Johan Kristoffersson, the six-time FIA World Rallycross Championship champion, will be returning to rally next month. He will be competing in the third round of the FIA European Rally Championship, known as the Rally Real BAUHAUS Scandinavia. Kristoffersson, who has also found success in Extreme E, WRC2, and World Touring Car Cup, will be driving a Volkswagen Polo GTI R5, which is being run by his family team, Kristoffersson Motorsport.
The versatile Swedish driver, who is 35 years old, expressed his excitement about the opportunity. He explained that BAUHAUS, his loyal sponsor, unexpectedly offered him the chance to compete at a high level rally, and he promptly accepted. Kristoffersson admitted that it has been five years since his last gravel forest rally, so he has low expectations. He mentioned that it would be nice to have proper preparation, but due to time constraints, they will deal with it as it comes. He also expressed his pleasure in being the underdog this time.
Tommy Kristoffersson, Johan’s father and head of Kristoffersson Motorsport, shared his satisfaction in having an FIA European Rally Championship event in Värmland. He mentioned that it is particularly nice since they no longer have the WRC there. Tommy also expressed his happiness with the fact that their partner, BAUHAUS, is opening a store in Karlstad. He stated that this not only gives him the opportunity to shop, but also makes him feel good about being represented in Värmland.
During the rally, Johan Kristoffersson will be co-driven by the Norwegian Stig Rune Skjaermoen. This event will mark Johan’s debut in the ERC and will take place from June 13 to 15. Another exciting entry in the rally is Petter Solberg, whose workshop is located near the rally route. When asked about his decision to compete, Petter explained that he will turn 50 this year and believes it will be a lot of fun. He mentioned that his son, Oliver, is now doing everything on his own, and his wife, Pernilla, is the president of the FIA Rally Commission. Petter expressed that this rally is another motivation for him to see what his speed can be. He also mentioned that if he wants to do something for the future, he has to start over and build. The rally being close to his workshop and his unused Polo played a role in his decision to participate.
Petter emphasized that the rally is everything to him and his family. He shared a story about taking his mother for a ride in his Citroën C4 WRC during last year’s Rally Real. Although it was a pleasant experience, he felt that Oliver had fun and won the rally. Petter expressed his desire to have some fun too. He mentioned that the rally is conveniently located for them, with many friends and family nearby. Additionally, they will be accompanied by Monster Energy, Pirelli, and Castrol. They will take the Polo and embark on this rally together.
