The World Rallycross Championship is entering a new era with significant changes for the 2025 season. The FIA has appointed a new promoter, and the series is introducing a revised calendar and a new season opener. One constant remains: the diversity of powertrains, with both electric and petrol-powered cars competing against each other.
Last season, the ‘Battle of Technologies’ concept was introduced, pitting electric and petrol-powered chassis against each other. Johan Kristoffersson dominated the championship, securing his seventh World RX title and fifth consecutive win. However, of the 12 rounds, electric cars won only three – Timmy and Kevin Hansen each scored a win for their eponymous team, while Niclas Grönholm took the PWR RX1e to victory in Hungary.
To ensure fair competition between the different powertrains, the FIA enlisted seven-time World RX winner and 2019 championship runner-up Andreas Bakkerud to help standardize the cars. Bakkerud tested various cars, including the Peugeot 208 RX1e, PWR’s RX1e, and petrol-powered vehicles like the KMS-built Polo and ICE-spec Hyundais and Peugeots. The data collected from his runs will be used to adjust weight ballast and make technical adjustments to ensure performance parity across all cars.
“The EOT process has delivered valuable insights,” said Emilia Abel, FIA road sport director. “We’ll implement any necessary changes to guarantee fair racing across all powertrains.”
The drivers won’t have to wait long to see the results of these adjustments, as the World RX season kicks off next week with the main event on Sunday, June 1. Other changes include a reversion to the pre-2022 heat system, where the fastest times determine heat results, and a random draw for the first heat start order. Euro RX1 cars will share the track with World RX cars during heat races but will continue to be scored separately.
The grid remains largely unchanged from last season, with the same three teams returning with their driver lineups. Kristoffersson and Veiby will drive combustion-powered Volkswagen Polo KMS 601 RXs, while Grönholm and Klara Andersson will pilot the PWR RX1e for CE Dealer Team. The Hansen brothers will continue to run their electric Peugeots 208s, and new entries include GCK’s petrol-powered 208 for Anthony Pelfrène and Patrick Donovan driving for his family team, Team RX Racing.
