After his sensational performance in Höljes as part of the European Rallycross Championship at the beginning of July, Linus Ostlund is back in business this weekend in Värmland. This time, the local hero has switched from his Olsbergs-MSE-built Ford Fiesta to a JC Raceteknik Audi S1. A move that did not displease the Swedish driver.
Fifth in the intermediate classification at the end of qualifying and fourth fastest lap of the weekend during the Swedish round of the European Rallycross Championship, Linus Ostlund reminded the whole of Europe that he was still one of the sport’s best prospects.
However, Linus will have to start from scratch this weekend, forsaking his Ford Fiesta for an Audi S1 which he took the opportunity to get to know during a test session a few weeks ago.
“Honestly, I was a bit impressed with myself at Höljes,” laughs Linus.
“I didn’t think we’d be so much on the pace, and even less that we’d be able to show such top speed. Admittedly, we may not have had the best car in the field, but this Ford Fiesta was really super efficient.”
Restricted to a few sporadic appearances since his departure from the Supercar Lites category, Linus Ostlund is all the more aware of how lucky he is every time he gets the chance to perform behind the wheel of a Supercar.
“I’m always keen to achieve the best possible result, and that’s even truer since I’m no longer lucky enough to be able to line up for a full season. At the moment, I’m happy with my performance in Supercar, but I’m not getting too excited about this weekend. It’s true that I put in some very fine performances last July during the European Championship round, but the gaps are so tiny in Supercar that everything can quickly swing in either the right or wrong direction. Rallycross is a sport in which you can’t afford to be unlucky. It’s not just about speed, it’s also about luck.
While Linus could have made things easier for himself by relying once again on the potential of the Ford Fiesta with which he shone this year, his move to the JC Raceteknik team represents a new experience that he’s not unhappy about.
“It was my sponsors who wanted to see me drive the Audi S1 in Höljes, and to be honest, it would have been difficult for me to refuse such an offer. Of course, going back to the Ford Fiesta would have allowed me to maintain continuity in my work. That car suited me well and I felt at ease behind the wheel, but on the other hand, the Audi S1 is a car I’ve always dreamed of. I’m really aware that this is an extraordinary opportunity. It’s the first time since my debut that I’ll have the chance to drive a Supercar with such potential”.
“And then, joining Joel Christoffersson’s team is also the guarantee of being able to benefit from perfect coaching to enable me to perform. When you see all the drivers who have passed through this team, it’s enough to understand the level of professionalism at JC Raceteknik. I’ll be competing with a car designed and imagined by Mattias Ekstrom. For me, it’s a dream come true, because Mattias has always been a role model and a source of inspiration. I’m sure I’ll learn a lot of new things this weekend”.
