KymiRing Rallycross Circuit
Location
Iitti, Päijät-Häme, Finland
Current Local Time
Track Info
KymiRing Rallycross Circuit - Kausala, Finland
Modern mixed-surface rallycross circuit in southern Finland - fast, compact and built around part of the KymiRing main racing circuit
When was the track built?
The KymiRing motorsport complex began construction in 2016 and was originally created as a major international racing venue. Its large main circuit was designed for top-level car and motorcycle racing, while the site also includes facilities for off-road motorsport.
The rallycross course uses part of the main circuit around its start and finish area before sending drivers onto dedicated gravel sections. The competitive rallycross layout finally made its debut in 2025.
When was its first race?
KymiRing's first rallycross event was held on 14-15 June 2025 as part of the RallyX series. Estonian driver Maiko Tamm won the main 4WD Open final in a Ford Fiesta.
Just over two months later, the circuit hosted the FIA World Rallycross Championship for the first time. The layout was shortened before that event, producing the seven-turn version used by World RX.
What's the circuit like?
- Almost half gravel: Drivers constantly move between high-grip tarmac and loose gravel, so finding grip quickly is a major part of a fast lap.
- Short and intense: A normal lap is only a little over one kilometre, meaning the cars are rarely far apart and mistakes can cost several positions.
- Fast opening section: Part of KymiRing's main racing circuit gives the cars room to accelerate before they attack the tighter mixed-surface sections.
- Joker lap strategy: Rallycross drivers must take a longer alternative route during the race. Choosing when to take it can decide whether a driver comes out ahead of a rival.
Racing benchmarks
- World RX practice: Johan Kristoffersson recorded a 42.793-second lap during the championship's first visit in 2025.
- World RX final: Kristoffersson's quickest lap in the final was 44.830 seconds.
- First World RX winner: Ole Christian Veiby won the 2025 final in 4:44.513, finishing just 0.296 seconds ahead of Kristoffersson.
- First RallyX winner: Maiko Tamm won the 4WD Open final during the circuit's rallycross debut in June 2025.
Why go?
KymiRing is a good introduction to rallycross because spectators can see several types of racing in a very short space of time. Powerful cars accelerate hard on tarmac, slide across loose gravel and race side by side rather than against the clock.
The compact, stadium-like layout also means the action returns quickly. Rallycross races are short, so a weekend is made up of repeated starts, overtakes, joker-lap tactics and finals rather than one long race.
Where's the best place to watch?
- Turn 1: One of the best areas for the start, with several cars arriving together and fighting for position. A premium grandstand was located here for the 2025 World RX event.
- Tarmac-to-gravel sections: Good places to watch drivers deal with the sudden change in grip and control the car as it begins to slide.
- Joker lap area: Ideal for following race strategy, especially late in a heat or final when drivers taking different routes can emerge almost side by side.
Transportation & Parking
Getting to KymiRing Rallycross Circuit (Finland)
KymiRing is in Iitti, between Lahti and Kouvola in southern Finland. Driving is the easiest option; without a car, travel by train to Kausala or Kouvola and arrange a taxi or event transfer for the final journey.
Best way to get there
For most visitors, driving is the easiest way to reach KymiRing. The circuit is surrounded by forest and countryside, but it has good road access and is only a short drive from Kouvola.
If you are staying in Helsinki without a car, travelling by train towards Kausala or Kouvola and completing the journey by taxi is the simplest alternative.
Tip: Check your event information before travelling. Large international meetings can introduce special entrances, parking areas or shuttle services.
Driving & parking
- From Helsinki: allow around 90 minutes in normal conditions, using the main highway network towards Lahti and KymiRing.
- From Kouvola: the circuit is around 15 minutes away by road.
- From Lahti: allow approximately 45 minutes.
- Navigation: use Kymentie 748, 47400 Kausala as your destination.
- Parking: the venue has extensive parking, but major events may require you to use a particular entrance or pre-booked area.
Train & public transport
There is no railway station directly at KymiRing, so the final part of a public-transport journey must be completed by road.
- Kausala: the nearest village is around a 10-minute drive from the circuit and has a railway station.
- Kouvola: a larger railway hub around 15 minutes from KymiRing by car.
- Station → circuit: arrange a taxi or use an official event shuttle if one is advertised.
- Return journey: pre-booking transport is sensible because the circuit is in a rural area.
Do not assume a previous World RX or RallyX shuttle will operate for your event; special transport is event-specific.
Helsinki airport
- Helsinki Airport (HEL): the main international airport for most overseas visitors.
