Andreas Bakkerud makes history with electric RallyX Nordic entry

  • World RX runner-up makes RallyX Nordic debut for STARD
  • Höljes to host electric vs petrol-powered cars head-to-head
  • Action set to get underway in Sweden this weekend (13-16 May)

FIA World Rallycross Championship front-runner Andreas Bakkerud will make his RallyX Nordic debut this weekend (13-16 May) at the legendary Höljes circuit, and not only will he be appearing on the series’ highly competitive grid for the first time – but he will also be at the wheel of an electric rallycross car going head-to-head with the series’ ICE Supercar regulars in a first for the championship.

Bakkerud’s pedigree is unquestionable with seven World RX event wins to his name and a runner-up spot in the 2019 standings after a dramatic title decider with eventual champion, Timmy Hansen.

Now the Norwegian will test his mettle against the RallyX Nordic field, comprising several of his World RX adversaries including three-time Champion Johan Krisroffersson and three-time event winner Niclas Grönholm, as well as the usual RallyX Nordic fraternity with the likes of Fraser McConnell (Olsbergs MSE) and EKS JC’s Sondre Evjen continuing their 2021 title campaigns.

The 29-year-old has drafted in an all-electric Ford Fiesta Mk8 to go doorhandle-to-doorhandle with a field of ICE Supercar competitors. RallyX Nordic opened up the rules for Rounds 3 and 4 at Höljes to allow electric cars to enter into the headlining Supercar class for the first time. Bakkerud will also be racing in the recently announced Superteam Challenge as a field of four RX2e cars compete in a one-off event this weekend.

Bakkerud said: “Lots of people think that this will be a David and Goliath story, and that I don’t stand a chance – but this an opportunity to look into the future and I couldn’t let it pass me by!

“The whole car world is now looking at electrification, and everyone points out that it must come to rallycross. These cars are extremely powerful, and have both strengths and weaknesses compared to petrol-powered cars. For me, this is going to be a great challenge, and an opportunity to measure the potential of an electric car.

“It is also important to learn about where we stand in the development, and how it compares against some of the world’s toughest cars and drivers. I will of course give everything I have and I’m excited to see what it can do. I won’t have tested before the race so it will be interesting when I hit the track! It’s a really competitive grid so its going to be a challenge for sure.

“Being at Höljes gives the whole thing an extra boost for me – it’s my favourite course. It is also the only track in the world where I have driven all the different cars I competed in, so I have a lot of knowledge there.”

All of the high-octane action across all five classes will be broadcast live and in high-definition at tv.rallyx.se, with the racing set to get underway at 9.15am (CET) on Thursday, 13 May and continuing through to Sunday, 16 May.