Anton Marklund has become a three-time FIA European Rallycross champion, having added the 2022 Euro RX1 crown to the titles he won in 2012 and 2017.

The 29-year-old Swedish driver made the perfect start to this year’s Euro RX1 campaign, winning the opening two races in Nyirád (Hungary) and Höljes (Sweden) with flawless performances in his SET Promotion Hyundai 120.

Despite strong season-long opposition from the likes of Andreas Bakkerud (who won his home race in Norway), Sondre Evjen (who did likewise in Latvia), the rapid Enzo Ide and Jānis Baumanis, Marklund arrived at the penultimate round in Portugal in a commanding 26-point lead.

Baumanis needed to win in Montalegre to deny Marklund the title, and with Ide driving a sensational race to score his maiden Euro RX1 victory, fourth in the final was enough to give Marklund the 2022 Euro RX1 title.

“It’s a big relief,” admitted Marklund.

“A little bit we were expecting to be European champions here or in Spa, but you’re walking on nails until it’s done.

“I can’t really thank my guys in the team enough. It’s been an awesome year.

“It’s been a long time since I’ve been working, or even if I have ever worked, with such good guys.

“They are doing everything into the smallest detail, the car is not breaking down, it’s just amazing.

“They give me the right tool and I think this year we have been treating that tool well and scored some good races.

“I’m very very lucky.”