Niclas Grönholm claims World RX win for CE Dealer Team in Hungary as Klara Andersson nets back-to-back podiums
CE Dealer Team by Volvo Construction Equipment continued its strong performance as the FIA World RX raced in Hungary for round two. Niclas Grönholm secured the team's first win of the season, while Klara Andersson landed her second consecutive podium finish, further solidifying CE Dealer Team as a title contender.
Niclas Grönholm claimed victory in the first of the double-header races at the Nyirád race track, which made its FIA World RX debut this weekend. In an eventful final, the now eight-time World RX winner skillfully navigated his 100% electric PWR RX1e through the field in turn one to secure his second win for CE Dealer Team.
The Finnish rallycross ace became the first FIA World RX winner of the season driving an electric car, and holds third in the championship as he leaves Hungary for Belgium in a few week’s time.
“I am proud of everyone in the team, they have been working hard and now when we get the results it is amazing. We are here to win and do good, so it is a good reward to everyone and a testament to our core philosophy of equal and sustainable motorsport,” said Niclas Grönholm.
Klara Andersson bounced back strongly during the final day after missing the final on Saturday. The Swedish star emerged as the top qualifier on Sunday with consecutive heat wins and secured her second podium of 2024 with a hard-fought third place finish in the final.
Klara Andersson now shares third place in the drivers’ standings with team-mate Niclas Grönholm.
“It was a tough weekend, but I’m really happy to finish on the podium today. The car felt great, and winning two heats was a big highlight. A big decision today was switching to rain tires for the final, and it paid off as we secured third place. Standing on the podium and earning good points felt amazing. Sharing third place in the championship with Niclas is a great comeback from yesterday, but I know there’s more potential to unlock,” said Klara Andersson.
"Being part of the first gender-equal line-up in FIA World RX history, and driving the push for electrification with all of our partners, is truly inspiring. I am incredibly happy and grateful to be living my childhood dream."
The inaugural World RX of Hungary delivered plenty of action and incidents in its notorious first corner, catching out several drivers over the weekend.
Despite the clashes, the CE Dealer Team drivers secured valuable championship points with two podium finishes, keeping the team firmly in second place in the standings and in the hunt for the world championship with electric power.
"It was a decent weekend with a win yesterday and a podium today, but not having both cars in the finals is not ideal. The new format is challenging, and we need to improve our performance. We are second in the team championship, but with only 40% of the season done, there's still a long way to go and we are close. Our pace here and in Höljes gives us confidence. We will continue to work hard and aim to be more competitive in Belgium and close the gap on the leaders," said Team Manager Jussi Pinomäki.
Alongside the thrilling track action was the key work of the Volvo Construction Equipment machines from local dealer Ascendum, keeping the circuit in top condition between the spectacular heats.
Team key partner Parker Hannifin featured in Hungary and invited regional customers to experience electric rallycross on the highest level, as well as taking part in business seminars.
The intense FIA World RX season continues in just three weeks with the FIA World RX of Benelux, held at Mettet on August 17-18.
Full results and standings after the FIA World RX of Hungary weekend: https://bit.ly/3ZJzbDL
About CE Dealer Team by Volvo Construction Equipment
CE Dealer Team was founded in 2022 by the PWR Group in cooperation with Volvo Construction Equipment and its partners. The core goal of the rallycross programme is to drive the shift to improved sustainability and diversity in society and highlight the excitement that a move to an electric future offers. CE Dealer Team is run with support from independent dealers of Volvo Construction Equipment, along with several prominent industrial partners, who together share a commitment to leading a sustainable future, both on track and off.
About FIA World Rallycross Championship
An evolution of the popular FIA European Rallycross Championship, the FIA World Rallycross Championship (World RX) was launched in 2014. Representing the international pinnacle of the dual-surface discipline, the series blends cutting-edge innovation with family-friendly spectator appeal and visits some of the most iconic venues in the sport. In evidence of its commitment to sustainability, World RX entered a new era in 2022 by embracing electric technology, while 2024 heralds the beginning of the ‘Battle of Technologies’, as the championship’s powerful EV cars take on their sustainably-fuelled combustion counterparts on equal terms for the first time.
