Euro RX ready to tackle all-new Mondello Park challenge

The FIA European Rallycross Championship makes its long-awaited come back to Ireland this month, as Mondello Park hosts the fourth round of the 2026 season on its spectacular new rallycross configuration.

Located just 45 minutes from Dublin, the legendary venue has welcomed many of the sport's greatest names over the years – including Martin Schanche, Matti Alamäki and Kenneth Hansen – and now enters an exciting new era with a redesigned anti-clockwise layout created to encourage even more high-speed wheel-to-wheel racing at what is widely regarded as Europe's fastest rallycross circuit.

A competitive line-up has been assembled across all four championship categories, with 25 drivers entered in Euro RX1, alongside 10 contenders in Euro RX3, seven in Euro RX4 and 15 in Euro RX5, setting the stage for another thrilling weekend of action.

Euro RX1

The headline Euro RX1 category boasts another stellar field packed with experience, proven winners and home favourites.

Eight-time World Rallycross Champion Johan Kristoffersson once again tops the bill alongside three-time European Champion Andreas Bakkerud, while all eyes will be on home favourite Patrick O'Donovan. The 2024 Euro RX1 Champion returns to Irish soil looking to put a frustrating Höljes weekend behind him and reignite his campaign in front of what is sure to be a passionate home crowd. Podium contenders Juha Rytkönen, Joni Turpeinen, Ole Christian Veiby, Casper Jansson and Fabien Pailler complete another exceptionally strong line-up.

The local fans will have plenty to cheer for elsewhere too, with British and Irish Rallycross Champion Derek Tohill making a welcome wildcard appearance. A two-time British Champion, nine-time Irish Champion and former FIA European Touringcar Champion, Tohill is no stranger to European competition and will be eager to challenge the established frontrunners aboard his Peugeot 208.

He is joined by a sizeable home contingent of drivers, who will be aiming to make the most of local knowledge around Mondello Park's all-new high-speed layout.

Euro RX3

The Euro RX3 category continues to showcase some of rallycross' brightest young talents, with a highly competitive 10-car field assembled for the Irish weekend.

Championship leader Rytis Gurklys arrives with momentum firmly on his side following his race win in Sweden, but the Lithuanian can expect fierce opposition from competitive rivals such as Sámuel Kovács and Markus Røsrud. Title rival Julien Meunier will meanwhile be eager to bounce back after seeing his impressive run of Semi Final appearances come to an end at Höljes.

Euro RX4

The FIA's grassroots Rally4 category once again features a seven-car field representing six different nationalities, with the championship battle continuing to gather momentum.

Andrea Benezet and Filip Melon arrive in Ireland separated by just a handful of points at the top of the standings after sharing the victories across the opening three rounds, setting the stage for another fascinating chapter in their title fight. With every point becoming increasingly valuable, Mondello Park could prove a pivotal weekend in the battle for championship honours.

Euro RX5

The championship battle in Euro RX5 continues to intensify, with series leader Martin Juga looking to extend his advantage as the season enters its second half. The Estonian heads to Ireland with a 7-point advantage over fellow countryman Armin Raag, while France's Valentin Comte remains firmly in contention in third.

The trio face another ultra-competitive 15-car field featuring Tim Braumüller and Marko Muru, while French brothers Paolo and Flavio Martins continue their impressive debut campaigns. Fresh from his breakthrough victory in Sweden, Diego Martínez will also be looking to carry that momentum into Mondello Park as confidence continues to grow in the Spanish camp.

The category has consistently delivered some of the closest racing of the season, and Mondello Park's newly designed anti-clockwise circuit – created to encourage high-speed side-by-side action – looks perfectly suited to produce another thrilling spectacle.