Johan Kristoffersson took home the win at the World RX Of Sweden round two. Find out all you need to know below.
Heat One
Group One
Reigning champion Johan Kristoffersson went head to head with Ole Christian Veiby, Timmy Hansen, Klara Andersson and Gustav Bergström in the first heat group. Kristoffersson topped the heat with a time 10.973 seconds faster than Ole Christian Veiby. 2019 Champion Timmy Hansen was third fastest, 13.296 seconds slower than Kristoffersson and 2.323 seconds slower than Veiby.
Group Two
Kevin Hansen went head to head with Sondre Evjen, Niclas Grönholm, Anthony Pelfene and René Münnich. Hansen was able to set a time 4.240 seconds faster than Grönholm to take the heat win. Anthony Pelfrene finished third fastest, 8.836 seconds slower than Andersson and 4.596 seconds slower than Evjen.
Heat Two
Group One
Sondre Evjen topped the first heat group in the second heat of the World RX Of Sweden. With a time 0.891 seconds faster than Niclas Grönholm. Anthony Pelfrene was third once again, 2.619 seconds slower than Evjen and 1.728 seconds slower than Grönholm.
Group Two
Johan Kristoffersson topped the second heat group. As Kristoffersson finished with a time 1.149 seconds faster than Gustav Bergström to take the heat win. Klara Andersson was third fastest, 3.333 seconds slower than Kristoffersson and 2.184 seconds slower than Bergström.
Semi-Finals
Semi-Final 1
Johan Kristoffersson topped the first semi-final group. With a time 12.319 seconds faster than Ole Christian Veiby. Timmy Hansen finished third fastest, 18.509 seconds slower than Kristoffersson and 6.190 seconds slower than Veiby.
Semi-Final 2
Niclas Grönholm set the fastest time in the second semi-final. Setting a time 3.315 seconds faster than Kevin Hansen to take the semi-final win. Gustav Bergström was third fastest, 10.965 seconds slower than Grönholm and 7.650 seconds slower than Hansen.
Finals
Johan Kristoffersson once again topped the World RX Of Sweden final. As the Swedish driver finished 6.451 seconds faster than Niclas Grönholm to take the win. Ole Christian Veiby was third fastest, 8.193 seconds slower than Kristoffersson, and 1.742 seconds slower than Grönholm.
Johan Kristoffersson kicked off the 2024 World RX season with a win at the World RX Of Sweden round one.
Heat One
Group One
Reigning champion Johan Kristoffersson went head to head with Ole Christian Veiby, Timmy Hansen, Niclas Gronholm and Kevin Hansen in the first heat group. Kristoffersson topped the heat with a time 0.710 seconds faster than Ole Christian Veiby. 2019 Champion Timmy Hansen was third fastest, 1.537 seconds slower than Kristoffersson and 0.827 seconds slower than Veiby.
Group Two
Klara Andersson went head to head with Sondre Evjen, Gustav Bergström, Anthony Pelfene and René Münnich. Andersson was able to set a time 3.423 seconds faster than Evjen to take the heat win. Gustav Bergström finished third fastest, 3.817 seconds slower than Andersson and 0.394 seconds slower than Evjen.
Heat Two
Group One
Klara Andersson once again topped her heat group against the same group as in the first heat second group. This time around Andersson finished with a time 4.470 seconds faster than Gustav Bergström to take her second heat win of the season. Anthony Pelfrene was third fastest, 6.366 seconds slower than Andersson and 1.896 seconds slower than Bergström.
Group Two
Timmy Hansen topped the second group in the second heat of the World RX Of Sweden. Johan Kristoffersson was the fastest driver, however. As the Heat One winner set a time 2.996 seconds faster than Timmy Hansen to take the Heat Win temporarily. Kristoffersson would receive a two-position penalty for making contact with another driver dropping him to third in the heat.
Semi-Finals
Semi-Final 1
Klara Andersson topped the first Semi-Final after going head-to-head with Timmy Hansen, Kevin Hansen, Niclas Grönholm and Sondre Evjen. Andersson managed to finish with a time 1.590 seconds faster than Timmy Hansen. Kevin Hansen was third fastest, 2.386 seconds slower than Andersson and 0.796 seconds slower than his brother Timmy.
