33 cars are entered in the ERC categories as the event unfolds over Ascension Day weekend, based in Karlstad. After two consecutive victories by Värmland’s rally king Oliver Solberg, the 2025 event is guaranteed to crown a new winner – as Oliver focuses fully on his WRC2 campaign this year and will not compete in Royal Rally.

But there will still be a Solberg on the start line in 2025.

Henning Solberg returns to Värmland

Henning Solberg, one of Norway’s most experienced rally drivers, will make his first international start in several years. After driving a Toyota in the Royal Rally Legends class in 2023, he now returns to challenge Europe’s elite in a Škoda Fabia. Henning became a fan favourite during his WRC career, especially in Sweden, thanks to his spectacular driving style and iconic interviews.

Swedish stars set their sights high

Isak Reiersen, from Torsby, won the Junior ERC title in Värmland in 2023. Now he returns to the top class with a recent fourth-place finish in Rally Hungary. Together with co-driver Stefan Gustavsson, he will compete in a Škoda Fabia Rally2 run by JC Raceteknik on Hankook tyres – aiming for his first overall podium at home.

Mille Johansson, from Katrineholm, currently shares the lead in the FIA Junior WRC after two rounds. The reigning Junior ERC champion – and winner of Royal Rally 2024 – is stepping up to the main ERC class for the second time, joined by Värmland co-driver Johan Grönvall in a Škoda Fabia Rally2.

21-year-old Hannah Jakobsson, from Kolsva, will make her ERC debut in a Ford Fiesta R5, competing for the family-run Jakobsson Motorsport team.

Norwegian elite challenge the crown

In addition to Henning Solberg, Norway is well represented by Mads Østberg, Eyvind Brynildsen, and Frank Tore Larsen. Østberg, who recently finished second in Hungary, still holds the jump record at Colin’s Crest – 47 metres set in 2023.

Championship leaders on the attack

Roope Korhonen, who won on his ERC debut in Hungary, is among the top favourites in Sweden. Polish driver Miko Marczyk leads the ERC standings after two rounds, with Østberg and Italy’s Andrea Mabellini close behind.

More international names

Other big names include Jon Armstrong (Ford), Simone Tempestini (Škoda), Stéphane Lefebvre (Citroën), and former Formula 1 driver Jos Verstappen (Škoda), who competes in the newly established Master ERC class.

Swedish presence in ERC4

In the front-wheel-drive ERC4 category, Sweden is represented by Viktor Hansen, who recently finished second in the Junior ERC round in Hungary. The current leader of the Junior ERC is Calle Carlberg, but he will not be competing in Sweden as he focuses on the next Junior ERC round in Poland.

Close title fight in ERC3

In the Rally3 category ERC3, just two points separate Polish driver Igor Widłak and Frenchman Tristan Charpentier heading into Karlstad. A total of 8 crews are entered in the class.

In total, 33 cars will compete in the ERC categories. Together with 105 Swedish Championship entries, nearly 140 crews are expected at this year’s BAUHAUS Royal Rally of Scandinavia.

Quotes:

“It’s fantastic to see such a strong field of top drivers from Sweden, Norway and across Europe at this year’s event. And with the Swedish Championship included, we’re set for an incredible rally weekend in Värmland. I’d like to thank Karlstad Municipality, local businesses, clubs, authorities and our entire team for making this possible. Now – let’s go!”

– Anna Nordkvist, CEO, BAUHAUS Royal Rally of Scandinavia

“We’re looking forward to the third edition of BAUHAUS Royal Rally of Scandinavia with a really strong entry list. It’s going to be great to see Henning Solberg back in Värmland – and to find out who will claim the crown from Oliver Solberg this year.”

– Stig-Rune Kjernsli, Clerk of the Course

Full start list here >>