Oliver entered the day with a 3.3-second lead over New Zealander Hayden Paddon. With eight stage wins out of eight possible on Saturday, Oliver secured the victory convincingly.

“It’s an amazing feeling. I came here under a lot of pressure and wanted to win, but it’s a new car this year. The feeling today was really good, whereas it was terrible yesterday. We had good control, and I’m relieved now. It’s absolutely fantastic,” says Oliver Solberg.

On the final stage, the Power Stage at SS Mölnbacka, there was high drama. Championship leader Mathieu Franceschi rolled first and had to retire. Shortly after, second-placed driver Hayden Paddon suffered a puncture and dropped to third. Finnish driver Mikko Heikkilä thus took second place.

Norwegian champion Frank Tore Larsen made a comeback after his severe crash last year and finished fourth.

“I’m so happy. Honestly, we got the position we deserved. We couldn’t keep up with the leaders this weekend. Thanks to the team for the car and the sponsors who make it possible to compete. See you in Estonia,” says Frank Tore Larsen.

Fifth in the rally was Mads Østberg after a challenging weekend, while local Isak Reiersen secured a highly commendable seventh place.

“We’ve made good progress this weekend, showing we can compete at the top when everything clicks and we go for it. We’re mature enough to step back and finish. I’m incredibly grateful to everyone; this is a dream. Hopefully, we can come back soon,” says Isak Reiersen.

Rally legend and three-time world champion Petter Solberg concluded his comeback in 15th place.

Double Swedish Success in Junior ERC
It could have been an all-Swedish podium in FIA Junior ERC. Patrik Hallberg started the day as the leader but crashed on stage 12. This allowed championship leader Mille Johansson to step forward and claim his second consecutive victory ahead of Calle Carlberg.

“I’m really happy. Now we’ve shown our pace, and I’m truly satisfied. I want to thank my sponsors, the team, Johan, my coach Pontus Tidemand, and all the fans in the forest. Finally, it worked out, even on gravel,” says Mille Johansson.

Local Victory in Legends
It was a Värmland triumph in the Royal Rally Legends. Arne Rådström from Torsby won the event in his orange Volvo 262 ahead of Mats Persson and Anders Söderberg.

BAUHAUS Royal Rally of Scandinavia, the third leg of FIA European Rally Championship, took place from June 13-15 in Karlstad with stages across Värmland. For the second year in a row, Sweden claimed victory in both the main ERC class and Junior ERC, with local hero Oliver Solberg taking home the crown once again.