After an impressive start to the RallyX North season that has already yielded two podium finishes, including a victory at Tierp in the opening round, Linus Westman is set to return to competition this weekend at Älvsbyn. Having already claimed victory at the Norrbotten venue during the first race of last year’s event, the Swedish driver heads into the weekend as one of the leading contenders behind the wheel of his BMW M82.
The Älvsbyn round occupies a special place in Westman’s schedule, with the Swede ranking it among the very best circuits on the calendar.
“Älvsbyn is a circuit I really enjoy. I love its combination of high-speed sections, technical corners and dirt sections. It’s a track that is incredibly rewarding to drive.”
Westman is also making no secret of his ambitions.
“The goal is simple: win on Saturday and win on Sunday.”
Confidence is hardly surprising on a circuit where he has already enjoyed success.
“The first corner is extremely fast and the entire circuit demands total commitment. That’s what makes it one of the most spectacular tracks to drive.”
Weather conditions could nevertheless play a major role throughout the weekend. While Älvsbyn is widely regarded as one of the drivers’ favourite venues, rain can dramatically change the character of the circuit.
“This track is at its best in dry conditions. As soon as the rain arrives, everything becomes much more complicated and driving it becomes significantly more difficult.”
Westman also believes his familiarity with the venue could prove beneficial.
“We’re operating in an environment that we know extremely well and that allows us to work under very good conditions.”
Although his immediate focus remains on the weekend ahead, the Swedish driver is already considering opportunities to expand his programme later in the season.
“For now, we’re fully focused on this weekend, but we’re looking into the possibility of competing in additional events in the future. Estering is one of the options we’re considering, even though I’ve never had the opportunity to race there before.”
The German circuit remains one of the few venues still missing from Westman’s résumé.
“I’ve never had the chance to race at Estering. It’s a circuit I don’t know yet.”
For now, however, all attention is fixed on Älvsbyn.
“Höljes and Älvsbyn are quite similar in the sense that they both combine speed and technicality.”
Yet despite those similarities, Westman’s preference is unmistakable.
“What I particularly love about Älvsbyn are the ultra-fast dirt corners. To be honest, I prefer Älvsbyn to Höljes. In my opinion, it’s simply the best circuit there is.”