Johan Kristoffersson took his first win of the 2017 FIA World Rallycross Championship after near dominating the World RX of Belgium and it was also the first win of the year for the newly formed PSRX Volkswagen Team Sweden.
The Swedish driver won three out of the four qualifying sessions whilst his team-mate Petter Solberg secured victory in Q1, however Kristoffersson ended up as Top Qualifier to take pole position in Semi-final One. Despite being beaten to the Supercar Final pole position by Timmy Hansen, the former STCC champion took the win and closed the points gap to Championship leader Mattias Ekstrom in the process.
Kristoffersson laid his marker down early, winning three Qualifying Sessisons over the weekend Credit: PSRX Volkswagen Team Sweden
Kristoffersson explained his emotions over this first win of the season.
“This is special,” he said. “What an incredible feeling! I know Petter and I have talked about this a few times this year, but I think we are both so happy with the way the team is working with Volkswagen Motorsport and the speed we have had this weekend has shown that. The car has been perfect for me.”
“From when we started the first practice, I have been driving with a huge smile on my face. The final was really good. It was a shame not to be on the front row alongside Petter for the start, but the semi was a tough race and – in the end – it’s only the final that matters.”
Kristoffersson has closed the points gap in the Drivers Championship to rival Ekstrom. Credit: IMG / FIA World RX
With the gap in the Drivers championship down to three points ahead of the next round at Lydden Hill, Kristoffersson looks to change that situation as the season continues.
“I’m very, very happy with the start of the season,” he said. “We all know this is a new team with new people working together. It couldn’t have gone better, it’s the perfect relationship and, you know, we are getting faster and faster all the time.
“The Team’s Championship is really a good place for PSRX Volkswagen Sweden and Petter and I both closed the gap a little bit to Ekström this weekend, which is fantastic as well.”
