Motivated Mads plotting ERC return

The two-time ERC event winner started 2024 as one of the favourites for the coveted crown only for his season to be undone by bad luck and misfortune, which culminated in his co-driver Patrik Barth being hospitalised following an accident on Rally di Roma Capitale last July.  

But Østberg is determined to return to the all-action championship, which gets under way with the 42nd Rally Sierra Morena - Córdoba Patrimonio de la Humanidad in Andalusia, Spain, from 4 - 6 April.

“We are working on a programme to do the full ERC once again but we are not there yet, so we are still working with our partners, with Citroën of course, to fund a new season,” the Norwegian, 37, said. “I’m hoping within another month we’ll be able to find the budget but it’s clear we do a full season or we don’t do it at all.   

“After last year I want to come back and have a good season and get some good results. I always want to fight for the best results and I’m very motivated to try and win the ERC. Let’s say I don’t feel I’ve been in the position to do that yet but hopefully this year we can.”

Østberg, who also has four ERC podium finishes to his name, conceded that it’s still not clear if Barth (above right) will be in the co-driver’s seat if he does manage to secure an ERC comeback in 2025.  

“We’re still waiting to hear the final updates from Patrik to see if he can come back or not. I’m crossing my fingers and hoping for good results.”