Sweden’s iconic Höljes circuit will continue to feature on the FIA World Rallycross Championship calendar for the next five years. The legendary Swedish track is one of the most evocative venues in rallycross. It is also steeped in motorsport history and attracts upwards of 50,000 fans for World RX’s ‘Magic Weekend’ every summer.
Breaking: Holjes to remain on #WorldRX calendar until at least 2023 as 5-year extension signed!#WorldRX #HoljesRX pic.twitter.com/Wu3w0kVJU9
— FIA World Rallycross (@FIAWorldRX) October 25, 2018
“We’re thrilled to confirm a five-year contract extension with Höljes, a circuit loved by drivers, teams and fans alike”, the Rallycross Vice President at IMG James Taylor said. “Höljes has been a staple of the World RX schedule ever since the inception of the World Championship. And the capacity crowds that attend each and every World RX of Sweden are a testament to its enduring appeal.
“Whilst embracing new venues and territories like Spa-Francorchamps and Abu Dhabi, it is important that we simultaneously remain true to rallycross’ heritage. Nowhere is more synonymous with our sport than Höljes.”
Morgan Östlund, Höljes Club Chairman, added:
“It’s fantastic to be able to confirm Höljes’ place on the World RX schedule for at least another five years. We have been a part of this thrilling journey from the start of the World Championship. And we are all excited to see what the future has to hold with the forthcoming electric switch, which looks set to take the discipline of rallycross to a whole new level. We’re heading towards the dawn of a bright new era!”
The World RX will also continue to visit the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya for at least the next four seasons. The championship and the circuit reached a multi-year extension to the contract. The Catalan track has featured on the World RX calendar since 2015, proving to be a popular addition to the annual schedule amongst fans and competitors alike. The new deal comes on the same day as the World Championship announced a long-term contract extension with iconic Swedish venue Höljes.
“We are delighted to have extended our agreement with World RX of Catalunya and the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya. They welcomed our sport with open arms three years ago and as an event, it has consistently grown in stature, raising the bar with its first-class facilities, exciting on-track challenge and engaging off-track diversions”, Taylor said.
“We look forward to four more seasons of growing the discipline of rallycross in a region where motorsport has such a long and proud tradition.”
Jordi Roquer, CEO, SevenMila, Promoter of World RX of Catalunya, added:
“We are really happy to renew with the FIA World Rallycross Championship with a four-year contract. It is especially important taking into consideration that in two years the championship will be electric. That represents an open door for all manufacturers developing electric vehicles for more sustainable mobility.
“Moreover, we will continue growing the event at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya. We will keep working to make it more of a motorsport festival, including a fan zone that includes entertainment and activities for everyone like music and gastronomy. World RX of Catalunya is also a big opportunity for local competitions, and ‘Car Cross’ will continue to have a big presence at the event with local drivers.”
