After scoring back-to-back podiums in Valkenswaard two weeks ago, Robert Vitols will look to keep the momentum going this weekend on home soil in Riga.

Following a long break from motorsport, the Latvian driver made an emphatic return in the Netherlands. Twice finishing second in the intermediate classification, the former British Rallycross Championship competitor showed he hasn’t lost a step.

It’s a comeback that’s brought a sense of satisfaction to Eric Färén, who has been closely tracking the progress of his young protégé. Vitols is competing under the Team Färén banner this season, alongside rookie teammate Phoebe Cake in the Supercar Lites category.

“It’s really positive to continue this collaboration with him under our structure this weekend,” Färén noted.

“I was already in the Netherlands two weeks ago to support him, and everything went smoothly. For a first weekend back after several years away, he delivered an excellent performance.”

With the Riga round giving Vitols the rare opportunity to race in front of a home crowd, the Team Färén crew remains focused on long-term development over short-term results.

“Being here, on his home track, definitely gives him a little extra motivation. The objective is clear: to keep building on this progress and go even further.”

Vitols’s pace in Valkenswaard came as no surprise to Färén, who is already well aware of the young driver’s talent.

“His speed didn’t surprise me. We’ve seen what he can do before — whether in the British Championship or as a wildcard in RX2e. He’s always been quick. I thought he might need a day to get back into the swing of things, but in the end, he proved he could perform straight away.”

That level of performance is all the more impressive given the unforgiving competitiveness of the Supercar Lites category.

“I kept reminding him all weekend just how high the standard is. There may not have been a huge number of cars, but the drivers who were there are among the best in the field right now. It was important to keep that in mind and not get rattled for his first race.”

Still, there’s no intention of rushing things.

“We’re staying realistic about our expectations. The idea is to build step by step and keep progressing. Robert shares that same mindset. Even though he’s racing at home and those two podiums in the Netherlands have whetted his appetite, he’s keeping his feet on the ground.”

While Vitols is still getting to grips with the car, Färén believes the 21-year-old has a strong upward trajectory.

“I think he still needs a bit more time to feel completely comfortable with the car. He’s only done two races so far, so naturally, there’s room to improve and time to gain in specific areas — that’s exactly what we’ll focus on this weekend. What I really appreciate is that he stays calm and composed, even under pressure. He’s got the right mindset, and that makes our job much easier.”