Ulrik Linnemann lost both important points and money in Portugal – now he is fighting to save the season .
A burnt engine proved costly for Danish rallycross driver Ulrik Linnemann when he was close to a double victory in the season opener of the European RallyX championship in Portugal this weekend.
On the Montelegre course, everything seemed to be going well. Already on Saturday, the team from northern Jutland dominated the three preliminary heats, safely advanced to the semi-finals and won the final in convincing style.
On Sunday the pace was the same, but before the final was a reality, the technology put an abrupt end to the ambitions. The engine gave up – and with it the possibility of another victory disappeared.
– It's a challenge, to say the least. I had finally got the finances in place for the whole season, but an engine renovation like that really costs a lot of money.
– So now there is a hole in the budget, and it's just a shame, says Ulrik Linnemann.
But even though it cost him dearly, both in points and on his account, he refuses to give up. Sunday's engine problem means he now sits fifth in the championship – just 10 points off first place.
– I was home from Portugal on Monday, on Tuesday I flew to Sweden with the engine, and now we are waiting for it to be ready again.
– Because we have to be ready for Holland in three weeks. I'm still fighting in the championship, and I still believe in it, he says.
The RallyX championship consists of both a northern and a southern tournament, but you must participate in all seven lob weekends if you want to be in the fight for the overall victory.
This means that the sudden engine failure can have serious consequences if the budget cannot be maintained for the rest of the season.
– I sincerely hope we can find the means to go all the way. I'm really excited, and you can see that in the results. If I'm going to win a European Championship, I think it's now. 2025 is the year, says Linnemann.
The next leg of RallyX will be held in Valkenswaard in the Netherlands from April 25th to 27th.