Semi-Final 2
Johan Kristoffersson topped the second semi-final which consisted of Ole Christian Veiby, Gustav Bergström, Anthony Pelfrene and René Münnich. Kristoffersson set a time 2.167 seconds faster than teammate Ole Christian Veiby to take the semi-final win. While Gustav Bergström finished third fastest, 6.9 seconds slower than Kristoffersson and 4.733 seconds slower than Veiby.
Finals
Johan Kristoffersson took home the first win of the 2024 World RX season at the World RX Of Sweden. With a time 2.159 seconds faster than Klara Andersson to take the round one win. Gustav Bergström finished third fastest, 3.428 seconds slower than Kristoffersson and 1.269 seconds slower than Andersson.
Championship Rundown
After the World RX Of Sweden round one Johan Kristoffersson and Klara Andersson sit tied for the championship lead at 28 points a piece. Timmy Hansen is third after the first round, eight points behind Kristoffersson and Andersson. Gustav Bergström sits fourth just one point behind Hansen. While Ole Christian Veiby rounds out the top five sitting 4 points behind Bergström.
In a recent Q&A Kevin Hansen named the Nitrocross Utah track as his favourite RX track, why could that be?
The Q&A In Question
First and foremost here is a link to the clip of the Hansen World RX Team posted of the Q&A in question. Hansen when asked “What is your favourite RX track” said the Nitrocross track in Utah remains his favourite even though he hasn’t competed at the track since 2019. The young Swede is a one-time winner at the track, with his brother Timmy also being a winner there.
What Makes The Nitrocross Utah Track So Unique?
The Nitrocross Utah track is the brainchild of action sports legend Travis Pastrana. It was also the initial track designed by Pastrana back when Nitrocross, known then as Nitro Rallycross. It began as a one-off event at the track in 2018 and 2019. Before becoming a full series in 2021. The track features a large gap jump, something that isn’t extremely common in the European style of Rallycross. Since 2018, Nitrocross has used tracks all over the United States and events in Sweden and the UK at the legendary Lyddenn Hill track. Which in turn makes the Utah track slightly less unique. Nevertheless, Kevin Hansen has only competed at a handful of Nitrocross tracks. Which he did back in 2021 when he finished fourth in the championship.
Could We See Kevin Back In Nitrocross?
Timmy Hansen made his Nitrocross re-debut at the 2023-24 season finale in Las Vegas. Could we potentially see both Hansen brothers again in this upcoming season? Well, it’s been reported that there is interest from the Hansens to return to the championship this upcoming season. Both would be welcomed additions to the championship. Even just as a one-off, it would be nice to see both of them back.
Today marks 10 years since Ken Block made his World RX debut in Norway. Let’s take a look back in time at the legends’ debut.
Heats
Liam Doran topped the heat standings, winning two of the four heats. Reinis Nitišs was second in the heat classification, winning only one heat and finishing second in another. Timur Timerzyanov finished third in the classification, taking no heat wins and two top-three finishes. Toomas Heikkinen had the fourth-fastest time in the heat classification, taking home two second-place finishes. Rounding out the top five was eventual champion Petter Solberg. Who took home the final heat win and finished third in a separate heat. Ken Block finished eighth in the heat classification.
Semi-finals
Semi-final 1
Petter Solberg topped the first semi-final to advance to the front row of the finals at his home event. Solberg barely beat out Timur Timerzyanov, as just 0.168 seconds separated the two. Fellow Norwegian Henning Solberg was third in the semi-final, 3.170 seconds slower than his brother Petter.
Semi-final 2
Reinis Nitišs took the win in the second semi-final to join Petter Solberg on the front row of the finals. Nitišs much like Solberg barely took home the semi-final win. As just 0.014 seconds separated Nitišs from Timmy Hansen. Ken Block in his debut World RX event finished third in the semi-final, 2.306 seconds slower than Nitišs.
