The reigning FIA World Rallycross Champion, Johan Kristoffersson, returned to his winning ways in spectacular fashion at the legendary Magic Weekend in Höljes, Sweden, clinching victory in the second round of the 2025 World RX Championship under some of the most extreme conditions seen in the sport.
As the rain poured down just before the final, turning the track into a slippery mudbath, Kristoffersson kept his cool to dominate from start to finish. The seven-time world champion completed a perfect weekend, topping every session on his way to securing his sixth career victory at Höljes — a feat that cements his status as a rallycross legend.
While Kristoffersson led from the front, the battles behind were nothing short of breathtaking. CE Dealer Team’s Niclas Grönholm, winner of the season opener in Portugal, delivered another strong performance. Despite struggling to match Kristoffersson’s outright pace, the Finnish driver fought hard to secure second place, showcasing exceptional car control in the treacherous conditions.
Hansen Motorsport’s Timmy Hansen completed the podium after a chaotic start to the final. Both Hansen brothers, Timmy and Kevin, along with Juha Rytkönen, dove into the joker lap immediately, resulting in a fierce tussle on the waterlogged gravel. The Hansen duo emerged ahead, but Kevin’s race took a dramatic turn when he spun 360 degrees on lap four — a stunning save that will surely be replayed for years. Unfortunately, his run was cut short shortly after due to a suspected power issue.
Rytkönen managed to recover for a respectable fourth place, while European Rallycross Champion Patrick O’Donovan rounded out the field after a puncture dashed his podium hopes.
With over 20,000 passionate fans braving the soaking conditions to witness the chaos, the Swedish round lived up to its billing as rallycross’ heartland event. The action-packed weekend sets the stage for a thrilling Round 3 in Nyirád, Hungary, where the drivers will face hot and dusty conditions — a complete contrast to the soaking Swedish showdown.
Final Standings – 2025 World RX Höljes, Sweden:
- Johan Kristoffersson (Kristoffersson Motorsport)
- Niclas Grönholm (CE Dealer Team)
- Timmy Hansen (Hansen Motorsport)
- Juha Rytkönen
- Patrick O’Donovan
- Kevin Hansen (DNF)
Driver Reactions:
“These are definitely very important points, but all I can think about right now is that crazy final! The conditions were insane; this is the most difficult final I’ve ever driven here.”
Johan Kristoffersson:
“It was aquaplaning everywhere! I’m really happy with P2 considering we started the weekend slowly. It was all about surviving today.”
Niclas Grönholm:
“It was carnage! I just prayed through every water splash. Third place, considering everything, feels like a win.”
Timmy Hansen:
With Grönholm still leading the points standings and Kristoffersson now in hot pursuit, the 2025 World RX title battle is heating up fast.
Stay tuned for more World RX action from Hungary!