An emblematic figure of the CrossCar category within RallyX, Romet Tsirna will step into an FC2 from the 2026 season onwards. It is a carefully considered decision by the Estonian driver, who is preparing to open a new chapter in his long and distinguished sporting career.

The former rally specialist has no regrets whatsoever about drawing a definitive line under his CrossCar programme. After recording one victory and a total of five podium finishes over the past two seasons at the wheel of the LifeLive chassis run by Pace Motorsport, the Tallinn native will now take on a new challenge under the colours of Olsbergs OMSE, aiming to establish himself at the sharp end of the RallyX series.

The turning point came naturally.

“This change felt like an obvious step. CrossCar no longer gave me the adrenaline I was looking for. After testing the FC2 at Nysum and then jumping straight back into a CrossCar, I realised it was time to move on. In five years, I achieved all the goals I had set myself in that category and had the chance to fight against the fastest drivers. Now I need a new level in terms of speed and sensations. The FC2 offers exactly that, and I’m already looking forward to racing it for the first time.”

The FC2 project then gathered momentum as the 2025 season progressed.

“The decision came together quite quickly. At the start of the season, I was really struggling with the car. I had taken some development directions on my own that turned out not to be the right ones, and I realised that I want to be a driver, not an engineer. After the round in the Netherlands, I felt the need to change direction for 2026. The FC2 immediately stood out as the logical option. I started analysing the opportunities and the risks, but I still lacked detailed knowledge about the car, so I contacted Reinis Nitišs. He gave me very positive feedback, and on that basis I decided to trust him and organise a first test.”

Those initial outings quickly dispelled any remaining doubts.

“My first test took place in very challenging conditions at Älvsbyn, with a heavily waterlogged and muddy track after heavy rain. Despite that, I felt surprisingly comfortable and managed to keep things clean without making mistakes. I was impressed by how the car behaved in such extreme conditions. The following tests on dry ground were a completely different experience: the car really came alive, and I was able to start exploring its true potential.”

At the wheel of the FC2, Tsirna also discovered an entirely new technical landscape.

“What surprised me the most was how sensitive the car is to setup changes. I didn’t expect a vehicle of this weight to react with such precision, almost like a CrossCar. I was able to adapt the setup to better suit my driving style. Overall, the transition from CrossCar to FC2 has been less difficult than I anticipated. The real challenge will come when I’m racing wheel-to-wheel against the other drivers, which is something I still need to experience.”

The Estonian driver is nevertheless fully aware of the demands that lie ahead.

“To be fast in FC2, you first have to adapt to the weight and inertia of the car, especially coming from CrossCar. Managing the much higher speeds completely changes the approach to braking, cornering and overall control. But above all, confidence is key—particularly at the start and through the opening corners in traffic. In CrossCar, I always tried to drive cleanly and respect my rivals. There was a strong sense of mutual respect in that category, and I would like to carry that mindset into FC2.”

His integration into his new team has been seamless.

“My integration at Olsbergs OMSE has been very natural. I’ve been welcomed warmly, and I’m extremely grateful for that. The way the team operates is very professional: after every run, I receive precise and constructive feedback on what I can improve. It’s an ideal environment to develop, both as a driver and within a well-structured team.”

A team spirit that strongly echoes his previous experiences.

“What struck me the most is the unity and discipline within the group. It reflects what we value in Estonia and what I experienced at Pace Motorsport. I know this level of cohesion is far from common. Here, the team truly functions like a family, and it’s an honour to be part of it. I want to contribute to that spirit as much as I can.”

Without setting himself unrealistic targets for his first FC2 campaign, Tsirna has laid out a clear roadmap.

“For this first season, my goal is to achieve competitive lap times, gain as much experience as possible and keep my driving clean. I don’t want to put unnecessary pressure on myself, but I will give everything to learn quickly and adapt to the FC2 as efficiently as possible.”

Finally, the driver was keen to pay tribute to those who have supported him over recent years, starting with Pace Motorsport team principal Jarmo Võsa, with whom he will continue to work in 2026 under the OMSE banner.

“I would like to extend a huge thank you to Pace Motorsport, as well as to Jarmo Võsa and Tanel Tereping, for the past five years. Their passion and professionalism have been exemplary, and I’m very grateful to have shared this journey with them. No one knows what the future holds, and our paths may well cross again. I would also like to give special thanks to my spotter and mechanic, Jan Pendla: our results were always the product of true teamwork built on trust. The entire group remained united and supportive, making every race weekend genuinely enjoyable. Now, it’s simply time for me to take the next step.”

As the 2026 season approaches, Romet Tsirna moves forward with confidence and composure, convinced that he has made the choice that best aligns with his sporting ambitions and his desire for continued progression.