All four SM classes are strongly represented in the third round of the championship, where Sweden’s top rally drivers will share the stages with the European elite. The SM contenders will drive the same nine special stages as the ERC competitors, with ceremonial start and prize giving in the heart of Karlstad.

– It feels fantastic to welcome Rally-SM to Royal Rally. The level of interest has been overwhelming, and the entry list speaks for itself, says Clerk of the Course Hampus Juteryd.

In the International 4WD category, local hero Dennis Rådström from Torsby is chasing his second win of the season. Rådström, who leads the standings in his Toyota GR Yaris Rally2, has already claimed two victories in the winter edition of Rally Sweden and competed in the inaugural Royal Rally last year.

Other front-runners include Kalle Gustafsson – who sensationally finished tenth overall in the 2023 ERC edition – as well as Niklas Hägg and Kim Nydén. Norway is also well represented, with Petter Fausko and Roger Rustand entered.

The National 4WD class sees the return of 19-year-old Adam Grahn, fresh off a strong performance in Rally Hungary. Mattias Monelius, Peter Johansson, Filip Karlström, Kevin Jirvelius and 19-time Swedish champion Mats Jonsson – who has previously raced in the Legends category at Royal Rally – are all lining up.

2WD boasts the largest field, with 52 entries. Patrik Flodin is looking for redemption after a tough last round, while names like Jonas Åkesson, Tim Liljegren, Liam Berg, Patrik Dybeck, Isak Arvidsson, and Elliot Sjögren are all set to challenge for the win. There’s also a strong local presence with rally icons such as Lars-Ove “Biffen” Olsson, Jimmy Olsson, and André Nygren – a dominant force in the Swedish Rally Cup.

The international element continues in 2WD, with Norwegian entries from former national champion Anders Kjær, Dave Eggum, and Martin Nygård.

Standard class is equally competitive, featuring all top contenders from the season so far. Local driver Jan Johansson – a multiple SM medalist – returns to action in a newly built Volvo S40.

Among the four entrants in the RM (Riksmästerskapet), two-time sprint champion Isac Nordström headlines the field.

The SM teams will start after the ERC field and run all nine stages of the event. The rally begins Thursday evening with the Bråtebäcken city stage, followed by four stages on Friday – including the legendary Värmskog and the fan-favorite Colins Crest – before four more on Saturday, concluding with the Power Stage in Ölme.

Service and HQ are shared with the ERC crews on Norra Fältet in central Karlstad, right next to the E18. Both the opening ceremony and final podium take place at Stora Torget in central Karlstad.