Popular Norwegian rally driver, Mads Ostberg, has announced that he'll contest the 2019 WRC2 Pro championship.
In a deal put together with Citroen Racing, the former top-line WRC driver will get his season underway at Rally Sweden (February 14th – 17th) behind the wheel of a Citröen C3 R5, run by Belgian team DG Sport.
‘’I must admit I was disappointed when it was clear to me that WRC at the highest level was not an option for me in the 2019 season," Ostberg says.
"Rallying for me is more than a job, it’s a passion, it’s in my blood. It was never an option to give up on my dreams.
"I shared many good experiences with Citröen Racing during my three years as a factory driver in the team. That’s one of the main reasons I decided to go for this option.
"Okay, it will be a challenge. I have no experience with the car and my first rally is coming soon. It will be a busy time for sure.
Mads Ostberg at Rally Australia in November 2018. Photo: Peter Whitten
"The main focus in the beginning is to develop the car, and hopefully to clinch the first C3 R5 win in WRC2. With the expertise of Citröen Racing and my experience combined, it’s possible.
"I’m also happy to say that I will continue my collaboration with Torstein Eriksen as co-driver. He has proved himself as a hard working co-driver, more than good enough to compete at any level of rallying.
"It’s been a long rally break since Rally Australia, and while other teams are testing for Monte-Carlo, I’ve been at home.
"These days I’m planning my test schedule before Sweden. There’s so much to be done in such short time. My first kilometres behind the wheel of the Citroën C3 R5 will be at Rally Hadeland on January 27th," Ostberg added.
The rally will serve as a test for Sweden.
Ostberg will also head back Down Under in April to contest the Winmax Brakes Otago Classic Rally, where he will drive a Ford Escort RS1800.
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