In Cape Town, the closest final in World RX history between the Hansen brothers and Bakkerud

Even if the World Championship rallycross (World RX) was created in 2014, the small gap between the top 3 in the general classification before the final meeting in Cape Town (South Africa, November 9-10) deserves a spotlight. 

Author of four victories in 2019, Timmy Hansen (Peugeot ) has only a slim point lead over Andreas Bakkerud (Audi, 2 wins). The latter is also under threat from the little brother of the Hansen family, Kevin (Peugeot), only 8 points behind the leader.

Such statistics make Timmy Hansen say that “2019 is (his) best year in Rallycross, even if there were a lot of ups and downs. I started the campaign by a big crash in Abu Dhabi » recalls the Swede, and a side impact caused by… Andreas Bakkerud.

During this inaugural round, the Norwegian was downgraded by the stewards while Timmy Hansen withdrew after observing the damage to his 208 WRX.

“Obviously in Cape Town I need to win again, continues the Hansen’s big brother. The championship is so close that I think it is better to stay focused on performance. That said, I also have to be smart and not take any unnecessary risks. »

27 years old, Timmy Hansen has already come close to the coronation twice, in 2013 when the championship stopped at European level (3rd for its first full season) and second in 2015. 

His direct rival, Andreas Bakkerud, has also been circling the top prize in recent years (still in the top 6 since 2013). “I think the fight will only be over once the finish line is crossed”, explains the one who was still in Lohéac (Ille-et-Vilaine) the leader of the championship.

“We saw that the Peugeots were fast on the Killarney circuit (venue of the final. Editor's note) over the last two seasons, but we made some changes to the Audi S1. If I get good starts and limit my mistakes, I will be in good shape to win. »

Finally, the third thief is also the youngest. At just 22 years old, Kevin Hansen had never been so close to the world title, thanks to great consistency (two finals missed in nine events).

“This is the best season of my life, he also believes. Not only in terms of results, but I am also progressing as a driver and I understand better how I can deliver the best of myself.

I learned more in 2019 than in the previous two years in World RX. I have no pressure. I'm just going there to win, it's the only option for me. »

The Hansen brothers compete in the same team, Team Hansen MJP, while Andreas Bakkerud will be the undisputed leader of the RX Cartel. The game of team instructions could be important in South Africa...

“It’s clear that strategies are crucial. I will do everything possible to have the Hansen name on the champion trophy,” warns Kevin Hansen. 

Andreas Bakkerud's sidekick at RX Cartel, Liam Doran, will play the team race. “I hope to take some pressure off him,” says the fiery Englishman. I have to be there to give Andreas some breathing space. » Contacts, commonplace in World RX, could be slightly stronger this weekend…