21 Nov 12

My first rally.
By Mads
Ostberg

Following a stunning season in the FIA World Rally Championship when he claimed his maiden victory and outgunned countryman Petter Solberg to finish as the top Norwegian in the final table, Mads Ostberg recalled his first rally to WRC.com.

“My first rally was in the summer of 2004, when I was aged just 16,” says Ostberg. “I wasn’t old enough to drive in Norway at that point so I travelled to Sweden to take part in the Midsommerdansen: a rally which features a special education class for drivers aged 16-18.

“I don't remember where I finished but I think it might have been fourth. I was driving a 1987 Opel Ascona B in the education class where the cars were almost original. In 2004 and 2005 I competed in seven education class rallies and won six of them.

“My co-driver was Ragnar Engen, who also accompanied me in my World Rally Car in 2006. I remember feeling really nervous, and took it really steady to make sure I got through the event with no problems. I was still very pleased to finish with a reasonable result but it felt ever better when I won Rally Killingen shortly afterwards.”