Holding the top spot in the intermediate standings after the qualifying heats in the Open 2WD category, Linus Westman is approaching the decisive stages of Race 1 at Tierp with complete confidence.

One of the most recognisable names in Swedish Rallycross, the driver who already claimed victory at Älvsbyn last season has wasted no time making his mark on his return to the RallyX Championship. With Simon Tiger already forced to bring his weekend to an early end due to technical issues, while Viktor Johansson has also been hampered by mechanical trouble, Westman will head into Saturday afternoon’s final phases from pole position after stringing together three consecutive second-fastest times in Q1, Q2 and Q3.

Meanwhile, last season’s runner-up Lucas Gabrielsson has once again relied on consistency. Untouchable when it came to standing starts throughout qualifying, the Finnish driver nevertheless found the demanding Tierp layout more challenging. Still, it was enough for Gabrielsson to secure third place in the intermediate classification.

Despite leading the standings, Westman is making no secret of his ambitions heading into the finals. Returning to RallyX on a limited programme, the Swede sees this weekend primarily as another important step in preparing for the remainder of his campaign.

“The objective is always to fight at the front. We are here to prepare for the rest of the season, with rounds planned at Estering and in Portugal,” Westman explained.

After delivering a strong performance throughout the weekend so far, the Swedish driver believes he has found an effective balance with a car that is now more than a decade old.

“The car is working very well at the moment and the team put in a huge amount of work over the winter. Whenever we line up on the grid, it’s to fight for victory,” he insisted before adding: “There’s something a little different about the car, the engine and my driving style, but together the package works extremely well.”

Despite his position at the top of the standings, Westman remains aware that the order could still change on Saturday, especially should the weather conditions deteriorate.

“I’m really sorry for Simon Tiger, who was forced to end his weekend early. That’s bad news for him. On our side, we had poor starts in Q1 and Q3, but overall the pace across our heats was very good,” he analysed.

More than enough to allow him to approach the remainder of the weekend with confidence.

“Lucas Gabrielsson and Erik Lidman can push hard, but I think I’m the fastest driver on pure pace,” said Westman, who also appeared optimistic about the possibility of rain.

“The weather could play an important role on Saturday. I actually enjoy the rain, so I would be happy if the conditions become more difficult.”

Built more than ten years ago, his BMW E82 remains highly competitive.

“This car was built by Håkan Andersson and Ingvar Gunnarsson. It’s ten years old now, but it’s still extremely competitive,” he recalled before adding:

“We use a fairly conventional Volvo Polestar engine, a two-litre turbocharged four-cylinder. We have a very good overall balance and that’s what makes the difference.”

Behind Westman, Lucas Gabrielsson continues to build momentum. Already highly effective off the line, the Finnish driver believes his team is finally starting to reap the rewards of the work carried out during the off-season.

“It was a good day. I’m proud of the work done by the team and, on my side, my driving was solid. The pace improved throughout the heats and, above all, we made huge progress on our starts, which was one of the main areas we focused on over the winter,” Gabrielsson explained.

The gains were immediately visible on track.

“Our launches are now extremely strong and that’s something I’m really happy about. When you get your starts right, everything becomes much easier during the races. It’s a real step forward compared to last year,” he continued.

Although he admits there are still weaknesses on the fast gravel sections of the Swedish circuit, Gabrielsson remains calm ahead of the final phases.

“The main weakness on this track is the fast gravel sections where there are a lot of bumps. We’re going to make a few suspension adjustments and see how the car responds on Saturday,” he explained.

Like Westman, the Finn is not concerned about a potential change in weather conditions.

“Rain is absolutely not a problem for me. In Finland we are used to driving on snow, ice and in the rain, so those are conditions I actually enjoy.”

Above all, Gabrielsson refuses to take satisfaction from a field weakened by mechanical problems affecting some of his rivals.

“I don’t like easy races. That’s why I’m disappointed to see some competitors running into technical issues. I sincerely hope they can come back tomorrow because I want to fight against the best drivers and the best cars,” he stressed.

A philosophy fully embraced by the Open 2WD vice-champion, who remains convinced that adversity is the best way to improve.

“If everything becomes too easy, you stop progressing. This sport is not supposed to be easy. I enjoy having to fight for first place, even if it means suffering a little. Yes, I enjoy that challenge because it’s also what allows me to keep improving as a driver.”