Sixth overall in the CrossCar Junior standings last season, Alex Anttila will use the 2026 campaign as an opportunity to build on the strong momentum he has generated over recent months.

The young Finnish driver will contest a full RallyX programme, competing in both the South Championship and the North Championship. A significant and carefully considered commitment, reflecting a clear desire for continuity and further progression.

“I really like the RallyX format. There’s a great atmosphere in the paddock and the level of competition is very high. It’s also an important opportunity to gain international exposure, which played a major role in my decision to commit to a full programme,” Anttila explains.

The 2025 season will be remembered as a mixed campaign for Anttila, marked by flashes of undeniable speed but also by a measure of bad luck. In August at Buxtehude, the Finn claimed the first victory of his career during the opening race of the weekend, before confirming his form the following day with a third-place finish.

A late but well-earned reward for a driver who had long been waiting for success, despite establishing himself as the second-best qualifier over the course of the season, behind 2025 champion Carl Svedlund.

Yet even in the face of adversity, Anttila refuses to dwell on frustration.

“I don’t really feel frustrated, even though last season was mentally very difficult. I made some mistakes, and at other times it felt like luck was simply never on my side,” the young Finn reflects.

The decisive turning point came at the end of June, when a heavy off-track excursion forced him into retirement ahead of Race 2 in Älvsbyn.

“After the big crash in Älvsbyn, I genuinely thought my entire season was over. In the end, the races in Denmark and then Germany showed that things could turn around. In Germany, I secured my first podium finishes, and I have to admit those results really marked a turning point.”

As the new season approaches, Anttila remains grounded, despite a status that could naturally place him among the title contenders.

“I don’t see myself as a favourite. The level is extremely high, and many drivers are capable of fighting for wins and the championship. The competition will be very strong this season.”

That level-headed approach is rooted in the lessons learned over the past year.

“The main takeaway from the 2025 season was the importance of consistency. I realised how crucial it is to deliver steady lap times if you want to be competitive over the long run. I also believe I can still improve in how I handle pressure, especially during key moments of a race weekend.”

The 2026 season will carry particular significance, as it marks Anttila’s final year in CrossCar Junior. Crucially, he will also take the opportunity to move on from his Edge chassis and switch to the highly competitive Speedcar Wonder R.

“This will be my last season in CrossCar Junior, and therefore the most important one. I’m going to give it everything. That’s why we decided to start fresh with a new car, the Speedcar Wonder R. The 2026 season will obviously be demanding and challenging, but those are exactly the kinds of challenges I enjoy. My goal is to put together the most complete season possible and win several rounds, knowing that regularity will ultimately make the difference.”

A methodical approach that reflects a driver already focused on the future. Beyond the 2026 campaign, Alex Anttila’s ambitions extend further still.

“I’ve been racing in CrossCar since I was seven years old. Motorsport has become much more than just a hobby, it’s a way of life. My goal is to become a professional rallycross driver. For me, the logical next step after CrossCar would be to move into the Supercar Lites category.”

On the eve of a pivotal season, the message is clear: Alex Anttila is ready to take the next step.