Finals
Reinis Nitišs took home his first-ever World Rallycross win. As the Latvian beat out Petter Solberg by just 0.988 seconds. Ken Block finished third in the finals, 3.892 seconds slower than Nitišs. Timur Timerzyanov was fourth fastest, 5.374 seconds slower than Nitišs. Henning Solberg rounded out the top five on the stage, finishing 9.875 seconds slower than Nitišs.
Why Was This Important?
Ken Block’s podium at the 2014 running of the World RX Of Norway marked the first time an American and non-European finished on the podium of a World RX event. It also proved to everyone that Americans could compete with the drivers over in Europe on their home tracks. Tanner Foust would ultimately become the first non-European driver to win a World RX event. As Foust won the next round of the 2014 season, the World RX Of Finland. Block never managed to take home a World RX win. He would take home another third-place finish in 2015 at the World RX Of Hockenheim. Block contested two full seasons of the World RX. Finishing 14th in the championship in 2015 and 9th in 2016.
With just a handful of weeks until the 2024 World RX season kicks off, here’s a quick rundown of the Hansen World RX Team.
Sticking To Electric
The Hansen World RX Team will continue to use the electric Peugeot 208s they used last season and the year before. If any updates have been made to the car they are still unknown as the team has yet to show the 2024 car or livery. However, a full car reveal should be done in a matter of weeks. As the 2024 World RX season kicks off July 6th and 7th with the World RX Of Sweden in Holjes. The cars haven’t been used in actual competition since the World RX of Sweden last year. They were supposed to be used all season long but a fire involving another team’s cars put an end to that plan.
The Drivers
Kevin Hansen
The reigning World RX Vice-Champion will once again be a part of the Hansen World RX Team. Kevin, who was one of only three drivers to win a round last season. Will be looking to be more of a threat to Johan Kristoffersson this season. To do so he will need to be at the top of his game all season long. It will also depend on how much better or worse the electric cars are compared to the ICE cars. As Kristoffersson’s team will be using ICE cars for the 2024 season. The 26-year-old has started 74 World RX rounds, winning only 3 of those events and finishing on the podium 21 times.
Timmy Hansen
The second half of the Hansen brothers. The former World RX Champion didn’t have the greatest 2023 season. As Timmy only finished on the podium once, which was at his home event in Sweden where he finished second. This is unusual for the 32-year-old who has 13 wins and 45 podiums in 105 World RX rounds started. Timmy will likely be looking to have a significantly better 2024 season.
Kristoffersson Motorsports has revealed the car they will use for the 2024 World RX season earlier today. Find out more below.
Going Back
Kristoffersson Motorsport is the first team to announce the use of an internal combustion engine for the 2024 World RX season. As the Hansen World RX Team will continue to use electric cars. The car was originally revealed back in May for use in the Nordic RX series. However, the team wouldn’t confirm its use in the World RX until today (June 13th). When the car was revealed Tommy Kristoffersson made it sound as if the team would continue the use of the electric Polo. With the team boss saying “The electric cars have not been used since Lyddenn Hill and are now in for an update.” The Volkswagen Polo or as KMS calls it, the KMS 601 RX features a Horse engine. As the team will be referred to as KMS Horse Powertrain for the upcoming season.
Returning For Another Season
Kristoffersson Motorsports will retain the same driver lineup that they used last season. This includes Ole Christian Veiby and 6-time World RX Johan Kristoffersson.
Ole Christian Veiby
The 2024 season will be Veiby’s third full World RX season this year has yet to take home an event win. He has come close three times before, twice in Portugal in 2022 and once in China last season. Being without a win isn’t a bad sign for Veiby. As his teammate has dominated the World RX for the last two seasons, winning 13 of the last 17 World RX rounds. This leaves very little room for other drivers such as Veiby to win a round. The 27-year-old Norwegian got his start in Rallycross back in 2014 in two events with the KMS team. In 2015 he would make two more World RX appearances and contested the full Euro RX season where he finished third in the championship before leaving the Rallycross scene until 2022. While Veiby was absent from Rallycross he took part in the World Rally Championship 2 category. Where Veiby managed to get 11 different podium finishes and two class wins. However, in 2022 Veiby made the move back to Rallycross.