- Airport → circuit: roughly 130 km by road; allow around 1½ hours in clear conditions.
- Easiest option: rental car or private transfer.
- Without a car: travel by rail towards Kausala or Kouvola and arrange the final road transfer.
About the rallycross circuit
KymiRing's permanent rallycross course was developed for international competition and hosted World RX for the first time in 2025.
- Length: 1,153 m, or 1,273 m including the Joker Lap.
- Surface: approximately 61.5% asphalt and 38.5% gravel.
- Layout: fast mixed-surface sections, tight corners, elevation changes and jumps.
Event-day tips
- Arrive early: international events can bring much heavier traffic to the normally quiet roads around the circuit.
- Check your parking: follow the instructions for your specific ticket rather than using an old event map.
- Prepare for Finnish weather: bring waterproof clothing, warm layers and sun protection.
- Wear practical shoes: rallycross spectator areas can involve gravel, grass and uneven ground.
- Plan the journey home: taxis and event shuttles can become busy immediately after the final races.
Accessibility
If you require accessible parking, step-free spectator access or assistance at KymiRing, contact the circuit or event organiser before travelling. Access routes and temporary spectator areas may differ between events.
Train services, event shuttles, parking areas and spectator entrances can change. Check the official KymiRing information for your specific event shortly before travelling.
Nearby Activities
Things to do around KymiRing Rallycross Circuit (Iitti, Finland)
KymiRing sits among the forests and lakes of southern Finland, between the small town of Kausala and the city of Kouvola. Its rallycross course mixes asphalt and gravel with a jump and Joker Lap, while the surrounding region offers amusement parks, UNESCO-listed industrial history, hiking and plenty of classic Finnish lake scenery.
Family-friendly highlights nearby
- Tykkimäki Amusement Park: Kouvola’s summer amusement park has rides for different ages, with an Aquapark and indoor Actionpark nearby if you want to turn it into a full family day.
- Käyrälampi: Relax beside the lake next to Tykkimäki, with a sandy beach plus seasonal kayaking, canoeing and paddleboarding.
- Arboretum Mustila: Wander through a large collection of trees and flowering plants, including impressive rhododendrons when they are in season.
Culture & rainy-day stops
- Verla Mill Museum: This UNESCO World Heritage site preserves a remarkably complete former wood-processing community with its mill, workers’ buildings and riverside setting.
- Kouvola city centre: Head into town for cafés, shops and museums when the weather makes outdoor sightseeing less appealing.
- Ankkapurha: Explore the industrial and cultural history of the Kymi River around old mills, historic buildings and riverside scenery.
Eat & drink like a local
- Karjalanpiirakka: Karelian pies have a thin rye crust around rice filling and are traditionally eaten warm with egg butter.
- Lohikeitto: Finnish salmon soup combines salmon, potato, leek and dill in a creamy broth - a particularly welcome meal on a cool race weekend.
- Ruisleipä: Dense Finnish rye bread is an everyday staple and an easy local food to pick up from bakeries and supermarkets.
Get outdoors around Kouvola
- Repovesi National Park: Hike through forests, lakes and rocky viewpoints on routes ranging from shorter walks to longer day hikes.
- Kymi River: The river running through the region supports fishing, paddling and countryside walks, with old industrial sites appearing along its banks.
- Finnish lake country: Kouvola has hundreds of lakes, so swimming, sauna, canoeing and quiet waterside evenings are easy to add to a summer race trip.
Easy trips if you’re extending your stay
- Verla & Repovesi: Combine the UNESCO mill village with a walk in Repovesi for a full day mixing Finnish history and nature.
- Helsinki: Finland’s capital is roughly 110 km from KymiRing and works naturally before or after a race weekend if you are arriving from overseas.
- Lahti: Head west for lakeside scenery, museums and the famous ski-jump complex in another of southern Finland’s main sporting cities.
Good to know on rallycross weekends
- The rallycross course is very new: It was developed for KymiRing’s 2025 international rallycross programme and includes a jump, gravel sections and a strategic Joker Lap.
- 2025 was the big international debut: RallyX raced here in June before FIA World RX and Euro RX arrived in August.
- No FIA rallycross round is currently listed for 2026: The present FIA European Rallycross calendar does not include KymiRing, although the venue itself remains active with other motorsport throughout 2026.
- Pack for Finnish weather: Conditions can change quickly even in summer. Comfortable footwear, a waterproof layer and sunscreen are all useful for exposed spectator areas.
Motorsport schedules, spectator access, circuit use, attraction opening hours and outdoor conditions can change - check current information before you travel.