After confirming his move into the CrossCar Senior category for the opening round in Valkenswaard, Carl Svedlund took the opportunity to familiarize himself with his new working environment during a recent test session at the Buxtehude circuit.
An initial outing that allowed the young Swedish driver to gain reassurance about the potential of his new Speedcar Wonder chassis.
“We had the chance to test the car a few days ago in Germany, and the first impressions are very positive. The Speedcar Wonder is generally easier to drive than my previous chassis, and that’s a key factor when it comes to being quick. It helps you build confidence very quickly.”
Encouraging early signs, backed up by immediate pace during his first runs.
“What impressed me the most was how quickly we were competitive. From the very first laps, the lap times were already there, which is obviously very encouraging for what’s to come.”
Beyond the car itself, the Buxtehude layout also left a strong impression, offering a mix of technical demands and driving enjoyment.
“The circuit is really enjoyable to drive. It offers good sensations, even though it has its challenges, especially with several blind corners and downhill sections. That makes it quite technical, but also very rewarding. And with a ‘classic’ cross car, you get more speed, which adds even more to the driving experience.”
In this context, the Swedish driver is opting for a measured approach ahead of his first competitive appearance in Valkenswaard, with no immediate pressure for results.
“For this weekend, the main goal is to learn. I don’t have any particular expectations in terms of results. The idea is to improve and understand how the car works. If I can make it into the final, that would already be a good first indication of where I stand compared to the other drivers.”
A mindset that still leaves room for positive surprises as the weekend unfolds.
“After that, depending on how the weekend goes, we’ll have a clearer picture of our potential. The goal is simply to give it everything. If that leads to a place in the final, or even a podium, it would obviously be a very nice surprise.”