The FIA European Rallycross Championship Stage Kicks Off in Riga 0 28

On May 9 and 10, as part of the "Euro RX of Latvia" stage, Riga will once again become the epicenter of speed and adrenaline in Europe, gathering world stars and powerful cars.

In the prestigious Euro RX1 class, 30 drivers will take the start — the largest number of participants for a season-opening stage in the last ten years. A total of 68 racers have confirmed their participation in the competitions in Latvia, competing in the Euro RX1 and Euro RX3 classes, as well as in the new categories Euro RX4 and Euro RX5. Representatives from 19 countries will participate in the race — from Finland and France to Poland and Portugal.

Euro RX1: A Meeting of Champions and New Talents

At the top of the participants' list is eight-time world champion Johan Kristoffersson. The Swede, who is the most successful driver of the modern era of rallycross, has only competed in the European Championship once since 2014, and his goal this time is clear — to start the season with a victory.

However, the 37-year-old athlete will face serious competition. Among his rivals are three-time European champion Andreas Bakkerud, the 2024 Euro RX1 champion Patrick O'Donovan, Finnish driver Juha Ritkonen, two-time French Supercar champion Fabien Pailler, Kristoffersson's teammate Ole Christian Veiby, and local favorite Janis Baumanis, who will receive strong support from home fans.

The fight for victory will also include rising stars — 2025 vice-champion Damian Litvinovich, as well as Joni Turpeinen, Andor Trepak, Martin Enlund, and Maiko Tamm. All of them are ready to showcase an exciting battle on the legendary Bikernieki track in front of thousands of spectators.

Euro RX3: Competition Among Young Drivers

In the Euro RX3 class, promising young drivers will compete. Since 2018, Audi drivers have won every season here, so it’s no surprise that the A1 models are once again considered favorites. Among the main contenders for victory are last year's vice-champion Ritis Gurklis from Lithuania, talent Nicholas Gelein from Antigua, experienced Czech driver Libor Tejesh, and Frenchman Julien Meunier.

However, some drivers have chosen alternative equipment to challenge the dominant German hatchbacks. Among them are Dylan Dufas in a new Volkswagen Polo, stage star Markus Rosrud from Hellese, and multiple medalist Samuel Kovach, competing in Škoda cars. There is also interest in championship veteran Dominik Senegachnik, who will take to the track in an Alfa Romeo MiTo — a brand that has not been represented in international rallycross since late 2018.

Euro RX4 and Euro RX5: The Future of Motorsport

Confirming the FIA's commitment to developing a new generation of drivers, the Euro RX4 and Euro RX5 categories have already attracted a strong lineup of participants in their debut season. In the Euro RX4 class, representatives from five countries will compete in Rally4 specification cars from Renault, Peugeot, and Ford. Among them are two strong Latvian drivers: 2025 Latvian and Lithuanian rallycross champion Lenards Patriks Lepšis and Latvian autocross champion Ivo Gabrans.

The Euro RX5 class complies with the technical regulations of the FIA European Cross Car Championship. Here, 15 young drivers with an average age of around 20 years will take the start, promising spectacular and unpredictable races. The 16-year-old Roberts Purmalis will compete by special invitation ("wild card") — the youngest participant in the competition.