Last season’s World Rallycross vice-champion, Niclas Grönholm is set to get to grips with a new piece of machinery as he joins the RallyX championship, taking the wheel of an Olsbergs-MSE-run FC2. A challenge that does not appear to faze the Finnish driver.

Having focused on the Finnish Rally Championship since January, Grönholm will make his first rallycross appearance of the 2026 season this weekend at Valkenswaard.

It promises to be a demanding outing for the Finn, who will be facing a steep learning curve, from adapting to the FC2 to discovering a Dutch circuit he has never previously raced on.

“Valkenswaard will be a challenge without any testing, and I’ve never driven a rallycross car powered by sustainable fuel before, these are the biggest unknowns going into the weekend,” he explained.

“However, I have raced with Olsbergs-MSE during my first World RX season, so I know the team, and I haven’t forgotten how to drive since last year. I don’t want to make any big statements ahead of this event. For now, I have no expectations. I’m just hoping for a clean weekend. From there, we’ll see what we’re able to achieve.”

The Valkenswaard event also carries a special significance for the Grönholm family. Back in 2008, it was at this very circuit that Marcus Grönholm competed in his second FIA European Championship event at the wheel of an OMSE-run Ford Fiesta.

“It’s nice to see the Grönholm name back here nearly twenty years later,” said the 58-year-old Finn.

“Unfortunately, I can’t really give Niclas much advice, because since I raced here, a Joker Lap was added in 2011 and the dirt section was completely rebuilt in 2022. The track is very different now, and to be honest, I had no idea how to set the car up when I raced here!

“In recent years, Niclas has shown he has what it takes to compete with the very best in rallycross. He’s a clean and intelligent driver. I’m sure he’ll stay out of trouble on track. If we have a trouble-free weekend, we should be in a position to aim for a strong result.”