Royal Scandinavia: Oliver Solberg sovereign at home

Slightly in difficulty yesterday, Oliver Solberg raised his level to win his 2nd consecutive victory in this event run at home. Mikko Heikkilä finished 2nd ahead of Hayden Paddon who performed well in the championship since Mathieu Franceschi made a mistake.

Published 15/06/2024 à 17:24

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Royal Scandinavia: Oliver Solberg sovereign at home

Oliver Solberg easily won at home for the 2nd year in a row (Photo: Red Bull)

Once again routed north of Karlstad, the town hosting the service park, the second stage consisted of 8 special stages and 107,94 km timed. Scalded by a day during which he was never really able to outrun Hayden Paddon, Oliver Solberg this time gave his opponent no chance. More confident with his mount, the Swede won the four sections of the morning to increase his lead from 3”3 to 13”7. Continuing at the same pace during the 2^e loop, Oliver continued to line up the best times to quietly get his 2^e consecutive success in his garden since he lives a few kilometers from the special stages. The 22-year-old Nordic is number 3^e different winner this year in as many rounds in ERC. It is also the 3^e victorious driver who does not play the championship…

About to get 2^e rank, Hayden Paddon made a mistake in the Power Stage which caused him to be demoted to 3^e. The Kiwi nevertheless consoles himself with 21 important points which allow him to join Mathieu Franceschi in first place in the ERC.

Author of a superb first stage, the Frenchman, perfectly navigated by Andy Malfoy, continued his effort. His goal was to succeed in getting on his 3^e podium of the season in 3 races. This time having a better starting position, Franceschi tried to put pressure on Mikko Heikkilä, the Finn installed at 3^e rank. If Mathieu initially managed to reduce his delay (from 4''2 to 3''6), he then gave up time, reproaching himself for not being fast enough in the flat out games. During the 2^e On the way, the Nordic once again defended very well, but everything could be at stake in the Power Stage. Only a few meters from the finish line, the Varois made a mistake, putting an end to his weekend. With this error, he allows Paddon to join him at the top of the ERC.

Competing for the first time in the ERC, Tristan Charpentier surprised with his performance. Long leader of the Fiesta Rally3 Trophy, he was then overtaken by Filip Kohn. The gap between them remained close, with Charpentier finishing 2nd^e 11”4 behind the winner.

Royal Rally of Scandinavia standings