RallyX is back this weekend at the Montalegre circuit, and the 2025 season is kicking off with a bang. Here are five compelling reasons why you shouldn’t miss the first two rounds of the year—streamed live and free on YouTube.
1 – The Return of a Legend: Tanner Foust
Tanner Foust needs no introduction. The American driver has made his mark across multiple motorsport disciplines and remains a true global icon in Rallycross. The first-ever Global Rallycross champion in the U.S., Foust has also left a lasting impression on European soil over the years.
Absent from the European scene since his 2018 win at Silverstone in the Americas Rallycross Championship, the former European vice-champion is set to compete this weekend in the Open 4WD/Supercar category. He’ll be behind the wheel of an FC2—built on a tubular frame and powered by a 550-horsepower turbocharged engine—run by U.S.-based BAK40 Motorsports, led by Eric Gordon.
2 – Two track layouts, one unpredictable weekend
As if the event needed more excitement, RallyX and the Montalegre organizers have gone all out with not one, but two track configurations for this first stop on Portuguese soil.
Saturday’s race will take place on the traditional layout with the classic joker lap at the end of the long straight leading into the first corner. On Sunday, the drivers will face a different challenge with the gravel joker lap on the right-hand side of the track after the first corner.
This change means that drivers and spotters will have to quickly adapt and revise their race strategies in just a few hours between the two days of racing – setting the stage for unpredictable and high-stakes competition.
3 – A stacked line-up
Beyond Foust’s return, RallyX has assembled a grid full of top talent. In the Open 4WD/Supercar class alone, more than a dozen drivers will be competing for victory. Fraser McConnell will be looking to find the right rhythm to beat experienced FC2 experts such as Tommi Hallman, Casper Jansson and Lane Vacala.
Oliver Eriksson – one of the main contributors to the development of the FC2 – is a clear title contender at Montalegre.
Add to that 2024 RallyX CrossCar champion Elias Svensson and FIA European Supercar champion Patrick O’Donovan, both driving FC2s, and you’ve got the ingredients for some really intense racing.
Also in the mix: Ulrik Linnemann in his VW Polo Supercar and European Autocross Champion Nathan Ottink, making his rallycross debut in a Ford Focus – a driver to watch closely.
4 – Unique machines on the grid
If variety is your thing, the Open 2WD category is the place to be. Beyond the RallyX regulars—Simon Tiger, Viktor Johansson, and Marcus Norman, all packing over 500 horsepower—several intriguing new names are joining the fray.
A total of 23 drivers are expected on the starting grid. Among them: Jason Bleasdale in his Vauxhall VX220, Bart Bel and Steve Volders both piloting BMW E30 M3s, and former double European champion Derek Tohill with his trusty Ford Fiesta.
Also in the spotlight: Mervin Klaassen and his turbo Honda K20-powered Volvo C30, as well as Peter McGarry in a VW Polo.
What makes this weekend even more exciting is the spotlight it gives to front-wheel-drive specialists. The likes of Jimmy Terpereau, Tom Geenen, and portuguese duo Andre and Rogerio Sousa—standouts in the Super1600 class—will have a chance to play to their own strengths.
5- 15 nations represented
With nearly 80 drivers registered for this Montalegre event, RallyX is going big for its southern European showdown. Most notably, competitors from 15 different countries will take to the track this weekend—a true international celebration of Rallycross.
Fans from around the world can follow every moment on RallyX TV, with real-time commentary from Andrew Coley and Hal Ridge and live interaction across digital platforms.
Watch RallyX Montalegre live all weekend on our YouTube channel and digital platforms:
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