EKS Sport have today announced that Hungarian Krisztian Szabo will compete as a permanent driver in the 2019 FIA World Rallycross Championship.
Former World Champions EKS Sport finished second in the 2018 Teams’ World Championship standings and will continue with their signature Audi S1 EKS RX Quattro.
After making his European debut at the end of the 2014 season in Italy, Szabo finished a strong third in the 2015 FIA European Rallycross Championship for Super1600 before sealing the European title twice consecutively in 2016 and 2017.
The Hungarian made an impressive debut for EKS Sport at the Euro RX of France in the Supercar category, racing to second place and subsequently reaching the Final on his second outing with the team in Latvia.
Szabo views 2019 as a “now or never” opportunity. He said: “Since the beginning of my career, I have been dreaming about racing in the World Championship. Mattias Ekstrom announced last year that he will stop racing in 2019, which means he has more time to focus on managing the EKS Sport team.
“It is going to be different in 2019 with a much more balanced championship. Everyone has a bigger chance, including me. I have one of the best teams and cars behind me. I have the right background – a world championship-winning team, the professional support of Mattias and I feel well-prepared.
“I know most of the tracks but Abu Dhabi and Spa are unknown for me too. I can’t wait to take on the legendary Eau Rouge. I am also excited to travel to Canada and South Africa, because I have not raced outside of Europe in the past couple of years. It is a now or never for me in 2019 and I start my first World Championship season with title hopes.”
Mattias Ekstrom added: “I wanted to work together with Krisz this season because his results were quite promising last year and I predict a bright future for him. The World RX field has changed for 2019 and I think Krisz has a big chance to be one of the best and win many races.
“This is why I suggested that he races in the World Championship instead of the European Championship. I will help him as the team leader, I still have vivid memories from last year and I believe it will be useful for the team. I think that Krisztian will surprise many people because they still don’t know what he can do.”
