Rallycross driver for a day: at the controls of a 335 hp electric ‘beast’

Pilot for a day? Hard to believe, but it is. The Rocco’s ranchnear the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, the place where we had the opportunity to drive a RX2e, a fully electric Rallycross vehicle that generates a power of 250 kW (equivalent to 335 hp) and up to 510 Nm of torque. MD is one of the few media mentioned to have had the privilege of being in control of this true electric ‘beast’, powered by QEV Technologies and Swedish Rally Cross powerhouse OlsbergsMSE.

After the introductory talk, the pilot Pablo Suarez, from the RX2e category, gave us a theoretical class with all kinds of specifications. Basically so we get a very small idea of ​​what we are dealing with.

Good sense invited us to imagine that during the experience the driver from Gran Canaria would accompany us at all times in the co-pilot’s seat. It’s like a driving school teacher. But rather it is the opposite. Alone and in its controls vehicle that eliminates hiccups at first sight.

Already installed in the car seat, already ergonomic has little (something common in competition cars), the first sensation that surrounds you is the heat of the air. In addition, one feels somewhat boxed in the copkit, which for the pilot is his home.

Looking at the steering wheel control panel, a bit more basic than Formula 1, four buttons are displayed, which from left to right indicate: ‘Launch’; ‘Pit’; ‘Page’ and ‘Radius’. In addition to an indicator engine map used by the pilot (we are not so brave) depending on the power delivery you want.

Starting and running the engine

With the pulses fired, belt tight (in the shape of a cross) and a helmet of our size, I hit the power button on the RX2e. Four laps, more than enough to test this racing car.

With great caution and care, I slowly played with the accelerator to start walking along the dirt track. At that moment, automatically, you feel the thrust of the four wheels, thanks to a demonic traction by impulse of 335 CV and, above all, by 510 Nm of torque.

Without losing his composure, the first round, out of a total of four, Be careful not to speed more than necessary. the heart rate. On the next turn, there are more dangers and that’s when the experience makes sense.

Its lack of sound (being 100% electric) is not missed at any timebecause the transmission of power and the sensations in the wheel provide this auditory element that for purists it is invaluable.

It sounds typical but the pilots have no doubts they are made of another ‘paste’, the one that allows them to run like no other while you watch them with emotion.

An ‘electrifying’ weekend

To the delight of fans and families, this weekend (October 29 and 30) the 8th edition of World RX will take place of Catalonia at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya. An international festival that combines top competition with ancillary activities such as exhibitions, a shopping area and access to the paddock for the general public.

In addition, the format of the competition has been changed this 2022 to, if possible, provide more interest to the attendees. This new format will be divided as follows: SuperPole, Heats (each driver must do 5 laps), Progression Races (all drivers participate), Semifinals (divided into two groups) and Final, where the five finalists will compete for five laps.

Riders of the caliber of Kevin Hansen, Niclas Grönholm, Pablo Suárez, Laia Sanz or Raül Ferréwho will show their skills on a track also known as Montmeló, which has been exclusively redesigned for World RX.