Johan Kristoffersson claims his sixth FIA World Rallycross Championship, Kevin Hansen wins inaugural Hong Kong race
- The 34-year-old Swede downbeat despite title success, after finishing last in the first race of the season finale on Central Harbourfront
- Both drivers praise Hong Kong’s efforts in hosting despite dramatic late changes to course after construction materials were delayed
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Johan Kristoffersson claimed the World Rallycross Championship crown for a record-extending sixth time despite finishing last in the first race of the season finale in Hong Kong on Saturday.
The 34-year-old added to his accolades with a fourth title in a row, triumphing for the sixth time in the past seven seasons, after missing the 2019 campaign because his team withdrew from the FIA championship.
“It’s fantastic to be able to win the sixth title, of course,” the Swedish driver said. “I think we did a good job over the winter, together with our cars that we built ourselves.”
With a massive 36-point lead, and only a maximum of 46 up for grabs in Hong Kong, outright leader Kristoffersson was guaranteed another title after making it to the starting line of the final, the first of two races this weekend at Central Harbourfront.
But Kristoffersson, the most successful driver in the nine-year history of the championship, was not exactly happy with the results after his car ran into some problems towards the end of the final.
He was almost 22 seconds behind race winner Kevin Hansen, who finished his five laps in three minutes, and 17.820 seconds. Niclas Gronholm finished second, 2.290 seconds behind, while Timo Scheider was third, almost another second behind.
“it wasn’t really our day, and I’m very sad for all the fans and all the people in Hong Kong coming to look at Rallycross,” he said. “It was spoiled when my car stopped in the final.”
World Rallycross delayed, Harbourfront track shortened after construction issues
But he had no complaints about the city’s inaugural race, and believes Hong Kong can be a regular host going forward.
“Even with this short track, my car didn’t manage to do five laps, so for me maybe I should be happy that the track wasn’t longer,” he said.
“We have to also consider that this is the first race that Hong Kong ever launched in Rallycross. So for sure there are always improvements to be done, but also it is a very good first event.
“If we can also use our RX1E cars with much more power and reliability, I think we can put on a great show.”
His view was echoed by compatriot Hansen, who believes the city is a “perfect setting” for Rallycross.
“The track really brings a lot of challenge because it’s very rough on the gravel and very narrow on the tarmac,” the 25-year-old said. “I need to be cautious on the track but I really like the challenge. It’s an honour for me to win the first race here.”
Kristoffersson added that Hong Kong is a “very cool location with great scenery” for Rallycross but admitted he would like to see some changes if the championship is to return to the city.
“I would have used the initial long back straight, but then of course also use our cars,” he said.
“If you have a good car, and a good setup car that you have worked on together with your team and built yourself, that’s where you can make the difference as a team, but now unfortunately we don’t have that.”
The decorated driver, however, refused to comment on the delayed start, suggesting “my job is just to drive”.
