World RX: Get set for airtime in Höljes

Jun 282018

Fans of the FIA World Rallycross Championship are in for a treat this weekend. At the midpoint of the season, and the height of the summer, it’s finally time for World RX’s ‘Magic Weekend’.

Set deep in the Värmland Forest in central Sweden, the ordinarily sleepy village of Höljes plays host to a truly iconic rallycross circuit. Once a year the 1.21km Höljes Motorstadion is invaded by close to 50,000 fans for a spectacular three days of racing and partying.

Current reigning champion, Höljes lap-record holder, and winner of the 2017 World RX of Sweden, Johan Kristoffersson heads into the weekend as a firm favorite too. “Winning at home was one of the most special results of my career in Höljes last year and all I can do is try to repeat that result,” said Johan. “Competing in front of so many thousands of fans is unbelievable, when you see the flags everywhere the atmosphere is just going through the roof. I love it.”

Friday images from the 2017 World RX of Sweden

Saturday images from the 2017 World RX of Sweden

Petter Solberg, PSRX Volkswagen Sweden team owner/driver and triple FIA world champion added: “Höljes is the natural rallycross circuit and it’s really quick in places, I like that. What I really like is the way you can use some kerbs and use the crests, jumps and dips to move the car around and keep it sliding – it’s a real driver’s track this one.

“It’s famous, I think for three things. The first is the banked left-hand corner, which leads you onto one of the fastest stretches of the season, downhill on gravel. I love this. That takes you to the second most famous part of this track: the jump. It’s a real big one. If you wanted, you could fly and fly, but all the time you have to check who’s around you and what’s going on. The focus is always on the clean landing to get the nice line into the next corner.

“The third thing which is most famous about this place is the people. There are 45,000 people here and they’re all here for a mid-summer party. It’s amazing. It really is the magic weekend. This time, I want to make it my magic weekend. I missed the final last year because I stalled from pole position in the semi-final. I’m more determined than ever to get to and then make the most of Sunday’s final race.”

To whet your appetite for #HoljesRX, we’ve dug out some of the best airtime shots of Johan and Petter, as well as last year’s Supercar final.