Euro RX of Sweden Preview

The 2026 FIA European Rallycross Championship reaches one of its most iconic destinations this weekend, as the series heads to Höljes for the Euro RX of Sweden on 3–5 July.

Following two action-packed rounds in Latvia and Hungary, the championship arrives at the legendary “Magic Weekend” with momentum building across all four categories. Höljes is renowned for producing some of the biggest crowds and most dramatic racing in elite rallycross, making it a fitting stage for the next chapter of the 2026 season.

In Euro RX1, Andreas Bakkerud arrives in Sweden with renewed confidence after securing his first international victory in four years at Nyirád. The Norwegian’s triumph reignited the title fight and closed the gap to championship leader Johan Kristoffersson, who remains the benchmark after his dominant season-opening win in Riga. Ole Christian Veiby and Joni Turpeinen also sit firmly in contention after strong performances in the opening two rounds, while Patrick O'Donovan and Casper Jansson continue to hunt their first podiums of the campaign.

In Euro RX3, Julien Meunier has emerged as the early title favourite after back-to-back victories in Riga and Hungary. The French youngster mastered the demanding Nyirád circuit to extend his championship lead, but Rytis Gurklys remains his closest challenger after another consistent podium finish. Nicolas Geleyns and Dylan Dufas have also shown front-running pace and will be aiming to break into the victory fight at Höljes.

New grassroots categories Euro RX4 and Euro RX5 continue to deliver some of the closest racing of the season. Filip Melon arrives after a near-perfect weekend in Hungary, while Valentin Comte claimed a breakthrough maiden victory at Nyirád to throw himself firmly into the championship battle. With both categories producing multiple winners and dramatic finals so far, Höljes is expected to provide another major test for the next generation of rallycross talent.

Anna Nordkvist, FIA Vice President for Sport - Europe, said: "The first two rounds of the 2026 FIA European Rallycross Championship have delivered exactly the kind of close, competitive racing we hoped to create, and it has been extremely encouraging to see the level of engagement from teams, drivers and fans across all four categories. Höljes is a very special venue for rallycross. The atmosphere, the history and the passion of the fans make it one of the highlights of the season, and for many people it represents the true spirit of the sport. After the action we have already seen in Riga and Hungary, we are expecting another spectacular weekend in Sweden."

Attention now turns to Höljes — a venue regarded by many as the spiritual home of rallycross. Fast, flowing and framed by dense Swedish forest, the circuit has a unique atmosphere and a history of producing unforgettable moments, making it one of the most anticipated weekends on the international rallycross calendar.

All rounds of the 2026 FIA European Rallycross Championship will be LIVE and FREE to watch on the FIA Rallycross YouTube channel.

FAST FACTS

❱ Fast & Flowing:
The mixed-surface layout combines high-speed gravel sections with flowing asphalt corners, rewarding commitment, rhythm and precision from drivers.

❱ Home of the 'Save of the Year': Höljes produced one of the most unforgettable moments in recent rallycross history in 2025, when home favourite Kevin Hansen somehow recovered from a spectacular full 360-degree spin in torrential conditions before continuing with virtually no time lost.

DRIVERS TO WATCH

❱ EURO RX1: Johan Kristoffersson returns to his home event looking to respond after losing the championship lead in Hungary, while Andreas Bakkerud arrives with renewed momentum following his victory at Nyirád. Joni Turpeinen continues to establish himself as one of the revelations of the season after pushing Kristoffersson hard in Riga, and young talents Casper Jansson and Johannes Rafoss have all shown genuine podium-winning potential despite their relative inexperience at the highest level. 

❱ EURO RX3: Euro RX3 has quickly developed into one of the championship's most compelling title battles. Julien Meunier arrives at Höljes as the championship leader after back-to-back victories, but Rytis Gurklys has consistently emerged as Meunier's closest challenger and will be determined to close the gap in Sweden. Nicolas Geleyns will also be looking to bounce back after a frustrating weekend at Nyirád despite showing podium pace throughout the opening round in Riga, while Dylan Dufas, Markus Røsrud and André Sousa have all demonstrated front-running pace capable of challenging for podiums. 

ROUND 2 HIGHLIGHTS 

BROADCAST TIMINGS