After pulling off a stunning comeback in Race 1 at Montalegre—climbing from eighth in the intermediate standings to finish second behind Alex Lindeqvist in the final—Thomas Eek Murstad had no such luck in Race 2, where he was eliminated in the semi-finals.
Tipped as the heavy favorite for the 2025 season, Murstad had anything but an easy ride in Portugal. However, he drew on his vast experience to overcome the challenges presented to him in the weekend’s opening race.
“Montalegre was a completely new track for us, and it took some time to get used to its nuances,” Murstad explained.
“In Race 1, I spent most of my laps stuck in traffic with very little opportunity to overtake. Thankfully, my eighth place in the intermediate standings was enough to get me into the semis. From there, everything started to click. I felt better behind the wheel and was able to find my usual pace again. Taking the joker lap on the first lap was a game-changer—it shifted the momentum in our favor, and we made it count. I kept that rhythm through the final and managed to grab second place, proving I was right up there in terms of pure speed.”
Buoyed by that result, the Norwegian driver was hoping to carry the momentum into the second day of competition. After setting the third-fastest time in Q1, Murstad was tied at the top of the intermediate standings with fellow Norwegian Vetle Try following Q2.
Unfortunately, that momentum didn’t last.
“The podium in Race 1 definitely gave us a confidence boost going into Race 2. But in Q3 the problems started. Second gear was acting up and showing signs of failure. We tried everything between Q3 and the semis, but there just wasn’t enough time to fix it. With the competition so fierce, it was a mission impossible to qualify for the final in these conditions.”
Still, the setback hasn’t shaken Murstad’s focus, with the next RallyX round set for Valkenswaard on April 26–27.
“I’m aiming for a big result at Valkenswaard, but like in Portugal, I expect serious resistance from the local drivers. The circuit looks just as technical as it is demanding, with a lot of blind corners—so anyone already familiar with the track will have a clear edge. For my part, I’ll be doing everything I can to adapt as quickly as possible.”
Adding to the challenge, Murstad will also have to contend with the season’s standout performers so far: Alex Lindeqvist and Martin Juga.
“I knew Martin Juga would be quick, but the real surprise has been Alex Lindeqvist. He wasn’t in RallyX last year, but the progress he’s made since 2023 is impressive. Even though drivers like Svensson and Enholm have left the category, it’s clear that a new generation is already stepping up. In this series, nothing is ever guaranteed.”