After being sidelined last season due to persistent technical problems with his Mercedes CLK, Marcus Norman is eager to make a comeback in 2025 and take revenge for the past few exhausting months.
Expected to be a top 3 contender in 2024, nothing went as planned for the Swede, whose ambitions were quickly derailed by the development of his new three-rotor Billet 20B Wankel engine.
“There’s no denying that the 2024 season was a gruelling one for our team, with numerous challenges and technical issues that really made things difficult,” says Marcus.
“I’ve experienced some deeply frustrating moments, but I suppose that’s part of motorsport. At the moment I’m just happy to be back racing, but to be honest I’m waiting to see how this newly built engine and our overall technical package will perform. I’ve had time to step back and reset, but I still have a lot of questions about how my 2025 season will unfold.”
All in for the Euro League
Cautious after a 2024 season that didn’t allow him to reach his full potential, Marcus Norman has nonetheless decided to aim high.
Following in the footsteps of his compatriot Simon Tiger, who has committed to a full campaign in the RallyX Euro League, Norman will take on the entire championship.
“I have always been passionate about competition and constantly striving to improve. After everything I went through last year, I felt it was time to fully commit to the Euro League Championship. 2024 was a tough year and things were far from pleasant. We had planned to compete in as many races as possible, but in the end it all felt like a massive waste and disappointment.”
“I feel like I’ve let the fans down, and that’s a feeling I absolutely hate. It’s one of the main reasons why I’m going all out for RallyX this year.”
Aside from the racing itself, Marcus Norman admits that the unique atmosphere of RallyX is something that he has sorely missed.
“Whether it’s the overall atmosphere of RallyX or the interaction with the fans, both are things that really fuel my passion as a driver. Sure, the racing is at the heart of it all, but the energy and support from the crowd, as well as the camaraderie between the drivers, is what keeps me motivated – even when things don’t go as planned on the sporting side.”
Bouncing back after a difficult year
Fourth in the 2023 RallyX Championship with two wins and four career podiums, Marcus Norman is determined to turn the page on a disappointing 2024.
“After everything we went through last year, my first priority is to enjoy racing to the full. I just want to rediscover the joy of being behind the wheel. Of course, I’m still a competitor and I want to achieve results, but the most important thing for me in 2025 is to enjoy every single moment.”
One thing is certain: Marcus Norman is expecting some thrilling moments on some of Europe’s most spectacular tracks.
“The calendar is so impressive that it’s hard to pick just one as my favourite. There are so many new tracks for me to discover, such as Montalegre, Valkenswaard, Riga, KymiRing and Estering, and I’m really looking forward to the start of the season,” he said.
“Among the tracks I already know, I have a special feeling for Nysum – it has always been an exciting challenge. The same goes for Älvsbyn, which is even more special as it’s only 45 minutes from my home. I know the track like the back of my hand and competing there in RallyX will mean even more to me.”