Kristoffersson: We really have a fight on our hands!
Kristoffersson Motorsport is brimful of confidence heading into the fourth round of the 2026 FIA European Rallycross Championship campaign at Mondello Park in Ireland this weekend (18-19 July), after finally getting on top of the launch problems that had plagued its Volkswagen Polos in the opening two outings.
Johan Kristoffersson might have won the curtain-raising contest in Rīga ahead of KMS stablemate Ole Christian Veiby, but they had to do it the hard way, frequently losing out at the starts before battling back through the pack.
It was a similar story for the Scandinavian duo next time out at Nyirád, where Kristoffersson’s bid for victory was undone by a first corner clash in the Final – but on home soil at Höljes just under a fortnight ago, the pair delivered another commanding one-two finish.
They were again compromised along the way – by a puncture for Veiby in Q1 and a black flag for Kristoffersson following a collision in Q2 – but the launches, at least, were much-improved.
“The whole weekend was a huge challenge, but we are so happy that the starts were better and more consistent, especially when it really mattered in the Semi-Final and Final,” mused the eight-time FIA World Rallycross Champion.
“Not getting off the line well had left us a little bit on the back foot in the first two rounds, so big thanks to all the guys who have been working so hard in that area. We’re still not quite as good as the best, but we’re getting closer, which is very promising. Aside from that, Höljes always springs some surprises, which is what sport is all about, and it was even sweeter to win after what happened on the first day.”
“Höljes was a stunning weekend from our point-of-view,” echoed Team Principal, Tommy Kristoffersson, in an interview with Talking Loose. “In previous years, we have done some pre-season events to get up-to-speed, but this year, we came straight into the European Championship and in the first two rounds, we were strong in the races but weak at the starts.
“We all know it’s very difficult if you have a problem early on in the weekend, like we did at Höljes, because every Qualifying session is important, but we were very strong in the Quarter-Final, Semi-Final and Semi-Final – I’m really proud of the team and the manner in which we faced all of the challenges.
“It felt like it was the first weekend where we exploited the full potential of the car, showing what we can do when we reach the right level. That has given us greater self-confidence. The feeling was not there during the first rounds, but now, it’s a completely different situation.”
Kristoffersson Snr is one of the few people in the paddock to have prior experience of Mondello Park, which last featured on the Euro RX calendar in 1996. He is relishing its return.
“It’s great that Ireland is back, not least for all of our fans there,” enthused the three-time Swedish Rallycross Champion, with yesterday’s pre-event parade in nearby Naas drawing an impressive crowd. “It’s a classic circuit, with a genuine rallycross interest.”
Kristoffersson Jnr – who reclaimed the championship lead from arch-rival Andreas Bakkerud with his Swedish success – was just a young boy when he used to watch his father race at Mondello. While joking that he ‘didn't think much about curbs and curves’ in those days, it is clear his focus will be rather more serious three decades on.
“It will be fun to compete at a track where we haven’t driven before,” acknowledged the Arvika native, who arrived in Ireland fresh from his starring appearance at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, where he thrilled onlookers by blasting his VW Polo 601 RX1 up the famous hill, weaving in-between straw bales at speeds approaching 200 km/h to post the quickest time in his category.
“We can expect high tyre wear, and since it’s a racing-inspired track with a couple of gravel sections, the action will be fast. It’s fantastic to see rallycross back on the path it is on again now – and we really have a fight on our hands!”
