The 2022 FIA World Rallycross Championship Belgium will visit the iconic Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps for the next round of the brand-new RX1e championship (08/09 October). All eyes will be on championship leader Johan Kristoffersson as he looks to rebound from his first loss of this season last time out in Montalegre. Still, his competitors are aware that he is no longer untouchable.
A portion of the WRX fanbase was initially hesitant about adding a second Formula 1 circuit to the 2019 schedule. As soon as the race began, though, all apprehensions vanished. With its wide, sweeping gravel corners, dramatic jump, and the legendary ascent of Eau Rouge, it is a track that requires “large balls,” as one driver said during the first weekend.
Even if his winning run ended in Portugal during the fifth race, KMS driver Kristoffersson remains the favorite to win the championship. The Swedish driver has fought tooth and nail for every victory this season. He finished first at Montalegre before receiving a ten-second penalty for a collision with title challenger Timmy Hansen on the opening lap.
Timmy Hansen and his brother Kevin Hansen’s Hansen World RX Team vehicles have displayed awe-inspiring speed and have been hunting for victory in nearly every race. Kevin was unlucky with a semi-final incident that caused his race to end in the wall, and Timmy was involved in a collision with Kristoffersson in the final. Both drivers displayed excellent racing skills in Portugal.
Ole Christian Veiby, Kristoffersson’s colleague, is another completely optimistic driver about his team. This year, the Norwegian has reached the podium four times out of five, matching the accomplishment of his dominant partner. The podium on day two at Montalegre seemed, at best improbable for a driver who crashed severely in the first heat. “I was ecstatic and emotional to finish second,” Veiby remarked. “After the first heat, I honestly did not believe that would be possible, and I attribute the victory to a wonderful team effort – we do not give up!”
Niclas Gronholm of Finland profited the most from the confusion of the fifth round. CE Dealer Team eventually broke their bad run, and Gronholm, who had fought all weekend valiantly and demonstrated the car’s growth from day one, earned the top step of the podium. His teammate Klara Andersson, the first female racer to ever stand on a WorldRX podium, joined him on the podium.
She made her debut at Spa about a year ago and is really adjusting well to the sport, as is Gustav Bergstrom, the third member of the KMS three. The Swedish adolescent has earned quite a name for himself with his lightning-quick acceleration off the line and his clever driving skills. He will be eager to get to the podium after having made two final appearances this season.
As autumn approaches, the competition in this exciting new season of World Rallycross action is intensifying. On October 8 and 9, the sixth and seventh rounds of the FIA World Rallycross Championship take place at Spa-Francorchamps.
Read: FIA World Rallycross Championship 2022 Montalegre, Portugal
How to Watch World Rallycross Championship Belgium
NBC will air every single round of the World Rally Championship (Peacock, CNBC, NBC)
Fox Sports (Kayo/Foxtel) in Australia will air every round of the World Rally Championship, and viewers find it in live using FuboTV. (7 Days Free Trial)
