Rallycross has achieved immense popularity, especially in the USA, over the past few years. Now the world’s motorsport governing body, the FIA (Federation International de l’Automobile) has finally launched a series that many expect will rival the North American Global Rallycross Championship (GRC) – especially if the series is contested by high-profile motorsports heroes such as Jacques Villeneuve.
The Canadian, 42, has reportedly signed on for a full season in the FIA’s new formula. Villeneuve has an extensive career under his belt, which includes winning the F1 world championship and Indianapolis 500. He also had stints in the 24 Hours of Le Mans, NASCAR, Australian V8 Supercars and the Andros Trophy ice-racing series.
“I am really looking forward to entering the rallycross arena with (Scottish team) Albatec Racing. With my previous ice-racing experience, I’m excited about driving sideways in a 600 horsepower (450 kW), four-wheel drive Peugeot 208 over the combination of loose and tarmac surfaces, not to mention the jumps,” Villeneuve stated.
Designed to run alongside the European Rallycross Championship, with which it will share nine events this year, the World Rallycross Championship has already attracted the likes of 2003 World Rally Champion, Norway’s Petter Solberg.
In the rallycross formula, drivers compete in heats on a closed course that comprises a mixture of surfaces – with a few jumps thrown in for good measure.
The 12-round season will get underway in May with the opener in Montalegre in Portugal.
