FIA European Rallycross completes productive pre-season test in Latvia as 2026 season takes shape

Under bright blue skies but in biting, cold conditions, a full field of 39 cars – including 18 Euro RX1 entries, eight Euro RX3 contenders, and the first appearances of the new RX4 and RX5 categories, with respectively five and 10 cars – took to the track for the first time ahead of the upcoming season.

The test marked a key milestone for the championship’s new four-tier structure, offering teams a valuable opportunity to shake down their 2026 machinery, explore setup directions, and gather vital data ahead of the season opener.

Despite the sunshine, conditions proved challenging throughout, with cold temperatures and strong winds limiting grip and requiring precision driving and tyre management. Across multiple sessions, drivers had the opportunity to experiment with setup changes that would rarely be attempted during a race weekend.

With all 39 cars rotating through sessions, the circuit remained busy throughout, creating a competitive environment that offered early insight into the rankings across all four categories.

Euro RX1 delivered one of the standout storylines of the test, with a highly competitive 18-car field producing consistently close lap times at the front.

Bergen Motorsport Evolution’s Andreas Bakkerud emerged as the outright benchmark, setting the fastest time of the test on Day 2 with a 47.398-second lap – an improvement of over four tenths from his best time on Day 1.

He was closely followed by Team RX Racing’s Patrick O’Donovan, who made a significant step forward on Day 2 to finish just 0.310 seconds adrift, while Set Promotion’s Joni Turpeinen completed the top three, only 0.325 seconds off the outright pace.

With the top four, including Set Promotion’s driver Juha Rytkönen, covered by just 0.412 seconds, and the top eight within just over one second, the margins underline the exceptional depth of the category heading into the new season. Notably, multiple drivers found significant gains between Day 1 and Day 2, reflecting both track evolution and the effectiveness of overnight setup changes.

The Euro RX3 category also produced close and competitive running across its eight-car field, with Ngracing Team’s Rytis Gurklys setting the fastest lap of the test with a 50.177-second tour, edging out Nicolas Geleyns and his Volland Racing’s Audi A1 by just 0.072 seconds, while Day 1 pacesetter Motorsport Šiauliai’s Audrius Kragas remained firmly in contention, completing the top three overall .

With less than half a second covering the leading trio and just under two seconds separating the full field, the category once again demonstrated its highly competitive nature.

The new RX4 category made its collective debut in Latvia as part of the Championship’s expanded structure, with five cars taking part in the tests. Designed as an accessible, front-wheel-drive entry point into European Rallycross, RX4 is expected to play a key role in developing the next generation of talent within the sport.

Euro RX5, the second of the new categories for 2026, delivered one of the standout performances of the test. Voldemars Kalve’s Roberts Purmalis topped the overall RX5 standings on Day 2 with a 49.583-second lap, narrowly edging out Martin Juga from Pace Motorsport (+0.092s) and Day 1 pacesetter Armin Raag (+0.185s).

Crucially, RX5 pace proved highly competitive in comparison to the more established categories, with its leading times sitting comfortably within the Euro RX3 performance window.

With the top five covered by just 0.840 seconds, RX5 is shaping up to be a tightly contested and exciting addition to the championship.

FIA Rallycross Sporting Manager James Nixon said: “To have 39 cars across four categories running together is a very positive sign for the championship and for the future of FIA European Rallycross. We were particularly happy to see the new RX4 and RX5 categories running on track for the first time – both have integrated very well and are already showing strong potential. The level of competition is very high across all the classes, and the data gathered here in Latvia will play a key role in ensuring that the teams are fully prepared for the start of the season.”

Bergen Motorsport Evolution’s Andreas Bakkerud said: “It’s been a really positive test for us. This is the first time we’re properly working together as a team with the SET Promotion guys, so it’s been important to build that feeling and get everything aligned.

“We’ve been quick from the start, P1 on both days, and that’s exactly where we want to be. These cars are incredible to drive – honestly, nothing compares – and it’s great to be back pushing at this level. The goal is to keep building from here and be ready to fight when the season starts.”

Team RX Racing’s Patrick O’Donovan said: “It’s been a bit up and down, but that’s exactly what testing is for. We’ve changed a lot on the car, things you’d never risk trying on a race weekend, and at one point we found almost a second just through setup changes. That shows how valuable this kind of track time is. It’s a great opportunity to experiment, learn, and really understand what works before we go racing.”

Volland Racing’s Nils Volland added: “It’s been a good test overall. It’s my first proper time here in Riga with a Supercar, so there’s a lot to learn, but I’m really enjoying it. There’s been a lot of seat time here, which is exactly what we needed – and it’s just great to be back behind the wheel!”

Nicolas Geleyns, racing with Volland Racing, said: “I’m happy with how the test has gone. To be third today and so close to the front – especially with the two guys ahead having a lot of experience here – gives me confidence. It’s freezing, but at least we’ve had some sun! The goal this year is to fight as hard as possible. It’s a strong grid again, so we’ll just focus on doing our best every time we’re on track.”

After two days of close-fought running at the Bikernieki track, attention turns to the opening round of the 2026 FIA European Rallycross Championship which will take place in two weeks (9-10 May) at this very same location, where an impressive 68 drivers are set to go head-to-head for the first time this year.

With established stars, rising talents, and two brand-new categories all in the mix, the question now is simple: who will rise to the challenge and take the early advantage in the race for the 2026 crown?