The Norwegian teammates Petter Solberg (39) and Alexander Hvaal (21) are among the top favourites to win the first ever World titles of Rallycross.

The first ever World Rallycross Championship round in history will be held in the Vila Real district of northern Portugal this weekend. On Sunday afternoon TV and livestream viewers can watch the first fights of the favourites for the two titles that will eventually be decided upon in the 12th and final round of the all-new series, to be held in Argentina on November 23.

Norway is a strong competitor nation, bringing former World Rally Champion Petter Solberg, double ERC round winner Alexander Hvaal and double ERC Super1600 champion Andreas Bakkerud into the rings. Solberg has acquired Hvaal as his teammate and the PSRX team, thereby, will be an effective force in the fight for the title for the six registered two-car teams. The team has built a brand-new Citroën DS3 SuperCar for Petter, while Alexander runs the machinery the team principle used in 2013.

An all-new Citroën DS3 SuperCar for Petter Solberg… © Tony Welam/ERC24

“As we say in rallying, the new car is rather an evolution than a revolution. If I compare where we are now and where we have been at the same time of last year – it’s a difference like day and night. Last year we shouldn’t have started that early. However, we proved to be fast when everything worked well. In that sense, I hope this season offers far better results than last year did,” says 2003 WRC winner Petter Solberg.

The man from the Norwegian town of Spydeberg is making every effort for his second Rallycross career, after he has spend 15 years in the World Rally Championship. “The challenges will be great this year, perhaps even greater than ever in my motorsports career. I would not be here if I wouldn’t believe in my chances for another victory. I’m working harder than ever. In fact, my family and I for some time moved into our workshops at Torsby in Sweden to work as closely as possible with the team on the cars.”

…and the 2013 Citroën DS3 SuperCar of his team boss for Alexander Hvaal. © Petr Šulčík/ERC24

Teammate Alexander Hvaal finished last year’s European Rallycross Championship in the best possible way, claiming two event wins. He also took part in developing the car. “It’s an amazing opportunity I’ve been given. I have a lot to learn from Petter, but there is also a great responsibility with the task. We will work together as a team to fight for the team championship, which is another big goal this season. But there will be no team orders; Petter has been very clear about this prior to the start of the season.”

Photo: Alexander Hvaal and Petter Solberg are ready to chase after both, the driver and the team WRX title. © PSRX/ERC24