Sensational Debut in Canada – Roberts Vitols Wins His First FC2 Supercar Race

Latvian rallycross driver Roberts Vitols claimed victory in his first ever race with an FC2 Supercar. At the RallyX Americas season finale on the streets of Trois-Rivières, Canada, the Provento Racing Team driver topped the overall qualifying classification, won his semi-final and secured a commanding victory in the final.

The event marked Vitols’ first race both in an FC2 and in North America. The opportunity to compete in Canada arose shortly before the event, and the weekend was initially viewed primarily as preparation for the RallyX Global Final in Montalegre, Portugal, in October.

However, Roberts quickly found confidence in the new car during the opening practice sessions. He set the fastest lap in timed practice, finishing 0.710 seconds ahead of his closest rival and eventual RallyX Americas champion Lukas Andersson.

“Receiving the invitation to race in Canada already felt like a small victory for our team. Initially, we saw the event as an opportunity to learn the car and prepare for Portugal, but we quickly realised that we had the pace. When I set the fastest time in timed practice by more than half a second, I understood that this would not be a weekend spent in ‘practice mode’ and that we had to fight for the win,” said Roberts Vitols.

In addition to learning a new circuit, Roberts had to adapt to several technical characteristics of the FC2, including its starting procedure, precise gear changes both at the start and around the track, the anti-lag system and the use of additional power through the push-to-pass function.

Each driver could activate the additional power twice during every race, meaning that success depended not only on using it, but also on choosing the right moment – whether while fighting for position on the track or executing a joker-lap strategy.

Saturday was approached ambitiously, although the focus remained largely on learning. In the first qualifying race, Vītols lost the lead at the opening corner after braking too late, but recovered to finish second. In Q2, another overly ambitious attempt at the first corner resulted in him running straight on and losing several positions. After being delayed behind slower drivers, he finished the race in fifth place.

Despite the result, his pace and lap times demonstrated that he was capable of closing the gap to the competitors ahead.

“On Saturday evening, I analysed several important areas – the start, the gear changes and driving style. I had a clear idea of what I wanted to try in practice the following morning. The main objective was to get closer to Andersson, who had competed in a full FC2 season in both Europe and America and was our primary benchmark.

“I tried several things in practice and understood that I could drive considerably faster. The laps came together well, I set the fastest time and knew that we had a strong foundation on which to build a successful Sunday,” explained the Latvian rallycross driver.

Vitols won both Q3 and Q4, finishing first in the overall qualifying classification after four races. The battle for the top qualifying position was decided in Q4. Roberts emerged from the first corner in second place, but regained the lead through fast and consistent driving combined with a precisely executed joker-lap strategy. He also set the fastest overall race time.

Starting from pole position in his semi-final, Roberts delivered a controlled performance and won by 3.246 seconds.

Shortly before the final, heavy rain complicated proceedings. For some time, it remained unclear whether the race would take place in wet or dry conditions, and a drivers’ meeting was called to assess tyre suitability and safety.

By the time the FC2 final began, the rain had stopped and the circuit had almost completely dried, allowing the drivers to start on dry-weather tyres.

Vītols executed the start precisely and reached the first corner in the lead. From there, he gradually extended his advantage while remaining mindful of the rough gravel section, which had caused tyre and wheel damage for several drivers during the weekend.

Roberts controlled the gap to his rivals and crossed the finish line 3.515 seconds ahead of Norway’s Thomas Eek Murstad. Sweden’s Alexander Lindeqvist completed the podium in third place.

“I knew the start would be extremely important in the final. I selected the correct engine speed and executed the gear changes precisely, which allowed me to reach the first corner in the lead. From there, the objective was to drive quickly but intelligently.

“There were many holes in the gravel section, and I did not want to lose the victory because of a puncture or a damaged wheel. I could see the gap to the drivers behind me in the mirrors, while the information from my father and sister over the radio also helped me control the situation.

“I could have driven faster, but it was more important to maintain a sufficient advantage and reach the finish with the car intact. I avoided unnecessary risks, delivered consistent laps and secured the victory. It was an excellent debut result,” Roberts explained.

Vitols added that the team did not make any setup changes during the event.

“I adapted to the car very quickly. I felt that I understood what it wanted to do, and with every race I was able to increase my pace. It felt very natural, and the more powerful car allowed me to drive freely and confidently. It is a great feeling to be back in the fastest category of rallycross and to achieve a result like this in my very first race.”

“This victory is particularly satisfying because we made the most of the opportunity we were given – and you can only win your debut race once. Competing in FC2 had been a goal for our team for some time. During the European RallyX events, teams, championship officials and partners had already expressed their desire to see us continue in this category.

“The major teams and star drivers were also competing here in Canada in the FC1 Hypercar category, and I believe we represented ourselves very well. I hope this performance has moved us another step closer to the major objective we are currently working towards,” said Vitols.

Vitols competed in Team Färén’s FC2 car together with Provento Racing Team. Roberts’ father, Ugis Vitols, and his sister Laura carried out their usual spotter duties throughout the event.

Roberts’ next planned start in an FC2 will be the RallyX Global Final, taking place at the Montalegre circuit in Portugal on 24-25 October. Vitols earned the opportunity by winning the 2026 Supercar Lites Academy classification.