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Tobias Munthe-Kaas: Speed, Determination and a New Chapter in UIM F2

Norwegian driver Tobias Munthe-Kaas has become a well-known figure in the UIM F2 World Championship. He began racing in 2001 and has claimed numerous Norwegian titles over the years. In 2010, he set the world speed record in F4, highlighting his talent and ambition early in his career.

Racing for Strømøy Racing F2 with the number 77, Tobias has built a reputation for outright speed and determination. While he currently has no points in the 2025 World Championship, his experience and resilience make him a respected competitor on the international stage.

Qualifying has often showcased his ability at its best. He secured pole position at the 2018 European Championship in Zarasai, Lithuania, and repeated the feat at the Tønsberg Boatrace, where testing conditions only added to the achievement.

Race results have at times been less straightforward. He crossed the line first at the 2022 Grand Prix of Portugal, only to lose the win following a disqualification, while other campaigns have been shaped by penalties that denied him stronger finishes. Even so, his resilience has ensured continued progress, with results including sixth overall in the 2025 European Championship.

This season marks a new chapter for TMK. He is racing a new boat powered by a Mercury Racing 250 APX, a 4.6-litre, V8 four-stroke outboard engine. The boat was due to be used at the 2025 UIM F2 Grand Prix of Italy II in San Nazzaro, but the race was cancelled and no points were awarded. Only qualifying took place, where Tobias gained valuable experience with the new setup.

To get a closer look at Tobias’s new boat and engine, I spoke with him about the changes, the challenges he faced at San Nazzaro, and his goals for the remainder of the season.

Q&A with Tobias Munthe-Kaas

John Moore Toby, can you share who designed and built your new boat, and was it specifically constructed for you?
Tobias Munthe-Kaas It was designed by Roger Lønnberg in Finland. For many years I have followed the progress of the Motormix team and had a dialogue about his new F2. Together we decided that now it’s the time to take it to the World Championship. 💪
You’ve transitioned to using the Mercury Racing 250 APX engine. What influenced this choice, and how does the 4.6-litre V8 four-stroke outboard compare with the Optimax? John Moore
Yes, we made the investment this winter together with our sponsors. The engine is powerful and durable. I am confident we will be fast, faster than the Optimax, but we just need some time to dial in and get to know every aspect of it. For sure, it’s a great engine that Mercury Racing has developed. Tobias Munthe-Kaas
John Moore At San Nazzaro, you finished 20th in qualifying. What were the key challenges you faced during those sessions?
Tobias Munthe-Kaas In San Nazzaro we struggled with steering issues and finding a clean lap. By clean lap, we normally mean a perfect lap, but the conditions in the River Po were so demanding there were really no clean laps. Unfortunately, the race was cancelled due to debris, which was the right decision by the UIM and the organisers.
How has the integration of the new boat and engine affected your overall race strategy and preparation? John Moore
The new engine is very durable and easy-going. We are still learning to know it, but we have already realised that work at the race venue has shifted more towards race planning and less purely on mechanical tasks. Tobias Munthe-Kaas
John Moore Looking ahead, what are your goals for the 2 races in Portugal and next season?
Tobias Munthe-Kaas We are always aiming to win! We had good results testing the new boat at home, and we feel ready. I really like the two races in Portugal and will push from the very first second on the course. We look at 2025 as a learning year, and together with my team we will evaluate to land a good strategy for next year.