The 2025 World Rallycross Championship burst back onto the track this week, as teams and drivers descended on the completely redesigned Circuito Automóvel de Lousada for two days of full-throttle pre-season testing.

Following a comprehensive redesign and reconstruction, the iconic Lousada circuit has been transformed into a modern Rallycross battleground. The new layout features technical gravel sections, tight asphalt corners, and aggressive banked corners, all designed to push cars and drivers to their limits.

Representing World RX, Euro RX1, and Euro RX3, teams brought their freshly prepped 2025 machines to put them through their paces on the revitalised circuit. Across all three categories, the test gave teams a valuable opportunity to shake down their 2025 cars in real-world conditions and fine-tune setups ahead of next week’s season opener. Drivers quickly got to grips with the new layout, exploring its limits and adapting to the evolving surface as the test progressed. The mix of high-speed sections, technical corners, and shifting grip levels provided a true test of the competition to be expected next weekend. 

The test also marked the competitive debut of Hoosier’s all-new soft compound tyre, developed with insights from the 2024 season. This latest compound offers drivers unprecedented grip levels, giving them the confidence to push harder in each start, corner and gravel section than ever before. 

Rallycross features a unique and innovative multi-powertrain format, giving teams the freedom to compete with either electric vehicles (EVs) or sustainably fuelled internal combustion engine (ICE) cars. To maintain fair and balanced competition between these two very different technologies, the FIA runs the Equivalence of Technology (EOT) test, with Lousada playing host for 2025.

As part of the process, Rallycross legend Andreas Bakkerud took to the track to set benchmark laps in a neutral test car, before jumping into each team’s vehicle to measure performance against the standard. The data gathered will inform technical adjustments, such as adding or removing weight ballast, to ensure that when the championship lights go green next weekend, all cars are racing on equal terms.

FIA Road Sport Director Emilia Abel stated: “The test at Lousada has been fantastic. It’s incredibly exciting to see World RX back and running at full throttle. With a 37-car entry list across all categories for next week’s race, we’re expecting a spectacular season opener. The EOT process has delivered valuable insights, and we’ll implement any necessary changes to guarantee fair racing across all powertrains.”

Reigning World RX Champion Johan Kristoffersson added: “It’s so good to be back behind the wheel. The organisers have done an amazing job here, Lousada looks stunning!  The last time I was here was back in 2016, and the track has completely transformed. It’s more technical now, especially with the new gravel section. It’s a real challenge, but a fun one, I can’t wait for race weekend!”

Hansen Motorsport's Kevin Hansen commented: “The track is brilliant. We saw during last week’s WRC event just how passionate the fans are here; I think the atmosphere next weekend is going to be absolutely electric. The new track is a thrill to drive, the grip level is high, the surface evolves quickly, and the new gravel section really develops as the cars go around.”

CE Dealer Team’s Klara Andersson said: “I’m super exited to be here for 2025, Lousada is such a cool venue. The long-banked corner is incredible to drive and with how it changes through the race, it’s sure to make each lap totally different. The team have prepared a great package for this season and I am super excited to see what we can do!” 

With testing wrapped up and EOT data now under FIA review, the spotlight turns to the 2025 World Rallycross season opener, and it’s shaping up to be a strong start to the season. A 37-car grid will line up next week, with 9 entries each in World RX and Euro RX1, and a stacked Euro RX3 class boasting 19 entries.

The action kicks off on Thursday 29th May with a fan event in Lousada Old Town, where spectators can meet the stars of Rallycross in the heart of the city at a special autograph session. Practice then kicks off at the circuit from Friday 30th May, building to the main event on Sunday 1st June. 

With grandstands expected to be packed and energy levels sky-high, this will be a race weekend to remember. To be sure you don’t miss out fans can get their tickets here.