Østberg’s Mads for more ERC glory

The Norwegian ace endured a challenging first full ERC campaign in 2023, having started the year as one of the title favourites. However, any frustrations were swiftly erased when Østberg secured his second ERC career victory at the season finale in Hungary

Bolstered by that success in Nyíregyháza, Østberg is fully committed to the 2024 season. Teaming up once again with co-driver Patrik Barth, the 36-year-old will continue under the banner of Hungarian outfit Tagai Racing Technology (TRT), piloting a Citroën Hungary-backed C3 equipped with Michelin tyres.

“It took us a lot of effort to put the season together,” Østberg said. “The support of Citroën Hungary, Citroën Racing, Michelin and TRT was the key to start this season. The continuous support of my personal sponsors and the relationship with Patrik [Barth] are all part of the recipe to put together the entire ERC season.

“This is the second year we have started in the ERC. The package with which we are competing in 2024 is strong and there is no question that we want to fight for victory - not just for rally wins, but for the championship title.”

Østberg's reliance on Michelin rubber marks a return to a familiar partner. He previously used the French brand’s tyres during his tenure at the pinnacle of the FIA World Rally Championship, a stint highlighted by his triumph at Rally Portugal in 2012.

“Michelin is proud to be part of this full 2024 ERC Campaign,” noted Tim Hoare, Michelin Motorsport's ERC manager. “The mixed surface challenge of the ERC allows us to showcase the full range of Michelin customer racing rally tyres.

“This is the highest level of rally competition in the world where competitors are able to make free tyre choices, and we are here to win,” he added.

V-Híd Rally Hungary, based in the city of Veszprém, opens the 2024 ERC season from 12 - 14 April.