A large crowd gathered in downtown Stjørdal to witness the birth of the fastest World RX cars ever created, at a special presentation which was broadcast live across all World RX social media channels.

And even before the new RX1e cars take to the track in anger for the first time this weekend, four-time FIA World Rallycross champion Johan Kristoffersson, who had given his fully electric RX1e car a shakedown test in Sweden a few days before, promised fans that this will be “a season to remember”.

Following the public presentation, the World RX drivers and their FIA RX2e Championship counterparts – accompanied by a number of leading lights from the FIA European Rallycross Championship, including home hero Andreas Bakkerud – set off on a parade through the town, thrilling onlookers as they drove past at close quarters.

With twin motors pushing out 500kW – equivalent to 680bhp – and 880Nm of instant torque, the new cars are the fastest and most powerful ever seen in the World Championship.

On the narrow streets of Stjørdal this evening, they were kept firmly on a leash. In Hell this weekend, that leash will be removed...

“It’s fantastic to finally be starting World RX’s electric era this weekend,” said Kristoffersson.

“I drove the car for the first time a few days ago, and I think fans are going to be surprised by the performance and speed. I’ve rarely felt so pumped going into a new season – it’s certainly going to be one to remember.”

“I’m so excited to be beginning my first season in the World Championship, and what a place to do it,” added CE Dealer Team driver Klara Andersson.

“Hell is such an iconic rallycross track, and there’s so much enthusiasm for the sport here in Norway. I’m obviously a rookie this year and I’m well aware I have a massive challenge ahead of me, but it’s also a massive opportunity – and I’m going to grab it with both hands!”

“Wow - what a welcome we have received here in Stjørdal – for my first taste of rallycross, I’ve honestly been blown away by the passion and knowledge of the fans,” said Aksel Lund Svindal – the double Olympic gold medal winning alpine skier, who will make his rallycross debut in the FIA RX2e Championship this weekend.

“I got my first experience of the RX2e car in testing a couple of weeks ago and it was mega fun – I can’t wait to race it at the weekend.”

All of the on-track racing action and off-track features throughout the weekend in Hell will be broadcast live on RX+.