Euro RX of France Preview

28.08.26

The 2026 FIA European Rallycross Championship is heading to one of the sport's most iconic venues this weekend as the Euro RX of France returns to the legendary Circuit de Lohéac on 28–30 August.

This year's event carries extra significance as Lohéac celebrates the 50th anniversary of France's most famous rallycross venue. Widely regarded as the birthplace of French rallycross, the circuit has welcomed generations of champions since staging the country's first rallycross event in 1976 and remains one of the sport's most historic and best-supported destinations.

After four spectacular rounds in Latvia, Hungary, Sweden and Ireland, the championship enters a pivotal stage as the title battles begin to intensify. Every point will prove increasingly valuable at a venue renowned for producing unpredictable racing and passionate crowds.

In Euro RX1, the fight for the championship is beginning to centre around two familiar names. Sweden's Johan Kristoffersson arrives in France leading the standings on 132 points, but Norway's Andreas Bakkerud sits just seven points behind after securing his second victory of the season in Ireland. Fellow Norwegian Ole Christian Veiby continuing his remarkable consistency and young star Joni Turpeinen regularly challenging at the front, the battle for the crown remains far from settled. The weekend also welcomes an outstanding 30-car Euro RX1 field, boosted by the highly anticipated return of nine-time FIA World Rally Champion and french motor sport legend Sébastien Loeb on home soil. Former Euro RX Champion Kevin Hansen also joins the grid for the first time this season, while Rokas Baciuška returns to the championship after making his only previous appearance at his home race in Latvia.

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The fight for honours in Euro RX3 is equally compelling. Rytis Gurklys arrives at Lohéac with momentum firmly on his side after consecutive victories in Sweden and Ireland, leading the standings on 122 points ahead of French rival Julien Meunier on 94. While the Lithuanian has begun to edge clear, Meunier will be determined to respond in front of a home crowd following the dramatic conclusion to the Mondello Park Final. Antigua's Nicolas Geleyns continues to establish himself as one of the category's most consistent front-runners, while Libor Teješ and Dylan Dufas remain firmly in the hunt of their first podium of the season, as the championship enters its decisive phase.

Emilia Abel, FIA Road Sport Director, said: "It's fantastic to see the FIA European Rallycross Championship return to France, and particularly to Lohéac as this iconic event celebrates its 50th anniversary. Lohéac is one of the true landmarks of rallycross and has played an extremely important role in the history and development of our sport.

To return here with a 30-car Euro RX1 field, bringing together championship contenders, some of the biggest names in rallycross and a strong group of French drivers, makes this a very special occasion. It is also another positive reflection of the strength of the championship this season and the momentum we are continuing to build.

With the championship battles becoming increasingly intense and the passionate French fans creating one of the best atmospheres in rallycross, I'm sure we will see some exceptional racing as we enter a crucial stage of the 2026 season."

With its unique atmosphere, famous mixed-surface layout and unrivalled rallycross heritage, Lohéac provides the perfect stage for another pivotal weekend. As the championship enters its final stretch, every race and every qualifying point could prove decisive in the fight for the 2026 FIA European Rallycross Championship titles.

Away from the circuit, one of Lohéac's most cherished traditions will once again take centre stage on Friday evening, with the drivers taking part in the traditional parade through the heart of the village ahead of the weekend's racing. Thousands of fans line the streets each year to welcome the drivers, creating a unique atmosphere that perfectly reflects the close connection between the event, the local community and rallycross itself.

All rounds of the 2026 FIA European Rallycross Championship will be LIVE and FREE to watch on the FIA Rallycross YouTube channel.

FAST FACTS

❱ 50 Years of Rallycross History:
The 2026 edition marks the 50th anniversary of the Rallycross de Lohéac. First held in 1976, the event is recognised as the birthplace of French rallycross and has become one of the sport's most prestigious annual meetings.

❱ Built for Wheel-to-Wheel Racing:
The Circuit de Lohéac is a 1.070 km mixed-surface rallycross circuit comprising 60% gravel and 40% asphalt, with a 150-metre start straight and a wide, technical layout that encourages multiple racing lines and close wheel-to-wheel battles. Its combination of fast flowing sections and tight corners has made it one of the most demanding and rewarding circuits on the FIA European Rallycross Championship calendar.

❱ France's Rallycross Capital:
Located in Brittany, Lohéac has hosted FIA European and World Rallycross Championship events for decades and regularly attracts crowds of more than 70,000 spectators, making it one of the biggest rallycross events in the world.

❱ A Motorsport Village:
Known as the Village de l'Automobile, Lohéac lives and breathes motorsport. Alongside the circuit, the village is home to the famous Manoir de l'Automobile museum, celebrating more than a century of automotive history.

DRIVERS TO WATCH

❱ EURO RX1: The championship battle is becoming increasingly focused around Johan Kristoffersson and Andreas Bakkerud, with just seven points separating the pair heading into one of the season's biggest events. Kristoffersson will be aiming to extend his slender advantage, while Bakkerud arrives full of confidence after his victory in Ireland. Ole Christian Veiby continues to score consistently, while rising stars Joni Turpeinen, Casper Jansson and Johannes Rafoss have all demonstrated genuine podium-winning pace throughout the campaign. All eyes, however, will be on home hero Sébastien Loeb, who returns to European Rallycross competition at France's most iconic venue, while former European Champion Kevin Hansen makes his first appearance of the season. The return of Rokas Baciuška adds yet another proven front-runner to what promises to be one of the strongest Euro RX1 fields of 2026.

❱ EURO RX3: Rytis Gurklys arrives at Lohéac with momentum firmly on his side, having opened up a 28-point championship advantage over Julien Meunier following back-to-back victories in Sweden and Ireland. The Frenchman will be desperate to reignite his title challenge in front of a home crowd after the post-race penalty at Mondello denied him what looked set to be a crucial victory. Nicolas Geleyns continues to impress with his consistency and has firmly established himself as a regular podium contender, while Libor Teješ, Dylan Dufas, Markus Røsrud and Vaclav Tuma have all shown they possess the pace to challenge at the front. With the championship entering its decisive phase, every point at Lohéac could prove crucial.