16 permanent entries in the 2019 World RX season

Concerns were rife about the survival of the World Championship of rallycross (World RX) in 2019. If in previous years, the official teams made up the numbers, the catastrophic departures of Volkswagen, Peugeot , Audi, and Olsbergs had put the discipline in a sorry state. Fortunately, the list of entries for the year has something to reassure fans with 16 pilots. 

Diversity will be there, with six teams, four independent drivers and eight different cars. Several big names in World RX have found a solution despite the end of the involvement of official brands. This is the case of Hansen brothers, Timmy and Kevin, who continue their journey with private Peugeot 208s in the family structure (in association with MJP).

Seen piecemeal in 2018 at GCKompétition, Liam Doran joins Andreas Bakkerud on the new Monster Energy RX Cartel team. The Norwegian could have been left on the side of the track following the withdrawal of Audi Sport but will find the cockpit of an Audi S1. 

The Hyundai i20s of Team GRX are well present, with Niclas Grönholm and multiple European champion Timur Timerzyanov behind the wheel. Latvia's Reinis Nitiss is conspicuous by his absence, but will take part in a selection of rounds, starting with kick-off in Abu Dhabi on April 6-7.

Guerlain Chicherit sees the big picture with his two Renault Mégane built by Prodrive dedicated to Anton Marklund and himself, but also two Renault Clios for rookies Guillaume de Ridder and Cyril Raymond. These two men will be housed under the GCK Academy banner. 

The Stard team, with support from Ford Performance, will trust Janis Baumanis, like last year. A second pilot has yet to be named. Despite poor performance, Oliver Bennett is not giving up with his Mini Cooper. Definitely fallen under the spell of explosive races, Timo Scheider continues with Münnich Motorsport.

Krisztian Szabo collects an Audi S1 ex-Ekström while 1600 European Super2018 champion Rokas Baciuska climbs to world level with a Skoda Fabia from ESmotorsport.

“We have assembled a high-quality roster with names synonymous with Rallycross and a number of new talents. This highlights the rugged nature of the World RX, assures Paul Bellamy, Vice President of IMG Motorsport, promoter of the competition. 

We have all the ingredients for a fierce battle between private teams seeking world championship glory. Plus, having 11 different nationalities and eight brands competing against each other adds spice. » Paul Bellamy also promises more interaction with fans on the networks.