Rådström relishes “super-fun” ERC action

Rådström’s only previous ERC experience was at Rally4 level but his three-event programme with GN Motorsport in 2023 has handed him the chance to step up to Rally2 machinery in the ERC for the first time.

Despite his limited Rally2 experience, the 27-year-old Swede finished in a points-scoring 12th in Poland and relished the opportunity to fly high in his MRF Tyres-equipped Ford Fiesta Rally2 alongside co-driver Johan Johansson.

“It’s been super-fun to be honest, so crazy-fun to drive these cars on these stages,” said Rådström. “When you see the times you are far back but I know the competition is so high so I just try to learn. I was too wide in some exits so I just try to change a bit on my car and on myself because you need the confidence, but you also need to learn the car and the tyres, so you have to drive.

“Of course, we have a lot of work to do to have the pace of the top guys but it’s nice competition and we enjoy the weekend.  It was so fantastic with these cars, they are amazing to drive. Let’s see what we can find out because we want to be up there for the next rally.”

Rådström, who is also set for action on Tet Rally Liepāja (16 - 18 June) and ERC Royal Rally of Scandinavia (6 - 8 July), finished one place ahead of compatriot and team-mate Pontus Tidemand in Poland.

“It’s nice to be back [on a high-speed gravel rally] but it’s been difficult,” Tidemand said. “We need to try something more for sure because the speed was not there. But it was good experience for me, for the team and for Julia [Thulin, co-driver]. We are nearly one second per kilometre after [the others] so that’s what we need to find. But I am not disappointed, for sure not. We were really pushing and the car is nice to drive and the tyres also.”