Sizzling Start for World RX as Leaders Tie on Day One's Points Score

On a blazing hot Saturday, spectators flooded the newly renovated Portuguese circuit, eager to witness the diverse lineup of World RX heroes battle it out. With streams of races available for free, excitement was high as the day's competitive action was set to begin.

Kicking off the first heat of Qualifying 1, Kevin Hansen clinched the first hole shot of the season, securely leading the pack. However, as qualifying now relies on overall time rather than finishing position, it remained unclear if Hansen could maintain his lead.

In the second heat, Hansen's brother Timmy displayed an astonishing speed, leading from start to finish. Ole Christian Veiby, driving a combustion-powered VW, chased him down, setting the fastest lap and demonstrating the vehicle's potential.

After a brief reset, CE Dealer Team's Klara Andersson and Niclas Grönholm charged onto the track like a freight train during Qualifying 2. Andersson displayed impressive control in the first heat, executing a flawless late Joker Lap to secure the checkered flag. In the second heat, Andersson's sister #68 car, piloted by Grönholm, catapulted ahead of the pack off the start, leaving the rest to duke it out for position.

Veiby consistently performed well throughout the day, finishing second overall. Andersson took third in Q2, and Hansen brothers, Timmy and Kevin, placed fourth and fifth respectively, each employing a bold move to drag reigning champion Johan Kristofferson into sixth in the final hairpin of qualifying.

With performances like these, tomorrow promises to bring some intense racing in Lousada. Grönholm spearheads the qualifying chart, followed closely by Timmy Hansen and Veiby, all three tied on points. Kevin Hansen, Klara Andersson, and Johan Kristoffersson round out the top six.

Finnish racer Juha Rytkönen wrapped up the day in seventh, just ahead of Team RX Racing's Patrick O'Donovan, who recovered from early race damage to claim a respectable position in the second heat. Anthony Pelfrène's GCK Peugeot finished in ninth.

Tomorrow sees two more qualifying sessions, further setting the stage for the thrilling semi-finals. Although the competition is fierce, it's anyone's game - click here to catch the live stream action.

Click here for the detailed Qualifying Standings from the first intense day of World Rallycross Championship racing.

In the 2025 our platform European Rallycross Championship, Yury Belevskiy established a commanding lead on the opening day of the season's first round in Lousada. His outstanding driving secured maximum points for Volland Racing, leading team-mate Nils Volland. The closest competitor, Miika Liimatainen, trailed behind in third.

The action returns tomorrow, with expectations mounting for another spectacular display in the European Championship.

Click here for the provisional Qualifying Points Standings in EuroRX1.

With a star-studded lineup of 19 drivers, the first competitive event of 2025 began in Lousada, Portugal. As fans flocked to the iconic rallycross circuit, it was evident the local drivers were benefitting from their knowledge of the track, with Joao Ribeiro taking the top spot.

Portuguese drivers dominated the rankings, with Joaquim Machado trailing close behind in second, just edging out Libor Teješ for the third position. Andre Sousa's consistent performance secured a spot for him in the top five. Massive variety in EuroRX3 cars filled the track - Rafaela Barbosa's Peugeot 208 to Luis Pedro Ferreira's Renault Twingo - staking their claims for the upcoming semi-finals.

Click here for the provisional qualifying results from day one of this exhilarating competition.

*Sports enthusiasts looking forward to the action-packed auto-racing events, with World RX and European Rallycross Championship showcasing a diverse lineup of talented drivers.

In Lousada, the thrilling EuroRX3 saw local drivers dominating the ranks, setting the stage for an exciting semi-final in the first competitive event of 2025.