The future is here. The future is now. This evening in downtown Stjørdal, Norway (11 August), enthusiastic fans lined the streets to catch a first glimpse of the all-electric beasts that will revolutionise the FIA World Rallycross Championship this year – as Johan Kristoffersson promised them ‘a season to remember’.

Following an appropriately electro-infused DJ set to get the party started, history was made as the eagerly-awaited next-generation World RX cars appeared in public for the first time, ahead of their racing debut in Hell this weekend.

While the cars were unquestionably the stars, there was a rousing reception for drivers including multiple world champion Johan Kristoffersson and Olympic skiing legend Aksel Lund Svindal – preparing to make his rallycross debut in the supporting FIA RX2e Championship – as they took to the stage in front of Stjørdal’s iconic Kimen Kulturhus to offer their thoughts on the sport’s electrifying new era.

They were joined by VIP guests from championship partners Volvo Construction Equipment and Cooper Tire Europe as well as event title sponsor Ramudden, ensuring World RX’s 2022 season was launched with fitting fanfare.

Following the public presentation, the World RX drivers and their FIA RX2e Championship counterparts – accompanied by a number of leading lights from the FIA European Rallycross Championship, including home hero Andreas Bakkerud – set off on a parade through the town, thrilling onlookers as they drove past at close quarters.

With twin motors pushing out 500kW – equivalent to 680bhp – and 880Nm of instant torque, the new cars are the fastest and most powerful ever seen in the World Championship. On the narrow streets of Stjørdal this evening, they were kept firmly on a leash; in Hell this weekend, that leash will be removed...

Johan Kristoffersson, Kristoffersson Motorsport driver, said:
“It’s fantastic to finally be starting World RX’s electric era this weekend. I drove the car for the first time a few days ago, and I think fans are going to be surprised by the performance and speed. I’ve rarely felt so pumped going into a new season – it’s certainly going to be one to remember.”

Klara Andersson, CE Dealer Team driver, said:
“I’m so excited to be beginning my first season in the World Championship, and what a place to do it! Hell is such an iconic rallycross track, and there’s so much enthusiasm for the sport here in Norway. I’m obviously a rookie this year and I’m well aware I have a massive challenge ahead of me, but it’s also a massive opportunity – and I’m going to grab it with both hands!”

Aksel Lund Svindal, FIA RX2e Championship driver, said:
“Wow! What a welcome we have received here in Stjørdal here this evening – for my first taste of rallycross, I’ve honestly been blown away by the passion and knowledge of the fans. I got my first experience of the RX2e car in testing a couple of weeks ago and it was mega fun – I can’t wait to race it at the weekend. I hope lots of people are going to come along to watch – see you there!”

All of the on-track entertainment and off-track features throughout the weekend in Hell will be broadcast live on RX+. Event passes are available for €7,99, with the full season pass on sale for €49,99. More information can be found here, while race weekend tickets can be purchased here.

A full pre-season news clip, news cut and accompanying still images are available to download from the World RX News Room on the Red Bull Content Pool.