World RX of Finland Event Preview: New KymiRing, Mixed Grids & Championship Drama

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The FIA World Rallycross Championship returns with high-octane energy this weekend as Round 4 lands in southern Finland at the all-new KymiRing. Following the chaos of Hungary’s “Red Cauldron,” drivers will now face a 1.2km cutting-edge track, rebuilt from the ground up with jumps, sharp twists, and technical gravel sections.

For the first time this season, World RX and Euro RX1 competitors will share the same qualifying heats, creating even more intense wheel-to-wheel racing. While they will compete head-to-head on track, scoring will remain separate within their respective championships.

Title Battles Heat Up

Reigning champion Johan Kristoffersson aims to continue his push for a record-breaking eighth title, backed by KMS team-mate Ole Christian Veiby, who helped secure a 1–2 finish in Hungary.

But the spotlight is firmly on home hero Niclas Grönholm, who has been fine-tuning his PWR RX1e in local test sessions. Racing in front of a passionate Finnish crowd, Grönholm is chasing nothing less than victory — a win that could also swing the championship momentum in his favour.

The fight in Euro RX1 is just as fierce, with Yury Belevskiy holding a narrow lead over Finnish challenger Mika Liimatainen, while in Euro RX3, João Ribeiro looks to strengthen his campaign for a maiden European crown.

Fast Facts: What to Know About World RX of Finland

• Brand New Track: The redesigned KymiRing makes its World RX debut thanks to Volvo Construction Equipment’s expertise, levelling the playing field for all drivers.
• Return to Finland: This marks only the third time in championship history that Finland has hosted a World RX round.
• Homegrown Heroes: Seven Finnish drivers will compete across the classes, igniting local support.
• Rising Stars: Teenagers Anton Seppä, Maiko Tamm, and Joni Turpeinen are set to make their mark.
• Championship on a Knife Edge: Just seven points separate Kristoffersson and Grönholm heading into Round 4.

FIA’s Excitement for Finland’s Return

“It’s a great moment for the FIA World Rallycross Championship to return to Finland for the first time since 2020 – and even more exciting that we are doing so on an all-new circuit. The redevelopment of the KymiRing has been a significant project, and we are sincerely grateful to Volvo Construction Equipment for their dedication in helping bring a world-class rallycross venue to life. Finland has a proud motorsport heritage, and I’ve no doubt the atmosphere amongst the Finnish fans will be absolutely electric.”

Emilia Abel, FIA Road Sport Director, emphasized the moment’s significance:

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With a fresh circuit, combined grids, and rivalries reaching boiling point, the World RX of Finland promises to be one of the most dramatic weekends of the season.