Oliver Solberg, a 22-year-old from Sweden, successfully defended his title at the FIA European Rally Championship in Scandinavia. He drove a Škoda Fabia RS Rally2 on Pirelli tires, dominating the competition by being the fastest on all four stages in the morning and adding another four stage wins in the afternoon. This impressive performance led him to a victory with a lead of 38.0 seconds over his closest competitor Hayden Paddon.
Paddon, who finished in third place, expressed his frustration at not being able to keep up with Solberg’s pace. The result was unexpected for Paddon, who was hoping for a better performance. Despite the challenges faced during the rally, Paddon managed to secure his first podium finish of the season, tying in points with Mathieu Franceschi at the top of the championship table.
Another standout performer was Heikkilä, who secured a well-deserved podium finish after facing some technical issues during the race. A pop-off valve problem and a wide moment at a junction allowed Franceschi to close in, but ultimately Franceschi retired from the race, moving Heikkilä into second place.
The competition saw some tough challenges for other drivers as well, with Larsen losing time due to a spin and Østberg battling handling and power issues. Despite the obstacles, drivers like Isak Reiersen and Mārtiṇš Sesks showcased their skills and determination in the race.
The event also featured impressive performances from junior drivers like Miko Marczyk, Andrea Mabellini, and Simone Tempestini, who rounded out the top 10. Multiple World Rallycross champion Johan Kristoffersson finished in 11th place, showcasing his versatility in different racing disciplines.
Looking ahead, the Delfi Rally Estonia is set to host the next event in the FIA European Rally Championship, promising more thrilling gravel action for fans. The competition will continue to showcase the talent and skills of drivers from around the world, making it an exciting event for rally enthusiasts.