Round 12: World RX of South Africa, Cape Town (ZA)

Date: November 24–25, 2018
Track: Killarney International Raceway, 10 km north of Cape Town
Track length: 1.067 km 
Surface: 60% tarmac, 40% gravel
Turns: 3 left, 5 right
Longest jump: approx. 28 m
Top speed: approx. 156 km/h
Lap record: Timmy Hansen (S), 39.778s (2018)
Average speed: approx. 95.87 km/h
Winner in 2018: Johan Kristoffersson (S), 4m 12.787s

Race facts
The World RX season’s finale will again be held at the foot of the impressive Table Mountain in Cape Town. The track built from scratch in 2016 impressed in every respect on hosting its inaugural event last year. The drivers praised the fluid layout with a large jump and a spectacular convergence of the normal circuit and the Joker Lap shortly before the finish line. The long first right-hand bend that turns into a narrow left-hand corner on gravel delivered numerous spectacular duels. The first gravel section and another straight are followed by a weave of turns and, only in the final sector, by the longer Joker route that is driven completely on gravel.

2018 flashback

In a captivating finale in South Africa, Audi driver Mattias Ekström secured once again the runner-up title in the World RX at the wheel of the Audi S1 EKS RX quattro. The Swede also finished the final race of the season in Cape Town in second place behind World Champion Johan Kristoffersson (Volkswagen). Despite starting the finale for the best six from the back row in his Audi S1 EKS RX quattro, Ekström still fought his way up second place. During his stirring drive he overtook nine-time Rally World Champion Sébastien Loeb in a Peugeot on the opening lap. Shortly after, he also caught and passed two-time Rallycross World Champion in a Volkswagen. After the four qualification races, Bakkerud was one place in front of Ekström and reduced the deficit to his team boss from four to three points. In the semi-final, the Norwegian was forced to park his Audi S1 EKS RX quattro early following a collision. He nevertheless clinched third place in the drivers’ world championship and in doing so completed the double podium for EKS Audi Sport in the World Championship.