Isachsen evaluating full-time Euro RX1 return

Buoyed by his one-off appearance in the Euro RX1 category on home soil in Hell last summer, three-time FIA European Rallycross Champion Sverre Isachsen is considering a more serious assault on the series in 2024.

Isachsen – who clinched back-to-back crowns at the highest level of European competition from 2009 to 2011 – was a surprise last-minute addition to the field in World RX of Norway. Despite having not competed in anger in almost seven years and quipping that he was an ‘old man now’, the 53-year-old was immediately on the pace in the 15-strong field – while thrilling fans with his trademark spectacular style.

Never outside the top ten during the heats behind the wheel of his Olsbergs MSE-built Ford Fiesta Mk8, he secured a strong seventh spot in the intermediate classification – best-placed Norwegian, and ahead of eventual winner Sivert Svardal.

Although his comeback concluded in the semi-final, his performance has encouraged Isachsen that he can still hold his own on the European stage, and he is reportedly in discussions with Mikko Ikonen to prolong his rallycross return in one of Betomik Racing’s Hyundai i20 RX Supercars.

“I’m evaluating a potential full-season entry,” he told Norwegian newspaper, Drammens Tidende. “Things are looking quite good, but I still need to get the budget together. Right now, I’d say our chances are 50/50.

“After my contract with Subaru ended in 2016, I didn’t even want to think about motorsport anymore. The next year, I didn’t watch a single race on television. It’s only more recently that my desire to return has really taken root. We need more ‘characters’ in Euro RX, and I think an outgoing personality like mine could be a good fit...”