World RX moves Portuguese event to Lousada from 2025 – BlackBook Motorsport

World Rallycross (World RX) will move its Portuguese event to Lousada from the 2025 season.

Contract:

• Rallycross championship signs three-year deal to race at iconic circuit
• The 2025 World RX event is provisionally scheduled for 2nd to 4th May
• Circuit will undergo redevelopment, expected to be fully completed ahead of 2026 event

Context:

The Circuito Automóvel de Lousada was established in 1984 and has since become a hub for the Portuguese rallycross community. The circuit hosted the European Rallycross Championship (ERX) from 1991 until 2008, so next season’s event will end a 17-year absence for the format in the country.

Lousada has also hosted a special stage in the World Rally Championship’s (WRC) Rally de Portugal since 2015.

Comment:

Arne Dirks, managing director of Rallycross Promoter, said: “We are delighted to have reached an agreement with the Clube Automóvel de Lousada for at least the next three seasons. We have seen first-hand how much passion there is for motorsport in the Lousada region, and a lot of hard work has gone into putting this deal together.

“That work will continue ahead of the first World RX event at the circuit in 2025, with significant investment into the infrastructure in and around the track aimed at creating a first-class experience for competitors and fans alike.”

Coming next:

The 2024 World RX season comes to a close next month in China, the second event in a three-year deal signed last year. The World RX of China takes place from 19th to 20th October.