The start of the 2022 FIA World Rallycross Championship has been postponed by two weeks to allow teams more time to prepare for the new electric era.
The Nürburgring was supposed to host the season-opener on July 30-31, but the championship organizers have now confirmed that the first round will not take place until August 13-14 at Hell in Norway.
This year brings a new era of World Rallycross with electric cars being introduced for the very first time, and the decision to delay the season is to give teams more time to prepare for the opening round.
“We are taking a major step this year and have no doubt that electric technology will elevate World RX to the next level, but such a significant evolution takes time and nobody has been immune to the global challenges of the past two years,” said Rallycross Promoter’s executive director, Arne Dirks.
“Together with the teams, we are committed to presenting the new cars to fans in the best way possible, and we are confident the extra two weeks’ preparation time will enable everybody to do that.”
Although the season will no longer begin at the Nürburgring, it doesn’t mean it’s been taken off the schedule completely.
The German circuit has been moved to November, while a new double-header round in Barcelona has also been added to the schedule for 29-30 October.
It means that despite the delay, the championship will consist of eight rounds, five of which will feature double-headers.
Leading entrants include reigning and four-time world champion Johan Kristoffersson, Timmy and Kevin Hansen and Niclas Grönholm.
