As Lucas Gabrielsson heads into the final round of the 2025 season just three points behind Viktor Johansson in the Open 2WD standings, the suspense could not be higher with only hours to go before the start of the Buxtehude event.

Crowned Pro Am champion last season, Gabrielsson has a chance this weekend to potentially dethrone the 2022 RallyX champion. With four podium finishes this year – including his maiden victory last weekend at Nysum – the Toyota Starlet driver would certainly welcome such an outcome.

“My win in Race 1 at Nysum summed up what was an absolutely crazy day. Early on, I struggled with a lack of grip. Between a wet track on Saturday morning and one that was gradually drying, the surface was constantly changing, and that’s what gave us trouble,” Gabrielsson explained.

“In the final, things were different. I love driving in the wet, and the conditions clearly worked in my favour. Now Viktor and I are tied on points in the championship, so I guess it will all come down to this last race at Buxtehude,” the Finn reflected after Race 1.

True, Race 2 didn’t allow him to capitalise on his top spot in the intermediate standings and go for back-to-back victories, but his third-place finish in the final kept him firmly in the fight with his Swedish rival – the gap between them still just three points.

This weekend, Gabrielsson faces the challenge of Estering, a track that is entirely new to him, as he looks to tip the scales in his favour.

“I’ve never driven here before, so it will be a complete discovery for me. But I think this kind of track could really suit me. In my position, winning isn’t necessarily the top priority – it’s about having a good strategy, keeping a cool head, and scoring big points”

When it comes to the stakes of going head-to-head with Viktor, Gabrielsson makes no secret of his ambitions.

“It would be huge for me. This is my first season in Pro – last year I was still in Pro Am. With the new car and everything that comes with it technically, my original goal was simply to finish in the top three. But now, with the championship so close, if I manage to take the title… I would be lost for words.”

He closed by outlining the mindset he plans to carry into the weekend:

“You have to stay focused, take each race as it comes, avoid unnecessary mistakes, and be smart when it comes to overtaking.”