Reigning Open 2WD Pro Am champion Lucas Gabrielsson has confirmed that 2025 will mark a step up in his career as he prepares to take on a full season behind the wheel of his Toyota Starlet.
For the first time, the Finnish driver will compete in a full RallyX North campaign, a significant milestone in his motorsport journey.
With four Pro Am wins to his name in 2024, Gabrielsson also made a strong impression in the Pro category, finishing fourth overall thanks to five final appearances and two podium finishes in six races.
“Competing in a full RallyX North season is a dream come true for me,” says Gabrielsson.
“I am more than excited for 2025. This programme will only fuel my passion for the sport and my drive to push the development of our car even further, as we’ve finally brought to life a project that means so much to us. None of this would have been possible without our sponsors and all the credit goes to them for making this happen. What’s more, three weeks before the start of the North Championship in Latvia, I will have the incredible honour of presenting my car at Finland’s biggest car show. It’s a huge privilege and we’ll use the opportunity to unveil our Toyota Starlet with all the latest upgrades.”
Gabrielsson has already been a standout performer in 2024, with an impressive track record. In 18 qualifying heats, the Finnish driver recorded four fastest times, nine top three finishes and five fastest laps.
With major technical upgrades now being implemented, its performance potential is set to reach new heights in the coming months.
“We are building a completely new engine for 2025. We’ve kept our Ford Duratec base, but this time it will be turbocharged. It’s still difficult to predict the exact power gain, but we expect at least an extra 100 hp. Of course, opting for a turbo setup means adding several extra components, which inevitably adds weight. But we’re doing everything we can to keep the car at around 1,100 kg.”
While the Toyota Starlet’s lightweight agility was a key strength in 2024, Gabrielsson now has even greater ambitions—starting with a title fight against two-time Open 2WD champion Simon Tiger.
“Simon is an incredibly talented driver with a very powerful car. Improving our engine will definitely help us, but it’s no guarantee that we’ll be able to beat him. Our goal remains to finish first, but I know that 2025 will be a very competitive season with a grid full of strong contenders. To succeed, we’ll need to be fast and fully committed at all times. Hopefully, we’ll be able to put up a strong challenge against our rivals.”
For Gabrielsson and the Finnish RallyX drivers, the highlight of the 2025 season will undoubtedly be the KymiRing round on 14-15 June.
“It is fantastic news that KymiRing has been added to the RallyX calendar. This is likely to attract Finland’s top drivers and make the event even more prestigious. What’s more, we’ll be competing on a brand new track, which will add to the excitement. Over the winter we’ve managed to secure new sponsors and I’m convinced that the addition of KymiRing to the championship has played a vital role in this.”