Linnemann revels in ‘amazing’ RallyX Nordic win

Ulrik Linnemann says he ‘can’t describe’ his pleasure at claiming a stunning home win on his RallyX Nordic debut at Nysum.

The Dane was initially thrilled to have claimed a podium result after finishing second on the road to Oliver Eriksson but this would be upgraded to victory when the Olsbergs MSE driver was penalised for a Joker lap infraction.

Linnemann’s jubilation came at the end of an eventful day that very nearly saw him fail to compete at all after a gearbox issue in Q1 consigned him to the sidelines in Q2 and Q3.

Had his team been unable to repair his Volkswagen Polo in time for the semi-final, Linnemann would have been forced to withdraw but not only did he get out on track, his rapid run to third position was enough to get him into the final.

Once there, Linnemann’s intimate knowledge of Nysum came to fore in the increasingly tricky wet conditions as he stayed out of trouble while the likes of Thomas Bryntesson and Oliver Solberg hit problems and dropped back.

A huge result for the supporters that had turned out to support him, Linnemann says the win far exceeded his expectations.

“I can’t describe just how happy I am! My gearbox broke in Q1 and we only just fixed it in time for the semi-finals so to win the final is amazing. I am happy I know this track very well because it helped me a lot, especially in the rain.

“The main target was to get into the final and to try and get the podium, so with the win… I just cannot describe it. I am going to celebrate with my family and the team, that was such a great job from them today.”