The 18-year-old achieved a career high by winning the FIA Junior WRC section of Rally Sweden last month. But despite his success at global level, Johansson has vowed to walk rather than run by gaining more experience in the ERC in partnership with the Motorsport Academy operation, which is guiding his exploits behind the wheel.
“Rally Sweden definitely exceeded expectations,” Johansson said. “It was my first rally in a four-wheel-drive car and my first time in a WRC event. We put in a lot of effort, especially in the preparations before the race, which allowed us to be well prepared.
“I’m looking forward to this year's FIA ERC season. There are many new events that we have no experience from, and the field looks really competitive. We will complete a full season in a brand-new Opel Corsa and continue our great partnership with IKsport. We will also get to drive the Opel on gravel, which we haven't done before.”
After winning the opening stage of the 2023 season in Poland, Johansson placed eighth in the final Junior ERC Championship standings. He switched from Ford Fiesta to Opel Corsa power prior to the Rally Hungary finale and has big ambitions for 2024 alongside co-driver Johan Grönvall.
“We competed in the Junior ERC throughout last season as a learning year for this year,” he said. “We have our sights set on the championship title.”
The Hankook-equipped Junior ERC Championship takes place over six rounds in Hungary, Gran Canaria, Sweden, Italy, Great Britain and Poland.
“One of the highlights of this year is the BAUHAUS Royal Rally of Scandinavia at home in Sweden,” Johansson said. “We had good pace there last year, and this year it feels like we have built up even more speed. It's always fun to compete in Sweden with great support from the crowd, and it feels like it gives an extra boost in confidence.”
Drivers planning to contest the 2024 Junior ERC Championship must be younger than 27 on 1 January, compete in a Rally4 or Rally5 category car, register for the FIA ERC4 Championship, and also complete the WRC Promoter GmbH Junior Driver Agreement, which is available here: https://bit.ly/JuniorERC-Commercial-Licence-2024
Finland
Italy
Hungary