Intro:

In only his third start in the FIA World Rallycross Championship, Latvian Reinis Nitiss stormed to victory in Hell in Norway on Sunday (June 16).

Script:

Welcome to Hell. Norway. The setting for round three of the World Rallycross Championship.

Local hero Petter Solberg was in superb form in the qualifiers - and seemed to be thoroughly enjoying himself.

No surprise to see the 39-year-old former world rally champion make it to the final.

Reinis Nitiss started on the inside of the front row and led into the first corner.

Nitiss pulled away at the front - Timerzyanov started to struggle on overheating wet tyres.

The Russian took his joker on lap four and dropped to fourth behind Petter Solberg and Block.

Nitiss took a big risk - leaving his joker until the final circuit.

The gamble paid off - the OlsbergsMSE driver returned to the main circuit just ahead of Solberg and went on to secure his maiden victory - and take the lead in the championship standings.

Championship leader heading into the event, Andreas Bakkerud did not make it out of the semi-finals.