Euro RX of Portugal Preview

11.09.26

The stage is set for a spectacular conclusion to the 2026 FIA European Rallycross Championship as the season reaches its finale at the iconic Lousada International Circuit in Portugal on 11–13 September.

Following five thrilling rounds across Latvia, Hungary, Sweden, Ireland and France, every championship remains undecided heading into the final weekend. For the first time this season, drivers will compete in a double-header, with one complete championship round taking place on Saturday and another on Sunday. With double the opportunities to score points, every title is still within reach and everything remains to play for.

Nowhere is that more evident than in Euro RX1, where the title fight has developed into a captivating duel between Norway's Andreas Bakkerud and Sweden's Johan Kristoffersson. Just one point separates the pair after an unforgettable season, with Bakkerud arriving in Portugal holding the narrowest of championship advantages. Behind them, an equally fascinating battle is developing for third in the championship, with Norway's Ole Christian Veiby holding 119 points, just one point clear of Finland's Juha Rytkönen. Further down the order, teenage sensation Joni Turpeinen has emerged as one of the revelations of the season, while France's Fabien Pailler arrives full of confidence after a sensational home victory at Lohéac. With two races still to run and double points on offer, the championship picture could change dramatically before Sunday's chequered flag.

Emilia Abel, FIA Road Sport Director, said: It's difficult to imagine a better way to conclude what has already been a fantastic season for the FIA European Rallycross Championship. Title battles remain alive across all four championship categories heading into Lousada, and the double-header format means every session and every point will be vital this weekend.

Lousada has always been a special venue for rallycross, and hosting the championship's first-ever European Rallycross night race, as well as four title-deciding battles makes this one of the most exciting weekends we've seen in many years. The level of competition throughout 2026 has been exceptional, and I'm sure the drivers will deliver a spectacular finale for the fans."

The battle is equally compelling in Euro RX3, where Lithuania's Rytis Gurklys heads to Lousada with a 10-point advantage over French rival Julien Meunier. The pair have established themselves as the benchmark throughout the season, trading victories and producing some of the closest racing of the year. However, with two Finals still to come, drivers including multiple podium sitters Nicolas Geleyns and Samuel Kovacs as well as France's Dylan Dufas and Norway's Markus Røsrud remain more than capable of influencing the outcome of the championship.

New for the 2026 season, the Euro RX4 championship also reaches a thrilling conclusion in Portugal. France's Andrea Benezet heads to Lousada with a hefty 24-point advantage over Poland’s Filip Melon, but with double the usual points on offer, the title fight remains mathematically alive. Behind the leading pair, Latvia's Ivo Gabrāns and Estonia’s Albert Kokk will both be aiming to end the season on a high after showing flashes of front-running pace throughout the year, with both drivers targeting a return to the podium at the championship finale.

The Euro RX5 category will also feature an extremely close championship battle this weekend, as just two points separate championship leader Estonian Armin Raag and Latvia's Martin Juga heading into the final weekend. The inaugural RX5 campaign has exceeded expectations, producing close racing and multiple different winners throughout the year, and with the amount of points at stake this weekend, consistency could prove just as important as outright speed. France's Valentin Comte and Spain's Diego Martínez have both enjoyed breakthrough campaigns and will be eager to finish the season with another victory as the battle for the inaugural title reaches its conclusion.

Lousada has already played host to memorable moments in European rallycross history, and the 2026 finale promises to add another unforgettable chapter. With four championships still to be decided, the championship's first-ever European Rallycross night race and a packed programme across three days, Portugal has all the elements to provide a fitting stage to crown this season's champions.

FAST FACTS

❱ The Home of Portuguese Rallycross

Located around 30 minutes east of Porto, the Lousada International Circuit is widely regarded as the home of Portuguese rallycross. Since opening in 1984, it has hosted countless national and international events and remains one of the sport's most popular destinations.

❱ Championships Decided Under the Lights

Saturday evening will make history as the first-ever European Rallycross night race, with the Semi-Finals and Finals taking place under floodlights. The unique setting promises a spectacular atmosphere as the fight for the titles reaches its final stages.

❱ Double the Racing, Double the Drama

For the first time this season, drivers will take part in a double-header, with one complete round of the championship taking place on Saturday and another on Sunday. With double the points available across the weekend, every title fight remains mathematically open heading into the finale.

❱ A Modern Rallycross Venue

Following a major redevelopment completed ahead of the 2025 season, the Circuito Internacional de Lousada was upgraded to full FIA standards before returning to the international calendar. The technical mixed-surface layout combines high-speed asphalt sections, challenging gravel corners and a Joker Lap, while Lousada's passionate fans and rich rallycross heritage have helped establish it as one of Europe's premier rallycross venues.

DRIVERS TO WATCH

Euro RX1: Just one point separates Norway's Andreas Bakkerud and Sweden's Johan Kristoffersson heading into the season finale, while the fight for third in the championship is equally intense, with Norway's Ole Christian Veiby holding a slender one-point advantage over Finland's Juha Rytkönen. Joni Turpeinen has established himself as one of the brightest young talents in European rallycross after repeatedly challenging for victories throughout the season, while France's Fabien Pailler arrives in Portugal full of momentum following his outstanding home victory at Lohéac. The local fans will also have plenty to cheer for, with Portuguese drivers José Pereira, André Dias, Diogo Machado, João Sampaio and António Sousa all aiming to make the most of home advantage in front of an enthusiastic Lousada crowd.

Euro RX3: Lithuania's Rytis Gurklys arrives with a narrow 10-point championship lead, but France's Julien Meunier remains firmly in contention and will be determined to overturn the deficit. Belgium's Nicolas Geleyns has established himself as one of the category's most consistent performers, while Czech Republic's Libor Teješ, France's Dylan Dufas, Norway's Markus Røsrud and Hungary's Sámuel Kovács all possess the pace to fight at the front and could yet play a decisive role in the title battle.

ROUND 5 HIGHLIGHTS