Mentored by 2-time World RX champion and 2003 WRC champion Petter Solberg, Kristoffersson has become an unstoppable force. Much like Sebastien Loeb or Ogier in the WRC. Since 2017 Kristoffersson has won every World RX championship besides 2019 when he did not contest the championship. Since his debut in 2014 Kristoffersson has amassed a large collection of trophies. As the 35-year-old has taken 41 wins and 56 podiums in his 88 career starts. For reference the driver with the second most wins is Timmy Hansen who has 13. As far as podiums go, Timmy Hansen also has the second most with 45.
Earlier this week the World RX announced ICE cars will be allowed back in the championship.
A Welcomed Return
After two years of fully electric competition, the World RX will allow ICE (internal combustion engine) cars back in the championship. This comes after the 2023 season was stalled after a fire was caused by the battery units at Lydden Hill. The only catch we know of so far is the ICE cars will have to run on sustainable fuels. However, it’s pretty safe to assume there will also be some other modifications to the cars to put them more in line with the electric cars. It’ll be interesting to see how the electric cars compare to the ICE cars, and how the FIA and World RX handle it.
Entry Caps And Other Changes
The entry limit for a World RX event next season will be set at 16. This could change in 2025, however, it’s unlikely the limit will be reached much in 2024. Along with an entry limit, there have been some other changes. Namely to do with Superpole. For 2024 the Superpole has been scrapped. Now drivers will start the heats in a pre-determined order. The main reason for this is to help maintain track position. Along with the scrapping of Superpole, the points structure has been changed. Now instead of drivers battling for the fastest overall time at the end of the four heats. They will instead be awarded points for every single race. That includes all four heats, semifinals and finals.
A U-Turn
The FIA and World RX promoter have seemed to make a bit of a U-turn. As just two years after going all-electric, they are welcoming back ICE cars. Why? The exact reason is unknown. However, it’s safe to assume what the reason is. The likeliest answer is because the World RX wasn’t doing well. Not only with fans but also with teams. It could also be seen as a safe net for the World RX in case something like the Lydden Hill incident happens again. Fans will now get to hear the sound of an engine roaring around a World RX track again. While seeing more drivers compete for the championship.
Earlier this week ES Motorsport revealed the car the team will use for the 2024 World RX season.
The Car
ES Motorsport will contest the 2024 World RX season in a brand new Sköda Fabia RX1e. The team used a chassis from a brand new Sköda Fabia R5 to build the RX1e version. The new car will be fully electric much like the Volkswagen Polo’s used by Kristoffersson motorsports, or the Peugeot 208’s used by the Hansen brothers.
A History In The World RX
ES Motorsport is no stranger to the World RX. Having had drivers like Reinis Nitiss, Kevin Abbring and Rokos Baciuska drive for the team. ES Motorsport also has a championship under their belt. Although it’s not a World RX championship. Instead, they have a championship in the European RX support series. Andreas Bakkerud won the 2021 ERX championship for the team.
What To Expect
ES Motorsport will be the newest addition to the World RX paddock. However, their Sköda Fabia RX1e is expected to be a championship contender by the end of the season. It would come as a shock if the car podiums in its first event. As there will still likely be some issues with the car. As the best test for any racecar is using it in an actual race. You can take the car around a track a dozen times, but nothing compares to the things you learn after one lap of true competition. The last team to join the World RX paddock was Special One Racing. Special One Racing competed in the final round of the 2022 World RX season for development on their Lancia Delta RX1e. Unfortunately for Special One Racing their run in the World RX was cut short after a fire at Lydden Hill ended their season. Nevertheless, ES Motorsport will have some kinks to air out at the first event of the 2024 World RX season.
The second day of the World RX of Hong Kong has come to an end. Johan Kristoffersson took home the final win of the season at the event.
