Fourth overall in last season’s Junior CrossCar standings, Carl Svedlund didn’t waste any time staking his claim this year.
The JC Raceteknik team has made a name for itself by developing young talent, having secured two Junior titles with Alex Gustafsson in 2020 and Lukas Andersson in 2021. And the 2025 season may well see Joel Christoffersson’s outfit aiming for a third crown in the category.
At least, that’s what Carl Svedlund made clear during the opening round in Montalegre. Despite a bare-bones preparation before heading to Portugal, the young Swede quickly showcased his speed.
Across the two races over the weekend, Svedlund won three of the six qualifying heats and posted the fastest lap no less than six times. Of the 60 points up for grabs in Montalegre, he took home 55.
“I was a bit nervous arriving in Portugal, but overall I felt pretty confident. The three drivers who finished ahead of me in 2024 aren’t competing this season, so that obviously opens things up a bit. Plus, getting my first win at the end of last season in Buxtehude gave me the belief that I could aim for top-tier performances. It’s motivating to know you’re among the best—but you can’t get overconfident. If you don’t back it up on the track, it can all fall apart fast.”
And Svedlund knows that all too well. After dominating on the opening day, a gear lever issue in the final cost him a chance at starting the season with a win.
But he didn’t have to wait long for redemption. Only third after the intermediate classification on Sunday, Svedlund dug deep to prove he truly belongs among the title favorites, stepping onto the top step of the podium.
“It was an up-and-down weekend for me. Saturday went great until that gear lever problem in the final,” Svedlund explained.
“But on Sunday, even with a few penalties in the heats, I felt really strong in the final, and I’m really happy with how it turned out. The Spanish and Portuguese drivers were seriously quick in Montalegre. They didn’t make things easy for me, but I have to say—I really enjoyed battling with them.”
Stuck at home in Sweden, team boss Joel Christoffersson watched his driver’s performance from afar.
“That was a brilliant win for Carl. Winning on a completely new track in the RallyX calendar is no small feat. Even after the disappointment of the first final, he stayed calm and delivered an excellent performance on Sunday.”
Given the level he showed at Montalegre, Svedlund will no doubt arrive in Valkenswaard with a target on his back.
One thing’s clear—he intends to stick to the plan he laid out during the off-season.
“The team wants to win, plain and simple. I’m on the same page. I’ll do everything I can to be the most effective driver in the Junior CrossCar category.”