The Electrifying Clash: Combustion and Electric Vehicles Compete for Supremacy

In a groundbreaking move, the FIA World Rallycross Championship has opened its doors to both electric vehicles and combustion engine cars, creating a thrilling "Battle of Technologies" on the Montalegre circuit in Portugal. This historic event marks the first time these two powerhouse technologies have competed against each other on an equal playing field, showcasing their unique strengths and challenges.

Unleashing the Future of Motorsports

The Combustion Comeback

Despite the FIA's initial push towards an all-electric future, the sport has struggled to maintain the enthusiasm of its long-standing combustion engine fanbase. The decision to reintroduce combustion engines, this time with the option for teams to choose their preferred technology, has reignited the excitement within the paddock. While some teams, like Hansen Motorsport, have remained committed to electric vehicles, citing personal beliefs and a desire to lead the charge towards sustainability, others have embraced the return of the internal combustion engine (ICE).The ICE cars, powered by a "sustainable fuel that is made of 70% sustainable components," according to the fuel manufacturers, have a distinct advantage in terms of weight, being around 160 kilograms lighter than their electric counterparts. This lighter frame allows for better handling and agility around the mixed-surface racetracks that define the Rallycross championship. However, the electric vehicles boast instant torque and an impressive 100 horsepower advantage, giving them the edge on long straightaways.

The Electric Enigma

The transition to an all-electric format in 2022 was not without its challenges. A fire that destroyed two electric cars in 2023 further complicated the sport's journey, leading to a rethink of the format. Arne Dirks, the managing director of the FIA World Rallycross Championship, acknowledges that the fire "certainly didn't help our sport" and influenced the decision to reintroduce combustion engines.Despite these setbacks, the electric vehicles remain a formidable force in the championship. Teams like Hansen Motorsport have maintained their commitment to electric technology, driven by a belief in the need for sustainable change. Susann Hansen, the team manager at Hansen Motorsport, eloquently expresses this sentiment, stating, "For us, it was not only a business decision to go into electric. It was also a personal belief that we need to do something. That I can look my children and my grandchildren in the eye to say we have done something."

The Future of Rallycross

As the "Battle of Technologies" unfolds, the FIA World Rallycross Championship is poised to push the boundaries of what's possible in motorsports. Arne Dirks envisions a future where the championship remains open to new technologies, beyond just the current electric and combustion engine options. This forward-thinking approach aligns with the sport's desire to stay at the forefront of innovation and cater to the evolving preferences of both fans and competitors.The Montalegre circuit in Portugal has become the epicenter of this thrilling clash between electric and combustion engine vehicles, showcasing the unique strengths and challenges of each technology. As the race for supremacy continues, the FIA World Rallycross Championship is set to redefine the future of motorsports, captivating audiences with the electrifying battle between the old and the new.