Junior champion Johansson plots ERC graduation

The 19-year-old, who will also contest the FIA Junior WRC Championship as his prize for winning the Junior ERC title in 2024, has joined forces with MS Munaretto with an Italian Gravel campaign part of his programme for 2025.   

“It feels great to take the step up to Rally2 already next year, and to do it with MS Munaretto, a team we’ve been in contact with over the past year,” said Swede Johansson. “Our main focus is the Junior WRC, but between those events, we want to get as much seat time as possible, which we’ll do with the help of our new team and Pirelli.   

“We have a packed schedule for 2025 beyond the Junior WRC, and that’s all about being well-prepared for 2026. Next year will be a learning year, where we’ll focus on learning Rally2 on both gravel and Tarmac, with our sights set on the Junior WRC title. This is an incredible opportunity, and we’re going to make the most of it, gaining as much experience as possible.”

MS Munaretto team principal Alex Munaretto said: “We have always been committed to talent scouting, and we are thrilled to welcome Mille and Johan to our team. We see huge potential in them, and we want to do everything we can to help Mille on his journey to becoming a professional driver. We’re fully committed to working closely with Mille and Johan to help them reach their goals.”  

Johansson’s ERC campaign will begin with the season-opening 42nd Rally Sierra Morena - Córdoba Patrimonio de la Humanidad in Spain from 4 - 6 April. After skipping V-Híd Rally Hungary due to his Junior WRC commitments, Johansson will return for BAUHAUS Royal Rally of Scandinavia from 29 - 31 May and contest all remaining events with the exception of Rally di Roma Capitale in July.   

Johan Grönvall, who partnered Johansson to a Junior ERC and ERC4 title double in 2024, will continue to co-drive his compatriot.

Their partnership with MS Munaretto begins this weekend (29 - 30 November) when they contest Rally del Brunello in a Pirelli-equipped Škoda Fabia Rally2 Evo. Johnasson’s former Junior ERC rival Roberto Daprà and recently crowned Italian Gravel champion Alberto Battistolli also appear on the entry list.