Østberg’s three-point plan for ERC Rally Hungary success

The Norwegian is a double podium finisher in this year’s ERC, but a victory has so far eluded him and Swedish co-driver Patrik Barth in their MRF Tyres Dealer Team Citroën C3 Rally2.

Having won Rally Hungary in 2021 before going on to take the country’s national title the following year, Østberg is aiming for more glory on the Nyíregyháza-based event from 6 - 8 October.

But in order to finish the ERC season on top, Østberg, 35, has listed three key factors that could aid his mission – if he gets them right.

1: Understand the rally: “Rally Hungary is a race I’ve done a few times now so I know it quite well and some of the stages are the same as previous years. The stages are really challenging and the weather can play a big role. Normally it’s a lot of cutting but they are quite good with the anti-cuts so that helps to keep the road a bit cleaner.”

2: Be prepared for strong opposition: “The competition [from the ERC drivers] will be strong, as always, and we always know the local drivers have good experience and good speed so I expect a big fight with everyone. It’s an event that will suit us and the car.”

3: Go big on enjoyment: “Of course we want to win the rally again and that’s our target. We should feel quite comfortable on this rally which means we can drive with low shoulders and try to enjoy ourselves. That will be the key point. We are also still fighting for [a top-three finish in] the championship so we need to keep an eye on that, it’s important to us. Rally Hungary feels a bit like home so that’s our advantage."