Franceschi faces the Nordics at the Royal Rally of Scandinavia

Created last year, this event was acclaimed by the crews. Based in Karlstad, the rally had used the sections formerly used in winter by the WRC. The competitors had a great time. “ This is what I did best during the entire 2023 season, explains Mathieu Franceschi. The only regret I have is that there is only one round like this in the year. We obviously lack the practice to compete. » This is likely to be the case again next weekend (June 13-15) and this should work in favor of specialists in this type of route.

Winner last year, Oliver Solberg is the big favorite. On paper, no one should be able to worry him. The danger for the 22-year-old Swede will be to want to do too much, particularly to get ahead of his father Petter who is participating in a rally for the first time since Wales 2019. If the main players in the Swedish championship will unfortunately be absent, Oliver will have to do everything even be wary of several “neighbors” who will only aim to beat him.

The Norwegians Mads Ostberg, Frank Tore Larsen (author of one of the most spectacular releases of 2023) and Eyvind Brynildsen will have their say. The Latvian Martins Sesks will try to compensate for a failed start to the exercise and Mikko Heikkilä will try to wring the neck of the black cat who is chasing him ERC. Less flamboyant than last year with a Hyundai i20 which seems to be marking time, Hayden Paddon will fight for the podium. On his route, the New Zealander will find Mathieu Franceschi who had taken the 7^e place last year.

“Our ambition this season is to play in the championship,” explains the Varois. I will not try to compete with those who aim for victory. This rally is only one stage of the year and we must score as many points as possible. » Among the other “attractions” proposed in the entry list, there is the presence of Simone Tempestini, who won 1^er meet in Hungary. The multiple world champion of rallycross Johan Kristoffersson is also there. The Swede will be a little lacking in direction, his last experience in this discipline having taken place this winter on a Volvo 240…

In the additional categories, Tristan Charpentier will try to do well in the Fiesta Rally3 Trophy where he will be pitted against 4 competitors. Finally, in the Junior ERC, the fight should mainly concern the three Swedes, Mille Johansson, Patrik Hallberg and Calle Carlberg. Leader of the championship, the first city will have the opportunity to make a gap on Max McRae who is only 2 points behind.

190,99 km long, the event will start on Thursday with a superspecial. There will then be 16 more SS stages spread between Friday and Saturday, with organizers wanting the rally to finish mid-weekend so they can celebrate.