World RX: First win for Larsson, second title for Solberg

Petter Solberg is the 2016 World Rallycross Champion. Norwegian driver confirmed his championship lead and takes the title at season’s last round in Rosario, Argentina. It’s Solberg’s third world title, after 2003 victory in WRC and last year’s World RX triumph.

The winner of the last event is Swedish driver Robin Larsson in Audi A1, who scored his first victory in World RX Supercar category. Larsson won thrilling final against compatriot Mattias Ekstrom in Audi S1 and crossed the finish line with less than half a second advantage. Petter Solberg completed the podium at Rosario, which was more than enough for his new title.

Solberg came in Argentina with 26 point advantage over Timmy Hansen and he secured enough points for the title after qualifying heats, with fourth place in the intermediate standings. Drivers had only three qualifying heats, the last heat was cancelled because of safety reasons. Organisers had lots of problems with dust on the track, which was the reason for cancellation of Saturday’s programme, so all the heats are re-scheduled for Sunday.

Andreas Bakkerud was the leader after qualifying, with victory in Heat 1. Timmy Hansen won Heat 2 and Heat 3 and took second place in the intermediate standings. 12 drivers competed in semifinals and six finalist were Larsson, Ekstrom, Solberg, Janis Baumanis and Hansen brothers Kevin and Timmy, For 17-year-old Kevin, who is 2015 RX Lites champion, it was fantastic debut in Supercar category, with Olsbergs MSE’s Ford Fista. Baumanis, winner of S1600 class championship, also showed great performance with Team Austria’s Ford Fiesta and reached final.