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Walfridson confirms six-round World RX campaign

Lukas Walfridson - a multiple Crosskart champion - will contest six rounds of this year's FIA World Rallycross Championship presented by Monster Energy at the wheel of a Helmia Motorsport Renault Clio Supercar. Of Walfridson's six events, five will be the FIA European Rallycross Championship (Euro RX) and the sixth will be World RX of Sweden in July.

Walfridson joins World RX following three successful seasons competing in Crosskart, where the 20-year-old Swede racked up 22 race wins and 35 podium spots. Walfridson, who is the nephew of well-known rallycross driver Stig-Olov and former European Rallycross Champion Per-Inge, has clinched a total of nine Crosskart titles since 2009 and will be a strong championship contender in this year's Euro RX.

"When this opportunity arose, I immediately wanted to go for it. Moving from Crosskart to a Supercar is something I really wanted to do - it will be a big challenge but I'm keen to make progress," enthused Walfridson.

Walfridson will embark on his World RX campaign at Lydden Hill in Great Britain at the end of May, and will also compete in Hell, Norway (14-15 June), Höljes, Sweden (5-6 July), Mettet, Belgium (12-13 July), Buxtehude, Germany (20-21 September) and finally at Franciacorta in Italy (27-28 September).

"Our goal is to finish in the top three of Euro RX at the end of the year. That is my only aim and together with my team, I will strive to make it happen," concluded a defiant Walfridson.

Martin Anayi, Managing Director of World RX for IMG Motorsport ­- a division of IMG, the global sport, fashion and media company - spoke of the growing appeal of World RX to drivers of all ages.

"We're seeing a huge variety of drivers signing up to World RX and Euro RX this year which is fantastic for creating diversity in our Championship," explained Anayi. "To have young racing drivers such as Lukas bursting onto the rallycross scene combined with experienced drivers such as Petter Solberg is hugely exciting for both the fans and our young drivers who will be pitting themselves against some of the most experienced guys in the sport. Lukas has already proved his talent in Crosskart and with a strong family history in rallycross, it will be very interesting to watch Lukas' transition to a Supercar this season."