FIA Euro RX3 vice-champion in 2023, Espen Isaksætre has since shifted his focus to the RallyX series, competing in the CrossCar category. A transition he has managed with clear success, as shown by his impressive finish to the 2025 season.
In addition to two consecutive wins in his national championship to close out the year, it was especially in the RallyX series that Isaksætre stood out, claiming three podium finishes in the final five rounds of the calendar.
Seventh overall in what was only his second full campaign at this level, the Norwegian left a lasting impression at the Buxtehude circuit last August. Not only did he secure his first career victory in the opening race of the weekend, but he followed it up the next day with a strong second-place finish, right behind fellow Norwegian Vetle Try.
A performance that delighted the former Super1600 specialist.
“Naturally, I’m very pleased to have finally taken that first win. Even though the day didn’t start well—issues with the engine and brakes during free practice—everything fell into place after that,” said Espen.
“I found a great rhythm in qualifying and got off the line well in each heat. I also felt completely at ease on the Estering track. At no point did I feel like I had to push beyond my limits. On a circuit as demanding as this, where one mistake can be costly, confidence is crucial. I managed to maintain that same consistency through the semi-final and the final to secure the win.”
Third in the intermediate standings thanks to two second-place times in Q1 and Q2, the Norwegian wasn’t entirely without drama.
“I got really lucky in the second heat when the gear selector started acting up. I still don’t know exactly what happened, but I had to adjust my driving style, shifting with extreme care just to avoid a total failure.”
Steady and focused, Isaksætre believes his performance in qualifying played a crucial role in how he approached the knockout stages.
“I think something clicked for me after qualifying. Up to that point, I’d put in some strong performances, but too often a single poor heat would drop me to the back of the grid for the finals. This time, I stayed consistent all day, and I thought to myself: ‘Why not me, this time?’ Even though the first corner at Buxtehude is always a critical moment, I felt like I had room to play with, and honestly, I wasn’t too worried about Thomas [Eek Murstad], who had to focus on scoring points to protect his lead in the standings.”
The following day, during the final race of the 2025 season, Isaksætre would prove that his breakthrough victory was no fluke.
After setting the fastest time in Q1, a technical issue in Q2 saw him fall to ninth in the intermediate classification. But that didn’t stop the experienced Scandinavian from making the most of the finals, ending his season on a high with another second-place finish—this time sandwiched between Try and Murstad.
“Honestly, this last weekend of the season was just incredible. Winning Race 1 and then finishing on the podium again the next day, despite a disastrous Q2, was a huge achievement. At the time, I was genuinely frustrated and angry, but I managed to bounce back. It was a real emotional rollercoaster, and after Q2 I never would’ve imagined I could fight my way back to the podium.”
The joy was all the greater for being shared with his fellow Norwegians Try and Murstad, rounding out a memorable end to the season.
“To finish the year on an all-Norwegian podium was something truly special. Before the final, we talked about how amazing it would be if we could pull off a top-three sweep—and we did it. Standing on the podium together with the national anthem playing in the background was a unique experience.”
More than the results, Isaksætre took a moment to reflect on just how far he has come since entering the RallyX arena. A complete newcomer to CrossCar only a year ago, the Norwegian—who finished 22nd in the 2024 standings—came within 17 points of fifth place this year, a spot ultimately taken by Romet Tsirna.
“It’s the result of all the work we’ve put in since last winter to fine-tune the Speedcar Wonder chassis. We optimized everything, and the results we’ve had in the last few weeks really give us a boost heading into the future. I want to thank our engine builder who played a key role in getting the car dialed in, as well as my family and our sponsors—none of this would’ve been possible without them.”
Now, Espen Isaksætre is taking time to consider what comes next in his RallyX and CrossCar journey.
“I don’t yet know what we’ll do next season, but weekends like this definitely make you want to continue. In any case, this first win in RallyX gives me a lot more confidence going into 2026. I now know I’ve got the pace to fight up front—and that’s a great place to start.”