Andersson vows to come back stronger after ‘toughest weekend in a while’

Andersson missed out on the final on Saturday – for only the third time in 2024 – after her stellar starts behind the wheel of her electric PWR RX1e were negated by a number of errors around the challenging Barroso circuit.

The Swede looked to have fallen just short again 24 hours later, but a track limits penalty for JDM Raptor Racing rival Anthony Pelfrene offered her a late reprieve. In the final, a puncture for team-mate Niclas Grönholm and the last lap clash between Timmy Hansen and Ole Christian Veiby then elevated her to fourth at the chequered flag.

Her loss of points in Portugal has seen Andersson slip away from the fight for the runner-up spot in the Drivers’ standings – a battle she led earlier in the campaign – but she is determined to quickly bounce back.

“It was the toughest weekend I’ve had in a while,” acknowledged the 24-year-old Löberöd native, twice a rostrum-finisher this season. “It’s a shame because it’s a circuit I love and I know we can be fast there. We had a bit of bad luck, and I just didn’t feel comfortable in the car.

“Montalegre is still such a special place to me – one of my favourite tracks in the world, with some of the most passionate and supportive fans I’ve ever met – and it was great to see the full grandstands and the love for rallycross once again.

“Now, though, it’s time to dig deep, analyse and do our homework. We’ll be back stronger at the next event, ready to put on another great show!”