Jndia Erbacher, Tony Bryntesson, Andres Arnover and Jimmy Ålund leaders after the first day of qualifying for the European Finals

Jndia Erbacher is the provisional number one qualifier in Top Fuel with a great 3.892-second ET after the first day of qualifying for the European Finals, the fourth and final round of the FIA European Drag Racing Championship at Santa Pod Raceway in England. In Top Methanol Tony Bryntesson is in the lead after day one with a great 5.30 seconds, while Andres Arnover recorded an excellent 5.80 seconds to take the lead in Pro Modified. In Pro Stock Jimmy Ålund once again claimed the provisional number one qualifying position with a great 6.54-second ET.

It was a great first day of qualifying for the European Finals at Santa Pod Raceway. The weather was great with sunshine but cool air, the track was as usual in excellent condition and it was an action packed programme with many exciting runs and great ETs, witnessed by a large number of enthusiastic fans who had a great day. And the best thing is, that there is more to come on Saturday and Sunday.

In the Top Fuel category Jndia Erbacher stormed to a great 3.892 seconds on her second run of the day after the Swiss driver recorded 3.96 seconds on her first run. Liam Jones, the current leader in the championship, came close to the number one position with 3.898 seconds, but the RF Motorsport driver will start the second day of qualifying from the second position.

Susanne Callin had some problems on both of her qualifying runs and recorded 4.67 seconds, handing the driver from Sweden the number three spot.

In Top Methanol Tony Bryntesson stormed to a great 5.30 seconds to claim the provisional number one qualifying position.

Sandro Bellio had a great second run as well and the championship leader’s 5.54 seconds was enough to claim the number two position.

Silvio Strauch, winner in Hockenheim, recorded 5.59 seconds and the German driver is the number three qualifier after two runs. Jonny Lagg and Tina Høst Nedregård had traction problems and are the numbers four and five qualifier.

In Pro Modified Andres Arnover impressed with a great second run. The driver from Estonia stormed to a great 5.80 seconds to claim the provisional number one qualifying position.

Michel Tooren had a great day as well as the Dutch driver recorded 5.84 and 5.83 seconds to finish qualifying in second position.

Jere Rantaniemi, the number two in the championship, is third with 5.8715 seconds, with Andy Robinson fourth with almost the same ET, 5.8718 seconds.

Jon Webster surprised with a great 5.89 seconds and the driver from the UK is in fifth position. David Vegter, the number one qualifier from Hockenheim, suffered traction problems and is in eight position with 6.56 seconds. Marck Harteveld, the current championship leader, is only tenth and will definitely want to improve his position on day two.

In Pro Stock it was once again Jimmy Ålund who claimed the provision number one qualifying position with a great 6.54 seconds.

Robin Norén had a great run as well and with recording 6.59 seconds the Swede is the provisional number two. Lasse Britsmar impressed with a great 6.64 seconds and he is in third position, with Simon Ekengren fourth, Henry Riehl fifth and Michael Malmgren sixth.

Qualifying for the European Finals at Santa Pod continues on Saturday.

Qualifying results: https://santapodresults.com/2025/European%20Finals/

Photo gallery (will be updated later): https://www.dragracingeurope.eu/fiaedc/4-7-sept-santa-pod/

Text and photos: Remco Scheelings