Video: Side‑by‑side, sideways, through Eau Rouge

Professional drivers push these two-litre, 600bhp machines to their limits, with blistering acceleration exceeding that of Formula 1 cars – from 0 to 60mph in just 1.9 seconds.

So it’s little surprise that each race is incredibly adrenaline-fuelled and action-packed and round three of the championship proved no exception, with an epic battle evolving between Timmy Hansen and eventual victor Timur Timerzyanov.

This minute and a half long clip filmed at the Spa FIA World Rallycross of Benelux focuses on the game of cat and mouse between the Swede’s Team Hansen MJP Peugeot 208 WRX and his Russian opponent’s GRX TANECO Hyundai i20.

Watch as the pair cut in front of each other, before making contact as they hit a dirt jump and again as they fly through Eau Rouge. Removing himself from the skirmish, Timerzyanov heads for the Joker lap, aiming to put some clear ground between himself and Hansen. Meanwhile, the Swede picks up the battle with his younger brother, Kevin, as they take a wide line through the dirt. As the clip concludes Timerzyanov catches up with the pair and the chase resumes.