Toyota driver Brynildsen entered the third and final day of this year’s third ERC round in the lead, with a group of Nordic rivals close behind. Local star Isak Reiersen from Värmland was just 5.0 seconds adrift, with Finland’s Roope Korhonen and fellow Norwegian Frank Tore Larsen within 8.6 seconds of the top spot.

After Saturday morning’s four stages – two runs of Ängebäckstorp and the all-new Bjurerud – Reiersen had closed the gap to 3.8 seconds. The chase was on. He got as close as 2.8 seconds, but with a strong finish to the rally, 37-year-old Eyvind Brynildsen held firm in his Toyota GR Yaris Rally2 to seal the win and crown himself the new king of Värmland.

“It is amazing. It has been such a hard battle and it took a lot of energy,” said 37-year-old Brynildsen. “It is a big effort from both of us [co-driver Jørn Listerud] and I’m so relieved. The last few kilometres were a real struggle. I’m a boy from next door [Norway] and I drive a rally car every half year, it is something special,” said Eyvind Brynildsen.

Finland’s Roope Korhonen delivered a strong final loop to climb into second overall. Meanwhile, local hero Isak Reiersen and co-driver Stefan Gustavsson finished third – securing their first FIA ERC podium.

“It is amazing. It is weird before this [final] stage I wasn’t nervous but I’m so grateful I had the chance to do this. I want to thank everyone who made it possible. I don’t say this much but I’m actually proud of myself,” said Reiersen.

Frank Tore Larsen had his sights set on his first Royal Rally podium, but had to settle for fifth after being overtaken by Italy’s Andrea Mabellini.

Last year’s Junior ERC champion, Mille Johansson, together with co-driver Johan Grönvall from Arvika, took sixth – their best result in the ERC’s top class so far.

Solberg on Top – in the Masters Class

There was a Solberg on the top step of the podium after all – even though Oliver Solberg wasn’t competing this weekend. In the ERC Masters Cup for drivers over 50, Henning Solberg claimed victory.

Østberg Flies Furthest – Again

Fan-favourite Mads Østberg was in the thick of the lead battle during Friday’s leg, but a puncture saw him lose time and finish eighth overall. As per tradition, he also flew the furthest over the iconic Colin’s Crest – an impressive 43 metres!

Polish and Swedish Winners in ERC3 and ERC4

In ERC3, Poland’s Tymoteusz Abramowski took the win, while Victor Hansen and Ditte Kamersgaard secured victory in the ERC4 category for two-wheel drive cars.

Massive Crowds and Summer Weather

Despite a slightly wet Friday morning, the third edition of BAUHAUS Royal Rally of Scandinavia was completed in brilliant sunshine and warm summer conditions. Spectators lined the stages, filled the service park at Norra Fältet in Karlstad, and gathered in large numbers at both the opening ceremony and final podium in the main square.

Rally-SM Adds Action and Drama

More than 100 cars from Sweden’s national championship, Rally-SM, joined the European field over the weekend, bringing added battles, drama and action across the nine stages they contested.

Local favourite Dennis Rådström from Torsby dominated the International 4WD category, winning all stages in his Toyota Yaris. Peter Johansson secured the National 4WD win after a dramatic ending on the long Royal Forest stage, where two rivals were forced to retire. In 2WD, veteran Patrik Flodin – alongside Karlstad native Göran Bergsten – claimed victory, while the Standard class was won by youngster Moltas Olofsson and Isa Kolmbäck.