A notably discreet presence in the RallyX paddock, Steve Volders reveals a very different side once he’s out on track. A former FIA European champion in the TouringCar category and a regular contender in the RX2 Series behind the wheel of a Supercar Lites machine, the Belgian driver is set to embark on a new campaign in the RallyX South championship.

Competing once again in the Open 2WD category, Volders builds on a solid 2025 season as he prepares for this new campaign. Reaching three finals in six events, he consistently positioned himself in contention, highlighted by a podium finish in Portugal during the second race of the weekend.

Heading into this new season, the Belgian driver fully embraces a shift in mindset.

“Last season, our main goal was simply to enjoy ourselves. In the past, we were very focused on winning and results, to the point where anything less than victory could feel like a disappointment. Today, our approach has changed. We want to enjoy the racing above all else, and that’s exactly what we managed to do, while still being able to fight with the top drivers,” Volders explains.

“The decision to compete in RallyX South this year came quite late, but in the end, we chose to commit to another season. The championship has the advantage of being relatively close to home and, to be honest, I’m not a big fan of long-distance travel. The format suits us well, even if racing in Portugal remains a great experience. The goal is simple: enjoy ourselves and share good moments as a team.”

True to his personality, Volders prefers to stay out of the spotlight.

“I’m not particularly drawn to media exposure. I prefer to focus on driving rather than everything that comes with it, such as social media. What I enjoy most is being in the car and racing, not necessarily being under the spotlight.”

From a technical standpoint, the winter proved demanding. The team had to deal with the aftermath of the accident in Buxtehude at the end of last season.

“The car I raced last season was heavily damaged after the accident in Buxtehude. It’s not fully repaired yet, although the plan is to bring it back in the future. This year, we’ll be using Bart Bel’s former BMW, which is broadly very similar to the car I was driving in 2025. It also competed in some local events after RallyX and underwent a full rebuild over the winter, with a few upgrades.”

Despite the change of machinery, continuity remains key.

“We haven’t made any major changes to the car. Last year, we already had a solid and reliable package, so we decided to build on that foundation. We were often able to compete with the top drivers, but we’re still lacking a bit of power to consistently fight at the front. That means I have to push at 110% to stay in the mix.”

With that first season now behind him, the Belgian heads into 2026 with greater confidence and experience.

“We’re approaching the 2026 season with a much stronger base of experience. We already know some of the circuits, like Montalegre, and that’s definitely an advantage. But our main priority remains the same: to enjoy ourselves and make the most of every race.”

A clear direction that also shapes his ambitions.

“This year, the goal is to keep enjoying ourselves on track, build on the experience we’ve gained, and fight as hard as possible to end the season on a high. I’d also like to thank all the mechanics and our team manager for their commitment and support.”