‘Bosse’ back: Niclas Grönholm and Kevin Eriksson are to compete with OMSE in the FIA World Rallycross Championship 2016. The two sons will compete in full with Marcus Grönholm to provide support in the paddock as general manager and spotter, alongside OMSE head Andréas Eriksson and team manager Jussi Pinomäki.
Olsbergs MSE have this morning announced that they have a brand new driver line-up for the 2016 FIA World Rallycross Championship presented by Monster Energy: Kevin Eriksson and Niclas Gronholm. The drivers will pilot a pair of Olsbergs MSE-built Fiesta RX Supercars for the Swedish-based squad. Double WRC Champion Marcus Gronholm (father of Niclas) will join Olsbergs MSE as the team’s general manager.
As well as competing in the World Championship, Eriksson and Gronholm – who are both just 19-years-old – will gain extra seat-time in their respective national rallycross series (RallyX Sweden and Rallicross Finland). Olsbergs MSE has also announced that it will support Kenya’s Tejas Hirani and France’s Cyril Raymond in all seven rounds of this year’s RX Lites Cup.
Kevin Eriksson will drive a Ford Fiesta RX Supercar in the 2016 championship. © QBA/ERC24
Olsbergs MSE owner Andreas Eriksson commented: “Markus, myself and Jussi (Pinomaki) discussed how best to continue a successful build-up of young drivers. We are all clear that we want to create the next generation of champions, which have been born, raised and developed in the sport. Both Kevin and Niclas already have a few titles in rallycross despite both only being 19. Tejas and Cyril have also been extremely successful in their RX Lites career so far, so it will be a pleasure to work with this young and hungry group of people.”
Niclas Grönholm, focused on World RX championship season ahead. © QBA/ERC24
Marcus Gronholm commented: “We will focus this year on building the next generation of champions and ensure our drivers get the seat time and experience that they need. The 12 World Championship events as well as a handful of national races will be important for Kevin and Niclas’ growth. Both Kevin and Niclas have raced in different series with great success but now it’s the real thing, the final stage of the level required to be the best. With my old WRC team-mates Sebastian Loeb and Petter Solberg now fighting in rallycross, I must admit that there are times when I’m tempted to get back behind the wheel! But the future of the sport depends on what we create today, it’s time for new champions to be born.”
Team Principal Andreas Eriksson will continue to head the team throughout its title challenge. © QBA/ERC24
Eriksson added: “Our main focus in 2016 is not for a title but we will do our best to make sure we have the right material and preparations to do well and we have a long-term plan. We will work together to grow this team in the coming years. As for Olsbergs MSE as a company, the future looks encouraging and after some extremely positive times from 2009 to 2015 we are now ready for a new chapter in the company´s history book.”
Andreas pictured with son Kevin. OMSE will be very much a family affair in 2016. © QBA/ERC24
Double World Rally Champion Marcus Grönholm will mentor son and Kevin © QBA OMSE/ERC24
Top Photo: Marcus Grönholm, will remain as mentor and spotter for the OMSE drivers. © QBA/ERC24