Crowned RallyX champion for the second time in his career last August at the final round of the 2025 season, Viktor Johansson reaffirmed his status as the benchmark in the Open 2WD category after an intense and fiercely contested campaign.
Behind the wheel of his spectacular hybrid Mercedes 190 Evo, the Swede claimed five victories and a total of eight podium finishes in 2025. Impressive numbers, achieved in a highly competitive environment: across the thirteen Open 2WD rounds contested this season, no fewer than seven different drivers stood on the top step of the podium — clear evidence of a field more evenly matched than ever.
While his main title rival, Simon Tiger, was quickly forced onto the back foot following a string of technical issues, Johansson still had to contend with the rise of Lucas Gabrielsson. The latter eventually fell short by just eight points in the RallyX North standings, keeping the pressure on until the closing rounds.
Yet beyond the statistics, the 2025 season carried a far more personal meaning for the two-time RallyX champion.
“With a bit of perspective, above all I feel an immense sense of pride. During the final rounds in Denmark and Germany, my wife was pregnant, and just two weeks after the finale, our son was born. There was a huge amount of emotion and a lot on my mind alongside the competition.”
An emotionally intense period that did nothing to hinder the Swedish driver’s performance — quite the opposite.
“I’m especially proud of my whole team. We operate like a family, surrounded by close friends. We build the car ourselves, working with our own budget. Naturally, when you succeed under those conditions, every result tastes even sweeter.”
There is little doubt that Johansson will cherish his races outside Scandinavia, beginning with Montalegre and Valkenswaard.
“Since I first started in rallycross, my dream was to race internationally. To compete at Montalegre — a circuit I had watched so many times on television during the World Championship — was incredible. Valkenswaard was also a very special moment. We managed to win in almost every country we visited, except Latvia. That shows we found the right package to consistently fight for victory.”
Beyond securing his second career title, it is Johansson’s remarkable consistency that truly stands out.
“Since joining RallyX in 2022, we’ve started every single round without exception. Even after an engine failure in practice in 2023, we were back on the grid for the next qualifying heat. That’s a statistic we’re extremely proud of.”
A culture of hard work and resilience that largely explains his path to a second championship crown.
Fully aware of the journey taken to reach this point, the Swede is keen to acknowledge those who have supported him from the outset.
“I want to thank my entire team, the mechanics, my wife, Mats Öhman and his brother, who have supported me from day one, as well as all of our partners. Without them, none of this would be possible.”
Although Viktor Johansson has yet to confirm his plans for the 2026 season, there is little doubt that the driver of the Mercedes 190 Evo is preparing to return to the fray with ambitions firmly set at the very top.