While Viktor Johansson’s troubles on Friday logically gave Simon Tiger the upper hand for the RallyX 2023 title, Simon Tiger has no intention of thinking things through. And for good reason: beyond the championship, only the top step of the podium in Holjes seems to interest the BMW M3 driver.
Although Viktor Johansson managed to get back on track on Saturday after an intense night’s work to replace the engine in his Mercedes 190, the Q4 to come early this afternoon is already shaping up to be decisive.
Indeed, while Johansson achieved the feat of setting the second fastest time in Q3 to move up from 16th to 10th in the intermediate classification, Simon Tiger could claim his second RallyX crown in three years even before the semi-finals kick off. Nevertheless, the championship leader seems to have other things on his mind.
“At the moment, I have no intention of calculating anything,” Simon Tiger indicated on Friday evening.
“I just want to win races, and this final stage of the championship is no exception. Admittedly, I didn’t do too well in Q2 when contact just after the start damaged my car, but this will allow me to start again in Q3 with some slower drivers. So I’ll have the opportunity to go for the fastest time and get back into the match in the intermediate classification.”
A mission that Tiger succeeded in accomplishing perfectly, scoring his tenth victory of the 2023 season in the qualifying heats.
“I didn’t just come here to win the championship,” Simon recalls.
“For the fans, it wouldn’t be right if I just had to manage my overall lead over Viktor Johansson. We’re here to put on the best possible show for the public, and that’s what I intend to do.”
