The penultimate round of this year’s FIA World Rallycross Championship at Montalegre in Portugal, has been given a new name, as tire manufacturer Cooper Tires, which is the supplier of tires for the series, is now the main sponsor of the event.
Cooper Tires has been one of the main sponsors since the start of the World RX in 2014 and has offered high-class tires that are specially developed for rallycross and are on offer for all classes.
Earlier this year, it was confirmed that Cooper Tires has extended its contract and will remain as the tire supplier in World RX at least until 2023.
New for this year from Cooper Tire is that they have also offered a prize to those who have posted the fastest lap time in all classes at each event, the winners have received a set of new tires.
“We are delighted to confirm Cooper Tire Europe as the new Title Partner to World RX of Montalegre. They have been a trusted and proactive partner to the World and European Championships for many years, and with the culmination of the Euro RX3 title battle and the high-stakes stage of the World RX season, I am confident that this event will provide them with maximum visibility and return on their investment as the action approaches fever pitch in Portugal.” Thomas Tap, Senior Director Marketing & Sales, Rallycross Promoter GmbH, said.
“It has been great to see the FIA World Rallycross Championship events around Europe bounce back to their normal pace after the past year-and-a-half, with a renewed excitement from spectators and energy on-track. We are thrilled that we will be the official Title Partner for the Portugal round and we can’t wait to see more action!” Cecilia Razeto, Head of Marketing Communications EMEA, Cooper Tire Europe, said.
At the same time as the title sponsor was announced, the FIA has also launched an entry list for World RX, where 8 cars will start when the season is coming to an end, a disappointment for many but as before some late entries could come.
Apart from the 7 permanent drivers competing for the title this year, it will only be one wildcard so far that will drive in Portugal, the Irish Oliver O´Donovan with a Ford Fiesta.
“The return of the World Rallycross stars to the historic Montalegre International Circuit gathers more and more interest, as shown by the association of Cooper Tire Europe with the Portuguese competition, as the event’s main sponsor. Having a brand at the level of Cooper Tires as Title Partner is a milestone for the marketing of World RX in Portugal.” Orlando Alves, Montalegre Mayor, Circuito Internacional de Montalegre, added.
| NO. | DRIVER | NAT. | COMPETITOR | NAT. | CAR |
| 1 | Johan KRISTOFFERSSON* | SWE | KYB EKS JC | SWE | Audi S1 |
| 2 | Oliver O’DONOVAN | IRL | Oliver O’Donovan | IRL | Ford Fiesta |
| 9 | Kevin HANSEN* | SWE | Hansen World RX Team | SWE | Peugeot 208 |
| 21 | Timmy HANSEN* | SWE | Hansen World RX Team | SWE | Peugeot 208 |
| 23 | Krisztián SZABÓ* | HUN | GRX-SET World RX Team | FIN | Hyundai i20 |
| 68 | Niclas GRÖNHOLM* | FIN | GRX-SET World RX Team | FIN | Hyundai i20 |
| 69 | Kevin ABBRING* | NLD | Unkorrupted | FRA | Renault Mégane RS |
| 91 | Enzo IDE* | BEL | KYB EKS JC | SWE | Audi S1 |
