Bakkerud sets the pace in Nyriád

The second round of the European Championship Rallycross This confirms the trend: the discipline has returned to the rough battles that once made it so appealing. With a sizable RX1 grid (31 cars), there wasn't room for everyone on the winding Nyirád circuit (Hungary). Nicknamed "the red cauldron," the track caught out the benchmark Johan Kristoffersson (Volkswagen). The eight-time world champion, starting from the outside, made a very rare mistake. "I went a little too wide, and there was no more grip on that part of the track. I bounced off the tire wall twice and restarted last." In these sprint-format races, Kristoffersson could no longer hope for anything, and had to settle for 5th place.e Place. No need to be downcast, though. "It was a very fun weekend, in a typical rallycross location. I remain well placed in the championship."

The Nordic driver has indeed relinquished his overall lead to a resurgent Andreas Bakkerud (Ford). The 2019 runner-up was the strongest throughout. Leading after Saturday evening's qualifying heats, the Bergen Motorsport Evolution driver followed up with victories in his quarter-final and then his semi-final. Starting from pole position in the final, the three-time European champion (S1600 in 2011 and 2012, Supercar in 2021) was quickest off the mark and managed his lead to secure his first European victory since Hell in 2022. “It means a lot to me. It’s not every day you get the chance to go head-to-head with an eight-time world champion, and Johan is a real beast behind the wheel! It’s no secret that I’ve had some tough times in the United States these past few years.” (in Nitrocross. (Editor's note), and now that I'm back here to begin a new chapter with Bergen Motorsport Evolution (banner behind which the SET Promotion is hidden. (Editor's note)... we're doing a good job and we're fighting hard. I feel like this sport is back – and so am I! He shared the podium with fellow members of the SET Promotion team, Juha Rytkönen and Joni Turpeinen.

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