A new fresh update of the calendar for the 2021 FIA World Rallycross Championship has been released today (May 12). This update follows an earlier update of the 2021 World RX calendar on March 26 (see this article). In brief, Norway is out, Portugal is in and Sweden has been pushed back on the calendar in an attempt to be able to welcome fans on site. The 2021 season opener now takes place at Spain’s Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya on July 23-24 in a Friday and Saturday evening format.
In light of the ongoing Coronavirus/COVID-19 pandemic Rallycross Promoter GmbH, the commercial arm of the FIA World Rallycross Championship, has adopted a flexible and agile approach to respond to the ever-changing global situation.
“After having liaised closely with our key stakeholders, we have taken the deliberate decision to delay the start of the campaign in the hope of being able to open the gates to fans at as many rounds as is feasible and safe,” Arne Dirks, the recently named Executive Director of Rallycross Promoter GmbH, said.
“We have assembled what we believe is an irresistible blend of iconic Rallycross tracks and state-of-the-art modern venues. We are confident we now have the best possible World RX calendar for 2021.”
The updated calendar will no longer holds a race at Hell in Norway but now sees an event at Montalegre in Portugal to be added as season finale. Following the season opener in Spain events are scheduled for Germany (double header), Sweden, France, Latvia and Belgium.
“To be able to confirm the return of Montalegre – a circuit that has always been a fan-favourite and never fails to offer World RX a warm welcome – is fantastic news for all concerned,” Dirks continued.
“We are obviously disappointed not to be able to race in Norway this year due to ongoing complications related to the pandemic but we are sure we will see Hell back on the calendar in the future as World RX races into a bright new era.”
In an attempt to welcome fans on site the event at Höljes in Sweden, initially foreseen for its traditional first weekend of July, will now take place on August 21-22.
“Höljes is one of the world’s most famous Rallycross tracks, and we are delighted that we will once again host some of the world’s very best drivers this summer,” Morgan Östlund, General Manager of Höljes RX said.
“With regard to the date change, considering that the fans are such a major part of what makes this event so special, together with Rallycross Promoter, we have decided to move the event back by a few weeks in the hope of being able to welcome at least some of them trackside – although there are obviously no guarantees given the current situation and all the associated unknowns.
“Either way, we are looking forward to a truly spectacular weekend of world-class Rallycross entertainment.”
With the start of the season delayed the season finale now takes place the last weekend of October and sees after an absence of two years the return of Portugal’s Montalegre to the World championship.
“We are delighted and honoured to be in the 2021 World RX calendar,” said Montalegre’s Mayor Orlando Alves.
“This return to the schedule is recognition of the quality of the Montalegre Circuit, the work and effort of the municipality and the respect and prestige of our organisation, which is among the highest authorities in the Rallycross and motorsport world.
“We look forward to welcoming you all in October!”
The World championship with RX1 cars will be run over eight rounds taking place during seven race weekends. The new all electric RX2e championship will be run over five events while the European championship for respectively RX1 cars and RX3 cars will be run over four and five events.
The entry closing dates for permanent competitors in the different championships were also amended. For the World Championship it has been set on Friday May 14 while for RX2e, Euro RX1 and Euro RX3 entries will close on May 30.
The different 2021 calendars look as follows:
FIA World Rallycross Championship 2021
| July 23-24 | Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya |  Montmeló |
| July 31 | Nürburgring Müllenbachschleife |  Adenau |
| August 1 | Nürburgring Müllenbachschleife | Adenau |
| August 21-22 | Höljesbanan |  Höljes |
| September 4-5 | Circuit de Lohéac |  Lohéac |
| September 18-19 | Biķernieki Sport Complex |  Riga |
| October 9-10 | Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps |  Francorchamps |
| October 23-24 | Circuito Internacional de Montalegre |  Montalegre |
FIA RX2e Championship 2021
| July 23-24 | Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya | Montmeló |
| July 31-August 1 | Nürburgring Müllenbachschleife | Adenau |
| August 21-22 | Höljesbanan | Höljes |
| September 4-5 | Circuit de Lohéac | Lohéac |
| October 9-10 | Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps | Francorchamps |
FIA European Rallycross Championship 2021
| August 21-22 | Höljesbanan | Höljes |
| September 4-5 | Circuit de Lohéac | Lohéac |
| September 18-19 | Biķernieki Sport Complex | Riga |
| October 9-10 | Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps | Francorchamps |
FIA European RX3 Rallycross Championship 2021
| July 23-24 | Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya | Montmeló |
| August 21-22 | Höljesbanan | Höljes |
| September 4-5 | Circuit de Lohéac | Lohéac |
| October 9-10 | Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps | Francorchamps |
| October 23-24 | Circuito Internacional de Montalegre | Montalegre |
The upcoming 2021 season marks the last of the Supercar era in World RX which will switch to new all-electric RX1e cars in 2022.