After a spectacular curtain-raiser in Riga earlier this month, the championship heads to one of rallycross’ most iconic venues, with momentum already building across all four categories. From established champions making their mark early on in the season to emerging stars impressing the crowds, the opening round delivered an early glimpse of what promises to be an ultra-competitive season.
In Euro RX1, Johan Kristoffersson arrives in Hungary leading the standings after a hard-fought victory at the season opener in Latvia. The eight-time world champion heads a tightly-packed field that also includes fellow podium finishers Ole Christian Veiby and Joni Turpeinen, while title contenders Andreas Bakkerud and Patrick O’Donovan will be aiming to close the gap at the top after showing strong pace throughout the weekend in Riga.
The fight in Euro RX3 also intensified in Riga, with French youngster Julien Meunier claiming an impressive inaugural victory at the track, leaving him heading the standings heading into round two. Last year’s runner-up Rytis Gurklys sits second in the standings and arrives at Nyirád determined to respond, while Nicolas Geleyns continues to establish himself among the category’s leading contenders, and will undoubtedly also take a shot at closing the gap to the leader.
New grassroots categories Euro RX4 and Euro RX5 made a strong impression on their championship debut in Riga, highlighting the impressive talent and depth of rallycross’ new development pathway – with Andrea Benezet and Tim Braumüller leading their respective standings heading into Hungary.
Emilia Abel, FIA Road Sport Director, said: “Riga delivered a strong start to the 2026 FIA European Rallycross Championship, with close and competitive racing that reflects the direction we want for the series. It was also hugely positive to see the debut of the RX4 and RX5 categories, which form an important part of the long-term future of rallycross.We now head to Nyirád, one of Europe’s most iconic rallycross venues. Its unique layout and character always produce spectacular racing, and after what we saw in Riga, we’re very much looking forward to another highly competitive weekend.”
Attention now turns to Nyirád – a venue renowned for its demanding mixed-surface layout, dramatic elevation changes and passionate rallycross atmosphere. Known as “The Red Cauldron” due to its distinctive red clay surface, the Hungarian circuit has built a reputation for intense wheel-to-wheel action and unpredictable racing, making it a fitting stage for the second chapter of the 2026 season.
With 68 cars confirmed across the four different cateogries, the field is set to be more competitive than ever as the championship heads to Hungary. The impressive entry list is a testament to the growing momentum behind the FIA European Rallycross Championship in 2026, while a strong local presence is set to add to the atmosphere throughout the weekend. Hungarian drivers including Tamás Kárai, Zoltán Koncseg and Attila Mózer will undoubtedly all be aiming to deliver strong performances in front of an expectedly passionate home crowd.
All rounds of the 2026 FIA European Rallycross Championship will be LIVE and FREE to watch on the Official FIA Rallycross YouTube channel.
FAST FACTS
❱ The Red Cauldron: Nyirád Racing Center is widely known as “The Red Cauldron” due to its distinctive red clay surface, which creates a unique setting and challenging driving conditions for competitors.
❱ Rallycross Heritage: Located in western Hungary, Nyirád has become one of the most recognisable rallycross venues in Europe, regularly hosting elite rallycross events and earning a reputation for dramatic racing and passionate fan support.
❱ Natural Amphitheatre: Built within a former bauxite quarry, Nyirád’s bowl-style layout provides excellent visibility for spectators and creates an intense atmosphere throughout the weekend.
❱ Demanding Layout: The circuit’s mixed-surface configuration combines high-speed gravel sections, technical corners and significant elevation changes, placing a premium on car setup, traction and driver precision.
DRIVERS TO WATCH
❱ EURO RX1: All eyes remain on Johan Kristoffersson after his dominant victory in Riga, though the opening round also highlighted the strength of rallycross’ emerging generation. Joni Turpeinen proved one of the standout performers of the weekend, pushing Kristoffersson hard throughout the event and coming close to securing a breakthrough victory on only his second appearance in the category. Alongside them, proven front-runners including Ole Christian Veiby, Andreas Bakkerud and Patrick O’Donovan are all expected to fight at the front once again in Hungary.
❱ EURO RX3: The battle in RX3 is already shaping up to be one of the standout storylines of the 2026 season. Julien Meunier arrives in Hungary with significant momentum after converting an impressive debut weekend into a maiden Euro RX3 victory. Close behind him, Rytis Gurklys continues his push to go one step further after finishing runner-up in the championship last season. The Lithuanian demonstrated his title credentials once again in Riga, battling Meunier throughout the weekend and narrowly missing out on victory in the closing stages of the final round. At the same time, Nicolas Geleyns, Dylan Dufas and André Sousa will all be eager for a chance to get on the podium in Hungary.
ROUND 1 HIGHLIGHTS
BROADCAST TIMINGS
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