Oliver Eriksson has been appointed as the official test-driver and ambassador for the new FIA RX2e Championship, as preparations intensify ahead of the all-electric series’ inaugural campaign on the FIA World Rallycross Championship undercard in 2021.
Eriksson’s pedigree in the sport needs little introduction. With titles to his name in the RX2 International Series (2018/2019), RallyX on Ice (2018) and GRC Lites (2015), the 21-year-old Swede is one of the most highly-rated young prospects on the current rallycross scene.
A multiple race-winner in RallyX Nordic – where he has twice finished runner-up in the final Supercar standings – he additionally has two World Championship appearances on his career CV as well as a full season of Global Rallycross competition under his belt.
The Red Bull-backed athlete will play a pivotal role in the development of the new RX2e car, the first iteration of which was unveiled at Höljes in Sweden last month, featuring an interim ‘prototype’ composite bodyshell on top of RX2’s existing Supercar Lites chassis.
Testing has thus far been restricted to Spain’s Circuit Calafat, but Eriksson will soon be putting the car through its paces at a variety of international rallycross tracks.
The final car is set to be officially presented towards the end of this year, and six European events are planned for the first season of the FIA RX2e Championship, with the full calendar to be released in due course.
Oliver Eriksson, Test-Driver and Ambassador, FIA RX2e Championship, said:
“It’s a great honour to be involved in this project. We’re going through a revolution in motorsport right now – the whole automotive industry is in the midst of a huge drive towards a more sustainable, environmentally-friendly future – and we can’t close our eyes to that. The RX2e concept is tremendously exciting and very much the direction in which we need to be pushing.
“To be a part of it all from such an early stage is really cool. It will be a new car for everybody – we all know combustion engines, but electric motors are something very different and the cutting-edge technology they incorporate is incredible.
“Just for starters, they will generate more power than we have had before, which as a driver is always welcome! Of course we will lose the sound of the engine and the smell of burning fuel, but from a driving perspective, it looks like being the most fun car yet – the numbers are extremely impressive.
“It’s sensible money for an arrive-and-drive format, and the driver-adjustable parameters mean there will be much more to think about during the races, too, which will highlight the importance of preparation and skill. I can’t wait to get behind the wheel to experience the car for myself!”
Pere Gonzalez, Project Manager, FIA RX2e Championship, said:
“We are delighted to announce Oliver as the official test-driver and ambassador for RX2e. With titles in three different series, his record in the discipline speaks for itself and he is unquestionably one of the most talented and respected drivers in the paddock.
“He will also provide an excellent benchmark for us at QEV Technologies as we continue to adapt and acclimatise to the rallycross world. Nobody knows the Supercar Lites car better than Oliver does, and as such, he brings with him a wealth of information, knowledge and experience that we can leverage as we work hard to refine the new RX2e car over the coming months.
“Initial testing has been positive, and with Oliver’s input, we are now preparing to intensify our development schedule to ensure the RX2e car is capable of performing at its peak on the variety of European tracks the championship will visit in its first season. We are all very much looking forward to working together.”
