May 31, 2025 @ 2:30 pm – June 1, 2025 @ 6:00 pm
The countdown to the 2025 FIA World Rallycross Championship is officially over, as the electrifying season kicks off at Portugal’s newly redesigned Circuito Automóvel de Lousada from 31 May to 1 June. Marking a bold new era for the sport, this year’s championship will be streamed live and free, making World RX one of the most accessible elite motorsport series in the world.
Rallycross for Everyone – Free Access, Everywhere
In a transformative step for the sport, every round of both the FIA World Rallycross Championship and the FIA European Rallycross Championship will be freely accessible via the World RX and the relaunched fiaworldrallycross.com. The initiative is part of the FIA’s commitment to growing the rallycross audience globally, reaching fans across all demographics, and removing paywall barriers that previously restricted access.
“Rallycross is one of the most action-packed forms of motorsport, but that only matters when people can watch it! We’re thrilled to be bringing every race to fans for free.”
said FIA Road Sport Director Emilia Abel
In addition to the live streaming, the championship will also be broadcast via national partners in key territories, maintaining its footprint on traditional media while leaning into the digital future.
Lousada Reimagined – A Track Built for the Future
Returning to the calendar for the first time in nearly a decade, the Circuito Automóvel de Lousada has undergone a dramatic overhaul. What was once a grassroots rallycross venue has now been transformed into a modern, technical battleground featuring:
The redesigned layout was put to the test during pre-season testing, where teams from World RX, Euro RX1, and Euro RX3 fine-tuned their 2025 machines in real-world conditions. Testing also marked the debut of Hoosier’s new soft compound tyres, developed using feedback from the 2024 season to provide improved grip across all surfaces.
Battle of Technologies Returns
2025 continues the innovative multi-powertrain format, where electric vehicles (EVs) go head-to-head with sustainably fuelled internal combustion engine (ICE) cars in a true “Battle of Technologies.” The FIA’s Equivalence of Technology (EOT) tests were conducted at Lousada, with rallycross legend Andreas Bakkerud setting benchmark laps to ensure fair, balanced competition across powertrains.
“We’re expecting a spectacular season opener with a 37-car entry list. The EOT process has delivered valuable insights to guarantee fair racing.”
said Emilia Abel
Fan Engagement Starts Early
Before engines roar to life on the track, fans can get up close and personal with their favourite stars during a fan event in Lousada Old Town on Thursday, 29 May, featuring a public autograph session. Practice begins Friday, 30 May, with full race action unfolding over Saturday and Sunday.
What to Watch: Drivers to Keep an Eye On
“None of us have been to Lousada before, so it’s a blank canvas. Portugal has treated me well in the past, and I hope that continues.”
said Grönholm
Whether you’re a long-time rallycross enthusiast or a new fan discovering the thrill of close-quarters racing, the 2025 FIA World Rallycross Championship promises to deliver non-stop excitement, innovative racing formats, and unmatched accessibility. The journey begins in Lousada—don’t miss the action.
+49 (0) 89 212 669 910
info@fiaworldrallycross.com
