Three-time Swedish Rallycross Champion Filip Martinsson has emerged as one of the biggest surprises of the 2024 RallyX season. Making his debut in the Open 4WD/Supercar category, the 23-year-old has quickly established himself as an up-and-coming force and will be looking to build on this momentum in the coming months.
Driving a Renault Clio 3, few would have predicted such a meteoric rise for Martinsson. From his first podium at Tierp, where he finished alongside Johan Kristoffersson and Ole-Christian Veiby, to three further podiums, including a prestigious win at Kouvola, his performance has exceeded all expectations.
This impressive form has earned him fourth place in the championship standings – a remarkable achievement for a rookie in the Supercar arena.
“Stepping up to Supercar was a huge step in my career, but at the same time we felt ready for the challenge. Looking back, I’m proud of what we’ve achieved this season,” says Martinsson.
“Starting the season with a podium finish alongside two of the best rallycross drivers in the world was an amazing feeling. Then to take my first Supercar win in Finland was even more incredible.”
While neither Martinsson nor his team had high expectations at the start of the season, their debut in Supercar proved to be a valuable learning experience.
“We didn’t have high expectations at the beginning. For us, 2024 was meant to be a learning year, with so many new elements to adapt to – both for me as a driver and for our team on the technical side.”
Martinsson quickly found his rhythm, reaching six finals in ten races, but technical problems plagued his Clio throughout the season.
“I don’t think there was a single race where we didn’t have some kind of technical problem. It was frustrating at times, but giving up was never an option for me or the team. We supported each other, and we were also fortunate to receive help from other teams in the paddock and from the fans, for which we are truly grateful”
Despite these setbacks, his motivation remained intact.
“Of course it’s frustrating to think that we could have had better results without these problems. But at the same time we knew we had the pace to compete whenever the car was at its best. That belief got us through the toughest moments.”
Having built his reputation in rear-wheel-drive cars in the Swedish championship, Martinsson proved last year that he has what it takes to be a serious contender in RallyX.
“I feel I’ve improved in every aspect, from learning how to handle a turbocharged four-wheel-drive car to competing against the best in rallycross. But the biggest lesson I’ve taken away from 2024 is that you should never give up.”
“My best race of the season was definitely the final weekend at Buxtehude. The road to that race was filled with obstacles, but once we reached the final, all the problems that had held us back earlier in the weekend were gone. That allowed me to end the season with one last podium.”
Martinsson is now fully focused on the 2025 season. Competing in RallyX North, he will be looking to maintain his momentum when the championship starts in Riga, Latvia, on 9-10 May.
“For now, we are working hard on our RallyX North programme and we’re determined to make it happen.”
With undeniable talent, a steep learning curve behind him and an unwavering desire to succeed, Filip Martinsson is poised for another breakthrough season.