Latvian rallycross prodigy Jānis Kozlovskis made history at the FIA European Rallycross Championship in Bauska, securing a podium finish in the junior category. The achievement marks a significant milestone for the 17-year-old driver, who described the moment as “a lifelong dream” in post-race interviews.
Event Overview: Bauska’s Historic Rallycross Stage
The second round of the 2026 FIA European Rallycross Championship took place at the Bauska Circuit, a newly upgraded facility in Latvia that has become a focal point for motorsport enthusiasts. The event, held on May 28, 2026, featured a mix of high-speed gravel and tarmac sections, testing drivers’ adaptability and precision. The venue, located in the heart of the Baltic region, drew international competitors and over 15,000 spectators, with organizers citing it as the largest rallycross event in the region to date.
Kozlovskis’ Journey to the Podium
Kozlovskis, driving for the Go4speed team, finished third in the junior category, a result that underscores his rising prominence in the sport. The Latvian driver, who began competing in regional rallies at age 12, has been a standout in the FIA’s junior development programs. His performance in Bauska was particularly notable, as he navigated the challenging 1.8-kilometer circuit with composure, overtaking multiple competitors in the final laps.
“The podium was a sizeable dream,” Kozlovskis said, per local media reports. “I’ve been training for this moment for years, and to achieve it here in Bauska, in front of my home crowd, is unforgettable.”
Impact on the Junior Standings
The third-place finish boosted Kozlovskis to second in the 2026 FIA European Rallycross Junior Championship, trailing only France’s Léonard Moreau by 12 points. The result highlights the growing competitiveness of Latvian drivers in the series, with Kozlovskis joining a cohort of young talents like Estonia’s Kristo Pärn and Lithuania’s Mindaugas Žukas.
“Jānis has shown remarkable consistency this season,” said Go4speed team principal Marta Vītola. “His ability to adapt to different track conditions and maintain composure under pressure sets him apart. We’re proud to support his development as he aims for the top tier of the sport.”
Technical Insights: The Bauska Circuit’s Challenges
The Bauska Circuit, designed by renowned motorsport architect Christian Fittipaldi, features a unique blend of technical corners and high-speed straights. The layout demands precise braking and throttle control, with the final hairpin turn on the 12th lap often deciding the race outcome. Kozlovskis’ team credited their engineering staff for fine-tuning the car’s suspension to handle the circuit’s gravel sections, a critical factor in his podium finish.
“The Bauska track is one of the most demanding in the series,” said Kozlovskis’ engineer, Raimonds Ābols. “We focused on maximizing grip in the corners while maintaining stability on the straights. Jānis’ feedback during practice sessions was instrumental in making those adjustments.”
Global Context: Rallycross’s Rising Popularity
The FIA European Rallycross Championship has seen a surge in viewership and participation over the past decade, with over 1.2 million fans attending live events in 2025 alone. The series, which blends elements of rally and circuit racing, has become a breeding ground for future Formula 1 and World Rally Championship stars. Kozlovskis’ success in Bauska aligns with the sport’s emphasis on nurturing young talent, a strategy that has produced champions like Sébastien Loeb and
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