Swedish star Kevin Hansen shone in the first-ever FIA World Rallycross Championship event in Hong Kong, claiming an emphatic victory in a stunning location, in front of a brand-new audience driving for Hansen World RX Team (November 11).
Hansen’s performance throughout the penultimate round of the season on the first day of the double-header weekend came despite a puncture in Qualifying Practice, meaning he qualified in last position for Heat 1.
But, with a brilliant start from the outside of the grid, Hansen claimed the Heat 1 win, then later led from pole position in both the first semi-final and the final. The 2016 FIA European Rallycross Champion managed his position at the front of the pack under big pressure to secure victory in the first-ever city centre race for World RX.
Hansen’s third career victory strengthens his position in the battle to finish as runner-up in the 2023 Drivers’ Championship standings. Also racing for Hansen World RX Team, Timmy Hansen, the 2019 World RX Drivers’ Champion, and Patrick O’Donovan, the 2023 British Rallycross Champion, delivered strong pace throughout the day but lost out in an action-packed semi-final and didn’t make it to the final.
The final round of the season takes place tomorrow (Sunday, November 12) at the same venue.
Kenneth Hansen said: “This first day in Hong Kong has been challenging, but it’s been fantastic to be here – to look around and see the surroundings, and the new fans to rallycross. It feels amazing to be in a new place for rallycross where everyone seems crazily excited, especially when Kevin was on the top step of the podium. It was fantastic. Kevin was the best today, there is nothing more to discuss about that. Timmy and Patrick both also had the pace, but they were a bit unlucky in the end. We will work together to finish the season as well as we can in the final day tomorrow.”
Kevin Hansen said: “It feels really mega to win here in Hong Kong. I have been part of the process of wanting to race here for a long time and it feels so great to be the first winner here in this amazing location. The crowd was just incredible at the podium, I think this is the best win I’ve ever had. It’s been a massive team effort, with a lot of work even right up until the final where we were making changes to improve. Everything came together today – but it’s a new day tomorrow and we will go all in again.”