After pushing Volland Racing team-mate and eventual champion Yury Belevskiy hard in the opening two encounters in Spain and Sweden, the Belgian teenager broke through in France with a brilliant maiden victory, and he went into the final round in Portugal still in with a shout of clinching the coveted crown.

Although he ultimately had to give best to his more experienced Russian stablemate – who will similarly be racing in Germany, as he steps up to make his debut in World RX – there was no shame at all in finishing second to Belevskiy, and now, Pauwels is eager to discover electric rallycross for the first time.

“I’m so excited to try out the RX2e car,” enthused the 17-year-old third-generation racer. “It’s been great to be on the World RX bill in Euro RX3 this year, and this will definitely add another string to my bow. Racing in general, not just rallycross, is moving towards electric technology so it’s important to get ahead of the curve in terms of experiencing that.

“The RX2e field has looked really competitive, so I’m keen to see how I compare to the guys who have been doing this all year. Obviously, I’m targeting a good result to finish the season, and I think the podium is a realistic goal.”

The full Nürburgring RX2e entry list will be revealed in the coming days.