Superpole
Kevin Hansen topped the first Superpole of the World RX Of Hong Kong. Posting a time 0.090 seconds faster than champion Johan Kristoffersson. Klara Andersson finished third fastest, 0.528 seconds slower than Kristoffersson. Patrick O’Donovan set the fourth fastest time, 2.274 seconds slower than Andersson. Timo Scheider rounded out the top five, finishing 4.271 seconds slower than O’Donovan.
Heat One
Kevin Hansen also topped the first heat of the day. Setting a time 0.069 seconds faster than Niclas Grönholm to win the heat. Johan Kristoffersson finished third fastest, 0.324 seconds slower than Grönholm. Timmy Hansen posted the fourth fastest time, 0.265 seconds slower than Kristoffersson. Ole Christian Veiby rounded out the top five, 2.077 seconds slower than Timmy Hansen.
Heat Two
Johan Kristoffersson took the win on the second heat and his first heat win of the weekend. Kristoffersson would post a time 1.780 seconds faster than Niclas Grönholm to take the win. Timmy Hansen finished third fastest, 1.246 seconds slower than Grönholm. Patrick O’Donovan set the fourth fastest time, 0.258 seconds slower than Hansen. Ole Christian Veiby once again rounded out the top five, finishing 0.979 seconds slower than O’Donovan.
Heat Three
Klara Andersson topped the final heat of the World RX Of Hong Kong. Setting a time 1.768 seconds faster than Ole Christian Veiby. Johan Kristoffersson finished third fastest, 0.070 seconds slower than Veiby. Timo Scheider posted the fourth fastest time, 0.461 seconds slower than Kristoffersson. Kevin Hansen rounded out the top five, 0.593 seconds slower than Scheider.
Semifinal One
Johan Kristoffersson took the win in the first semifinal. Posting a time 0.512 seconds faster than Timmy Hansen. Klara Andersson finished third fastest, 1.368 seconds slower than Hansen.
Finals
Johan Kristoffersson took home the final win of the season. Posting a time 3.641 seconds faster than Ole Christian Veiby. Patrick O’Donovon finished third fastest, 0.958 seconds slower than Veiby.
World RX Of Hong Kong Saturday Recap
The first day of the World RX Of Hong Kong has come to an end. Kevin Hansen claimed his first-round win of the season on the day.
Heat One
Kevin Hansen topped the first heat of the event. Setting a time 0.796 seconds faster than Johan Kristoffersson. Klara Andersson finished third fastest, 1.697 seconds slower than Kristoffersson. Niclas Grönholm posted the fourth fastest time 1.741 seconds slower than Andersson. Mikaela Åhlin Kottulisnky rounded out the top five, finishing 0.786 seconds slower than Grönholm.
Heat Two
Niclas Grönholm took home the win on the second heat of the day. Posting a time 0.255 seconds faster than Johan Kristoffersson. Kevin Hansen finished third fastest, 4.084 seconds slower than Kristoffersson. Ole Christian Veiby set the fourth fastest time, 1.352 seconds slower than Hansen. Timmy Hansen rounded out the top five on the heat, finishing 1.629 seconds slower than Veiby.
Semifinal One
Kevin Hansen topped the first semifinal group. Setting a time 2.606 seconds faster than Johan Kristoffersson. Timo Scheider finished third fastest, 1.155 seconds slower than Kristoffersson.
Semifinal Two
Niclas Grönholm took home the win in the second semi-final. Posting a time 1.137 seconds faster than Ole Christian Veiby. Klara Andersson rounded out the top three, finishing 3.020 seconds slower than Veiby.
Finals
Kevin Hansen claimed the win in the finals to secure his first-round win of the season and win the World RX Of Hong Kong. Setting a time 2.290 seconds faster than Niclas Grönholm to take the win. Timo Scheider finished third, 1.186 seconds slower than Grönholm.
A Shortened Schedule
Superpole and the third heat race were canceled due to construction. The construction in question was unexpected and caused a delay in the start of the round. Leading to the cancellation of both Superpole and heat three as a result. This really did not affect the running of the event, just made for less racing overall.