The stars of the RallyX series made a strong impression last weekend at Höljes during the second round of the FIA European Rallycross Championship (Euro RX1).
For his debut at this level of competition, Lukas Andersson wasted no time showcasing his immense potential. Despite logging just around thirty laps behind the wheel of the SET Promotion Ford Fiesta, the JC Raceteknik driver defied expectations by winning the final two qualifying heats.
Second in the intermediate classification behind Mika Liimatainen, Andersson wrapped up his sensational weekend with a runner-up finish on the overall podium — just behind another RallyX alumnus, Yury Belevskiy.
Meanwhile, 2024 RallyX Open 4WD vice-champion Martin Enlund also delivered a commendable performance. Despite suffering a puncture in Q1, the Ford Fiesta driver clocked the sixth-fastest time before posting back-to-back P2 finishes in Q2 and Q3, securing third place in the intermediate standings.
Unfortunately, a windshield washer fluid failure in the semi-final shattered his podium hopes.
Joni Turpeinen, who clinched the Open 4WD Pro title last season at just 15 years old, once again proved his class in his first appearance at this level.
The Finnish prodigy topped both free practice and warm-up sessions with a commanding half-second gap over his closest rival, quickly cementing his status as a serious contender for victory. Though he spun in Q2 following contact with Lukas Andersson, Turpeinen still secured fourth in the intermediate rankings and then claimed a dominant semi-final win. However, extreme weather conditions in the final forced him to settle for fifth — a result that did not reflect his true pace, especially considering he led the race after the opening lap.
Finally, Filip Thorèn put together a strong showing of his own, taking eighth in the intermediate classification thanks to a fourth and seventh place in Q1 and Q3. Though eliminated in the semi-finals, he still finished ahead of fellow RallyX competitor Mats Öhman, whose weekend came to an early end after Q4.
Credit: QNIGAN