PARTSFORCARS Euro RX of Ireland Preview

17.07.26
The 2026 FIA European Rallycross Championship heads to Ireland this weekend, as Mondello Park hosts Round 4 of the season - marking the championship's long-awaited return to the iconic venue for the first time in more than three decades.
ODonovan

Following three action-packed rounds in Latvia, Hungary and Sweden, the title battles  across all four categories officially enter the second half of the season. With championship standings still extremely tight, every point becomes increasingly valuable as the drivers prepare to tackle one of the fastest and most exciting circuits on the calendar.

In Euro RX1, Johan Kristoffersson heads to Ireland back at the top of the championship after a superb home victory at Höljes. The eight-time World Champion bounced back from a difficult start to the weekend to reclaim the championship lead, while Kristoffersson Motorsport team-mate Ole Christian Veiby also returned to the podium with second place. Andreas Bakkerud remains firmly in title contention after his victory in Hungary, and home favourite Patrick O'Donovan will be eager to recover from his heartbreaking quarter-final exit in Sweden in front of an Irish crowd.

In Euro RX3, the championship has taken another dramatic twist after Rytis Gurklys returned to winning ways at his happy hunting ground of Höljes. The Lithuanian's second consecutive victory at the Swedishcircuit propelled him back to the top of the standings, overturning an early championship deficit to move 18 points clear of Julien Meunier, whose title challenge suffered a setback after technical issues prevented him from reaching the Final. With Nicolas Geleyns, Samuel Kovacs and a host of young talents continuing to show front-running pace, the battle remains far from over heading into Round 4.

The grassroots categories continue to deliver some of the closest racing of the season. The title battle in Euro RX4 remains extremely tight, with Andrea Benezet retaining the championship lead by just two points over Filip Melon after the latter's dramatic victory in Sweden. However, the Pole will undoutedly aim to maximise his chances to grab the lead of the championship this weekend.

Euro RX5 is proving equally competitive, as Diego Martínez claimed his maiden victory at Höljes while Martin Juga strengthened his position at the top of the standings. With only seven points separating Juga, Armin Raag and Valentin Comte, every result is becoming increasingly significant as the championship enters its second half.

James Nixon, FIA Category Manager - Off Road & Hill Climb, said: "We’re incredibly proud to bring the FIA European Rallycross Championship back to Mondello Park after more than 30 years. This circuit holds a special place in the history of European rallycross, so returning here is an important milestone not only for the championship, but also for the many drivers and fans who have been looking forward to seeing international rallycross back in Ireland.

Combined with Mondello Park's fast new layout and the close championship battles we've seen so far this season, we're expecting another memorable weekend both on and off the track."

Few venues on the European motorsport map carry the history and significance of Mondello Park. Returning to the FIA European Rallycross Championship calendar for the first time in 30 years, the iconic Irish circuit has undergone significant redevelopment and now boasts a spectacular rallycross layout widely regarded as the fastest in Europe. Combining sweeping high-speed corners with technical mixed-surface sections, it promises to provide a thrilling new challenge as drivers write the next chapter in the venue's rich rallycross history.

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

FAST FACTS

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❱ European Rallycross Returns:
Mondello Park welcomes the FIA European Rallycross Championship back to Ireland for the first time in over 30 years, bringing one of Europe's most exciting motorsport disciplines back to one of the country's most historic circuits.

❱ Ireland's Home of Motor sport:
Opened in 1968, Mondello Park remains Ireland's only permanent international racing circuit. Over almost six decades it has hosted national and international championships across circuit racing, rallycross, drifting, motorcycle racing and truck racing. 

❱ Fastest rallycross circuit in Europe:
Following extensive investment and redevelopment, Mondello Park's recently developed layout is regarded as the fastest in Europe, and offers a completely different challenge from the layout last used  at the venue by the FIA European Rallycross Championship - making this year's event an exciting step into the unknown for many drivers.

❱ Within Easy Reach of Dublin:
Located just 45 minutes south-west of Dublin, Mondello Park is easily accessible for competitors, media and spectators alike. Its central location makes it the ideal destination for fans travelling from across Ireland and overseas, helping to create one of the most accessible events on the FIA European Rallycross Championship calendar.

DRIVERS TO WATCH

❱ EURO RX1: Championship leader Johan Kristoffersson arrives in Ireland full of confidence after reclaiming the points lead with a superb home victory at Höljes, but he'll face fierce opposition at Mondello Park. Patrick O'Donovan will be determined to bounce back from his disappointing weekend in Sweden and challenge for victory in front of his home crowd. Young stars continue to shake up the established order, with Joni Turpeinen firmly establishing himself as a genuine race winner, while Casper Jansson arrives boosted by his first FIA European Rallycross Championship podium of his career. Home fans will also have plenty to cheer for, with experienced Irish rallycross stars Derek Tohill and Michael Leonard joining the grid as wildcard entries and looking to make the most of home advantage on Mondello Park's ultra-fast new layout.

ODonovan

❱ EURO RX3: The Euro RX3 title fight has taken another dramatic turn heading into Ireland. Rytis Gurklys has managed to get his hands on the lead of the championship after an impressive victory in Höljes, arriving at Mondello with an 18-point advantage and plenty of momentum. However, Julien Meunier will be determined to respond after technical issues in Sweden halted his run of back-to-back victories, with the Frenchman eager to reignite his title challenge. Samuel Kovacs remains firmly in the mix after consistently demonstrating podium pace throughout the season, while Markus Røsrud continues to establish himself as a regular finalist. 

Gurklys

ROUND 3 HIGHLIGHTS

BROADCAST TIMINGS

SATURDAY

❱ QUALIFYING 114:00 - 15:00 (UTC +1)

❱ QUALIFYING 2: 16:00 - 17:30 (UTC +1)

SUNDAY

❱ QUALIFYING 310:30 - 12:00 (UTC +1)

❱ QUALIFYING 4 & QUARTER-FINALS: 13:00 - 15:00 (UTC +1)

❱ SEMI-FINALS & FINALS: 15:30 - 17:30 (UTC +1)