Three years after seeing the European title slip away at the very same circuit, Espen Isaksætre finally put one of the most painful chapters of his career behind him last Sunday. Back at Estering for the RallyX North season finale, the Norwegian claimed his first CrossCar title with a perfectly executed final day against Thomas Eek Murstad.

In 2023, Isaksætre had left Buxtehude with plenty of regrets. Competing in FIA Euro RX3 at the time, the three-time Norwegian Super1600 rallycross champion lost the European title following an eventful Final against Damian Litwinowicz.

Just a few weeks later, the Norwegian decided to make the switch to CrossCar to help his nephew Sebastian Isaksætre progress towards the highest level. It was a change of direction that would also mark a new beginning in his own career.

Only 22nd in RallyX during his first full season in the discipline in 2024, Isaksætre made a major step forward last year by finishing seventh in the overall standings. With four Final appearances, three podiums and a maiden RallyX victory, the Norwegian had laid the foundations for what was to follow in 2026.

This time, at a circuit that had not been kind to him three years earlier, Isaksætre did not let his opportunity slip away.

The situation was far from comfortable, however. Having closed to within just one point of Isaksætre in the overall standings ahead of the final day of competition, Thomas Eek Murstad still had a chance to retain his title.

The two Norwegians were virtually inseparable throughout qualifying. Isaksætre won Q1 ahead of Murstad before taking second place in Q2. Murstad responded in Q3 by setting the fastest overall time, but Isaksætre held on to the lead in the Intermediate Classification by a single point.

It was the narrowest of margins heading into the knockout stages, with the slightest mistake potentially enough to swing the championship.

“Obviously, it was a very demanding day mentally. Right from free practice, you had to be smart and try to put together a really good lap. We managed to do that, and from then on you had to be mentally strong. I knew Thomas was really quick off the line and that I couldn’t afford to make a mistake,” Isaksætre recalled last Sunday.

“I tried to think back to previous races where I’d made good starts and understand what I had done in those situations. I tried to find those same good feelings in every heat of Race 2 and then do the same in the knockout stages. I would say it was a perfect day.”

Having taken the advantage at the end of qualifying, Isaksætre did not put a foot wrong from that point on. The Norwegian won his semi-final before finishing the job in the Final, claiming his third victory of the season and taking his tally to six podiums from ten races.

It was a victory that carried particular significance at Estering, the very place where his European title hopes had come to an abrupt end three seasons earlier.

“It’s a great reward for me, my team and everyone around us. What happened here in the FIA European Rallycross Championship in 2023 was very difficult for us to swallow. To come back here and get our redemption with this victory, after such an incredible race, is hugely satisfying. It’s also the result of the great work done by our team, with the support of our sponsors, my family, my girlfriend and everyone who has been there for us.”

To withstand the pressure from Murstad in a championship battle that left no margin for error, Isaksætre was also able to draw on the experience he had built up throughout his career.

“I’ve been in this kind of situation before. From experience, I know you have to be extremely focused to find the right pace on track and be able to repeat the same things lap after lap. Today, I tried to stay focused from the warm-up all the way to the end of the day and do the best job possible. It worked well for me.”

The title also rewards a transition that was far from straightforward. Accustomed to racing closed-cockpit cars and with three Norwegian Super1600 titles to his name, Isaksætre had effectively agreed to start almost from scratch when he switched to CrossCar at the end of the 2023 season.

With his first CrossCar title now secured, the question is what direction Isaksætre will take next. His own future has yet to be decided, but supporting his nephew Sebastian remains one of his priorities.

“As for what comes next, Sebastian will definitely need support. I think he has another year in Junior to try to go for the title. As for what I’ll do myself, we’ll see. I don’t know yet whether I’ll be back behind the wheel, but whatever happens, I’ll be there to support him as much as I can.”