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The winner of the inaugural FIA World Rallycross Championship could be decided at this weekend’s World RX of Italy (27-28 September). Following three consecutive victories, Petter Solberg has established a 51-point lead .
 He could lift the Championship trophy in Italy if his advantage at the end of the weekend stretches to 60 points or more. Italy RX will form the final round of this year’s FIA European Rallycross Championship (Euro RX), which Robin Larsson currently leads by 10 points.
Italy’s round of World RX will be staged at Franciacorta International Circuit in Brescia, north-west Italy, and will be the third all-new RX venue that the Championship has visited so far this season. At 1,390 metres in length, Franciacorta is one of the longest circuits of the year and is comprised of 40% gravel and 60% asphalt. Despite a star-studded line-up, all eyes will be on Norway’s Petter Solberg as the PSRX driver continues his quest to become the first double FIA World Champion. The former WRC Champion explained his strategy: “The big thing for me now is points. If I see the chance to go for the win in Italy, I will be there straight away as I love to win but all of our eyes are on the title so I can’t take any risks. Now the pressure is really on.” Rallying personality Gigi Galli has entered his home RX event as a wildcard entry with Ford Olsbergs MSE. The Italian, who amassed thousands of fans thanks to his spectacular driving style, helped design the Franciacorta circuit and will be a firm favourite with a passionate home crowd. “It won’t be easy as there are a lot of other drivers and the car’s power is so much more than I am used to,” explained Galli who hails from Lavigno in north Italy. “I had a test recently in Sweden and I’ve also been involved heavily in the building of the RX track, hopefully this can help me when it comes to the weekend.” Still capable of winning Euro RX, however, is Petter’s older brother Henning Solberg who is currently 10 points behind current leader Robin Larsson. Interestingly the Solberg brother duo could potentially win both the Euro and World RX drivers’ titles this weekend. Reigning Junior WRC Champion Pontus Tidemand is third in Euro RX standings with a total of 38 points, just one point ahead of Peter Hedstrom. The World RX of Italy runs over the weekend with heats 1 & 2 on Saturday and the final heats 3 & 4 on the Sunday. |
