The RallyX season moved north to Sweden for a double-header at the Älvsbyn circuit. What promised to be a breakthrough weekend for Latvian driver Roberts Vitols quickly turned into one of the most challenging rounds of his career. In a track known for its fast gravel sections and passionate local crowd, Roberts proved front-running pace from the very first session and looked set to battle for wins, but a heavy crash on Saturday and late-race drama on Sunday left him frustrated and empty-handed despite the speed to fight at the front.
Saturday – From Victory to Disaster
Saturday’s fifth round began in the best possible way. In a race track where all his main competitors had raced already last year, Vitols delivered a commanding drive right from the beginning, setting the fastest lap times in both free practice one and two before taking qualifying one victory over his nine rivals, immediately showing his intent to go for nothing less but the win. But the momentum shifted dramatically in Q3. After contact in turn one, Vitols was sent wide in a high-speed section, where his car unexpectedly dug into the gravel and was launched into a series of frightening rolls.
Although the car sustained heavy damage, the team worked tirelessly to repair it in time for the semi-final. However, mechanical issue – suspension failure traced back to the crash – forced Vitols out of contention, ending his day not even reaching the final.
Sunday – Back in the Fight
Despite Saturday’s disappointment, Vitols and his Swedish team – Team Faren – regrouped for Sunday’s sixth round. After the previous day’s frightening crash, Roberts was still feeling a little bit shaken. Qualifying results of third, second, and first place secured him third overall in the intermediate classification. A strong drive to second in the semi-final secured him a place in the final, where he was once again fighting for a podium.
The battle for the top three came down to the last lap. After completing his Joker lap, Roberts secured podium finish and was already fighting for second place on the last lap. Second, third and fourth place being on each other’s bumper for most of the last lap, the car in fourth place made wheel-to-wheel contact with Vitols rear wheel, just a few corners from the finish. The clash broke Vitols rear suspension and ended his podium challenge two corners before the finish line, forcing him into a spin and leaving him with sixth place.
What seemed to be exciting and championship strenghtening weekend turned into a tough one very fast, Vitols admitted. I got a very good speed right from beginning, on a absoluetly new track where all the rivals had raced already before. I felt on a mission but crash turned all upside down – car wise, emotionally and physically. Saturday was a nightmare after the crash, but the team did an incredible job to get the car back together. Sunday was not easy. I felt scars from a roll yesterday, I was not feeling well event till semi finals. But still, we showed strong speed again and proved we should fight at the top. Before Q3 came rain and it was my time to shine again. I had never driven this car before in rain but made a very good launch, took the lead and drove to the line. In final, unfortunately, contact cost us the result. It was a very small touch from car behind, but it broke the suspension arm and I was just a passenger. The first time in my life I have such crash. But still, weekends like this teach you a lot – how to stay strong, how to adapt, and how to keep pushing no matter what happens.
Championship Picture
After six rounds, the championship battle has tightened significantly. With the Frenchman’s Sunday victory, Meunier moved back into the lead, holding a slim two-point advantage over Roberts Vitols, while Andersson remains just four points further back.
With two rounds remaining, the RallyX North title fight is wide open – and promises even more action in the closing stages of the season.
Roberts Vitols competes in RallyX with the proud support of Provento (www.provento.lv) – a company with over 30 years of experience in agricultural, forestry, garden, and construction machinery, equipment, and spare parts.
