Carlberg: Help needed to achieve ERC dream

The 24-year-old has taken a trio of seconds from the five Junior ERC rounds he’s contested so far and starts next month’s Rally Silesia third in the provisional standings.  

But with the 2024 title – and accompanying Junior WRC prize drive – out of reach, Carlberg admits he’s facing an uncertain future behind the wheel after one season at international level with the ADAC Opel Rally Junior Team.  

“If you look back at it, I think I’ve done quite a good season,” said Carlberg, who dropped out of the Junior ERC podium fight on JDS Machinery Rali Ceredigion due to tyre damage. “But in the end it’s motorsport, everything is about the budget, what you can do now and which level you can drive at. The future is quite unsecure for me, I just hope I’ve done enough to maybe secure some backing or there is somebody who wants to help a young guy to achieve his dream.”

Carlberg stepped up to the Hankook-equipped Junior ERC for 2024 as his prize for winning the ADAC Opel e-Rally Cup last season. He hopes his performances alongside co-driver Jørgen Eriksen will keep him in the frame for a ride in 2025.  

“We’ve tried to show since the beginning of the season that we can come into a new car, a new championship and learn and to still be on the podium quite comfortably,” he said. “The ERC is where you want to go if you want to have a challenge. I really hope it continues for me.”  

The all-asphalt Rally Silesia in Poland, a new addition to the ERC calendar for 2024, takes place from 11 - 13 October.