After making a strong impression during his first campaign last season in the Open 4WD category at the wheel of Bart Bel’s Ford Focus Supercar, FIA European Autocross champion Nathan Ottink is set to return to RallyX competition.
The Dutch driver wasted no time in showcasing his potential, securing a podium finish on his debut at this level at Montalegre in March 2025, before confirming his promise over the course of the season.
Crowned European Junior Buggy champion at the end of 2024, Ottink clearly relished his first experience on the RallyX stage.
“First of all, this season in the Ford Focus Supercar has been incredible. I’d like to thank Bart Bel for trusting me with the car. The level of competition was extremely high, which made the year both demanding and hugely valuable from a learning perspective.”
A promising start, albeit not without its challenges.
“The beginning of the season wasn’t easy, but we managed to adapt quickly. My experience in four-wheel-drive autocross buggy racing probably helped me get up to speed faster.”
Looking ahead to the 2026 season, Ottink has opted to return to CrossCar, a category he knows well, having notably won the FIA Motorsport Games in 2022. Last year, he also impressed in the European CrossCar Championship, securing two top-six finishes in a Peters chassis that he will campaign again this season in RallyX.
“With PK Chalets Racing, we decided to focus our efforts on the European Autocross Championship in the Buggy 1600 category, with the goal of fighting for the title. With that in mind, we chose to move towards CrossCar, which is a more accessible option in terms of time and budget. The main strength of CrossCar, in my opinion, is its stability, which makes it a very easy car to drive and exploit.”
Despite this new direction, Ottink is approaching the challenge with a measured mindset, aiming above all to continue progressing and make the most of this new RallyX experience.
“This will be my first experience in CrossCar in the RallyX championship. I don’t have specific expectations—I just want to give my best and fully enjoy this new adventure.”
A driver well worth keeping an eye on. While Ottink split his 2025 campaign between RallyX and the European Autocross Championship, his late-season performances in the Buggy 1600 category established him as one of the standout names of the moment. In just five events, the young Dutchman claimed one victory along with two podium finishes, securing seventh place overall in one of the most competitive categories in European autocross.