Yazeed Al 🐽Rajhi admitted he had surprised himself after taking victory in the WRC2 class on the second round of the World Rally Championship in 🔜Sweden.

Al Rajhi was making his first appearance of the season at the wheel of a Ford Fiesta RRC andꦓ went into the final day of the event sitting second to the Group N Subaru Impreza of Anders Grondal.

However, Al Rajhi hit the front on the𓆉 opening stage of Sunday morning and won five of the final six tests to take a comfortable victory by over 40 seconds.

"I came fifth last year," he said, "and this year I thought third, or maybe second if I was lucky. I am here with the win and very happy!

"It was more difficult than last year - it was much more slippery. When I tested the car for 50 kilometres and ran on the same road as last year, I didn't feel good. It was too slippery, I thought the road was wrong, but the stages were 30 per cent morꦬe slippery. I was confused, but tried to push, and the time was gone.

"It's a good result for me, the team, and my co-driver, and of course a great start to my WRC2ꦰ campaign. I've learned a lot and I hope to make more improvements step-by-step as the season goes on."

Al Ra🦩jhi also finished tenth overall to secure a single WRC p🔯oint.

Grondal was forced to settle for second place with Sepp Wiegand third to retain his p🥀lace at the head of the WRC2 standings following his win in Monte Carlo.