Kárai commits to inaugural FIA Rallycross World Cup
Tamás Kárai has become the latest driver to confirm his participation in the forthcoming FIA Rallycross World Cup, with the Hungarian hoping for a change of fortunes when he takes to the track in Jakarta following a frustrating season in Euro RX1.
Kárai is one of the dual-surface discipline’s most experienced and accomplished competitors, having debuted in Euro RX in 2015 off the back of clinching a trio of FIA European Autocross Championship crowns. He entered the 2026 campaign with six podium finishes to his credit at the series’ highest level, but a variety of misfortunes restricted him to a best result of eighth place in Portugal last month, on his way to 15th in the overall standings in the high-calibre field.
The Orosháza native – who turns 53 next week – is now fired-up to end the year on a more positive note with a strong performance in the Indonesian capital on 4-6 December, behind the wheel of his Kárai Motorsport Sportegyesület-entered Audi S1.
“It always feels good to participate in something new,” he enthused. “When the location for the World Cup was announced, I was immediately interested.
“We’re going there with a big team, taking two Supercars – one for myself and one for Andor Trepák – and five Cross Cars for the RX5 category. Andor is a talented driver and hungry for victory – his car is very good and I’m looking forward to a fair fight with him.
“My car is also very good, and I expected much better results in 2026 but luck simply wasn’t on our side. Andor and I are both heading to Jakarta looking for a good performance and a fun experience. I couldn’t start every Euro RX round this year, so I feel like my season is not yet complete – and I’ve always liked a challenge!”
Kárai joins countryman Trepák alongside rallycross legends Sébastien Loeb and Kevin Hansen, father-and-son pairing Ollie and Patrick O’Donovan, ALL-INKL.COM Münnich Motorsport duo René Münnich and Mandie August plus rising stars Casper Jansson and Filip Thorén as drivers already signed up for the landmark event, with more names still to be announced.
The beginning of a significant new chapter for the sport, the first-ever FIA Rallycross World Cup will be delivered in partnership with 360-degree sports and entertainment ecosystem specialist, SARGA.CO.
Competitors will do battle for glory in the RX1 and RX5 classes, with a distinctive sporting format featuring the introduction of Superpole, two mandatory Joker Laps and eight-car races for the Semi-Finals and Finals.
