Ranked in the top 10 overall in the 2023 Senior CrossCar category, Rasmus Persson made the most of his first season at this level of competition to establish himself as the best rookie in the RallyX championship.
After three consecutive campaigns in the junior category, marked by one victory and a total of six podiums, the young Swedish driver hasn’t missed the opportunity to make a strong impression at the top level.
Finishing third in the junior championship twice in a row in 2020 and 2021, Rasmus Persson caused a sensation last year by finishing tenth in the overall standings behind the experienced Jimmie Osterberg.
“I knew the level of the championship was going to be very high, so I didn’t really have any expectations. The goal for me was to test my driving skills and see where I stood in the class. I just wanted to get my bearings and hopefully get closer to the top 10,” says Rasmus.
“Nevertheless, I can’t hide the fact that the results were much better than I expected. I’m happy with what I showed last year and that can only help to boost my motivation for the 2024 season.”
And with good reason: in addition to qualifying for the final for the first time on the second stage at Tierp, Rasmus Persson also set the absolute fastest lap of the weekend at Kouvola.
“Whether it was Tierp or Kouvola, I’d say both races were very productive. My final at Tierp proved that I can fight for the top places and the podium, while my lap record at Kouvola proved that I have the speed to compete with the best drivers. I think that even though I lacked experience going into each weekend, each race allowed me to gradually make up for this deficit. I was also able to develop a new routine. In such a tough championship, it’s the little details and the little mistakes that make all the difference. Every kilometer I drive in this category allows me to gain more and more experience”.
This year, Rasmus will return to racing in a few weeks’ time with the firm intention of confirming his potential.
“I know I haven’t quite shown what I can do in terms of speed, but my priority is to prove that I can make the right decisions. You have to be smart in this category because the gaps are so close that it’s vital to avoid the small mistakes that can cost me time”.
“My goal for 2024 is to reach the finals every weekend. If we show that we’re mechanically reliable and develop the chassis the way we want, I know that my results will essentially depend on what I can do behind the wheel. I think I have all the right ingredients to have a great season. I just hope that success will be on my side and that I can prove that I fully deserve my place in this championship.”
