After making a convincing return to RallyX with a runner-up finish in Valkenswaard a few weeks ago, Niclas Grönholm heads into this weekend’s event at Tierp Arena with a little more experience under his belt, but still facing plenty of unknowns.
The Finn will contest the second round of the RallyX season under the GRX banner, the family-run team with which he claimed the RallyX title in 2022 and enjoyed multiple successes during the World RX years. As was the case at the season opener in the Netherlands, Grönholm will once again drive the 550bhp FC2 operated by Olsbergs MSE and led by Andreas Eriksson.
At Valkenswaard, the 2025 FIA World RX vice-champion immediately caught attention with his pace. Despite making both his FC2 debut and his first appearance at the Dutch circuit, Grönholm managed to secure a strong second-place finish against a highly competitive field.
Tierp, though, presents another step into unfamiliar territory.
The Finnish driver has never previously raced on the fast and technical 1.4-kilometre Swedish circuit. Although his experience with the FC2 remains limited, Grönholm believes he has already made encouraging progress in understanding the 550bhp turbocharged machine.
“I really enjoyed driving at Valkenswaard, and it was good to show that I still have the speed to compete with some of the best rallycross drivers in the world,” he explained ahead of the second round of the season.
While avoiding any firm targets in terms of results, Grönholm approaches the weekend with much the same mindset he adopted at the opening event.
“The strategy will be the same as last time: stay out of trouble, gradually build our pace through practice and qualifying, then try to reach the semi-finals and finals. After that, we’ll see what’s possible.”
One of the notable storylines this weekend will see Grönholm sharing the Olsbergs garage with 2019 FIA World Rallycross champion Timmy Hansen, who is also set to compete in an FC2 at Tierp.
“The entry list clearly shows that RallyX is in a very healthy place right now,” Grönholm said. “The championship has a straightforward approach focused on good racing, and that appeals to both drivers and fans.”
Inside the GRX camp, expectations remain deliberately measured despite the encouraging signs shown in Valkenswaard. Team manager Marcus Grönholm is keen to maintain a level-headed approach ahead of another demanding weekend in Sweden.
“We had a really good weekend in Valkenswaard, and it was great to see Niclas and GRX back on the podium,” Marcus Grönholm admitted.
“Of course, it would be positive to achieve the same result or even better this weekend, but we’re not arriving with any particular expectations,” he continued. “That said, I think we’ll have a chance to settle a few old World RX scores once we get out on track at Tierp.”