Mads Østberg: “WRC2 is not a game”

With Covid-19 and the calendar turned upside down, how have you lived this year?

After Mexico, the first few weeks were strange, but then I was very happy to spend more time at home. It was nice not to have my mind turned towards the next race, towards the tests…

To the point of wanting to change your life?

I managed not to think about the competition and live like a normal family. However, I knew that this confinement did not correspond to “real life”. That was a bonus! If I stop running, I’ll need a job…and I won’t be home all the time!

What is your state of mind after your WRC2 title?

It’s a huge satisfaction. The circumstances and progress of the last rally further reinforce my joy at having won it.

How did you experience Monza where you appeared tense and tired?

Mentally, it was very demanding. We must not forget that a month and a half before we were not sure that there was still a race to defend our chances. So there were ups and downs. When Monza was confirmed, we realized that the outcome of the championship was still in our hands. We had to win by beating Pontus Tidemand.

It was easy to say that it was enough to win, but wasn't the rally a huge challenge?

It was a big battle until the end. We negotiated this round well. At the end of such a challenge, the feeling of winning was even better. Beating the two Skodas, including that of Jan Kopecky that our opponents had lined up to prevent us from winning the championship, was very pleasant. Today I can only thank them for making this race so interesting! It definitely gave me extra motivation.

You were angry after Sardinia and the change in regulations. With the title in your pocket, what are your thoughts on this situation? (In Sardinia, a decision was made that drivers would be allowed to do more than the 5 races normally allowed. Tidemand or Fourmaux had finished their year but, suddenly, they still had 2 chances in Ypres and Monza, when Ostberg then had 4 results. Editor’s note)

This has been stressful to deal with. Realizing that my opponents found themselves with an advantage over me, I considered the possibility that we might not be champions. As I said before Monza, I think it's not fair. It's strange and I don't know how to explain it. I’m not afraid to say that I was very disappointed in the behavior of the rally authorities who made this change… and who kept it a secret! They made changes even though 90% of the competitors had finished the year. They found themselves with the possibility of doing additional tests and this was kept confidential. I find this very regrettable, but it gives even more depth to my title.

Now you know that the rules can change at the last moment…

I hope this never happens again, because it’s pretty unacceptable! We must go through a year without wondering if everything will not be called into question before the end. We have to be able to believe in it in order to make our plans for the season. This applies to next year for example.

In what way?

According to the 2021 regulations, we will have to do seven rallies. Honestly, can we believe it’s going to stay like this? We really feel like we need to hurry through these seven races and wait to see what happens at the end of the year... It shouldn't be like this though. WRC2 is not a game! Manufacturers also have interests and must have the possibility to choose the rounds where they want to appear. The FIA ​​must respect that. If I am involved in this competition again in 2021, I will be one of those who will ask for clarification of the situation before the first event of the year.

WRC2, WRC3, you have to be a specialist to understand the differences. Wouldn’t it be easier if there was just one Rally2 champion?

Absolutely ! I totally agree, but it's not that simple. It seems that the FIA ​​wants to be able to benefit from manufacturers' entry rights, and to receive them, a competition reserved for brands must be organized. It's just political.

Although focused on WRC2, what did Esapekka Lappi's decision to no longer race for free in 2021 inspire you?

M-Sport is not a factory team, it is a business. It is known that M-Sport asks its drivers to pay to ride and Esapekka no longer wants this. The team's situation has been complicated by Covid-19 and will perhaps be even more so in 2021. This explains why he made this decision. If he wants to come back in the future, maybe it wasn't a bad thing to not damage his image.

You are no longer a junior, but you are not very old. However, doesn't your age represent an obstacle in the face of rising hopes?

I'm 33 years old, like Ott Tänak. Thierry Neuville is 32 years old. There aren't too many young drivers yet and there are also some who are much older (laughs). The beginning of my thirties is often the best time in a career and I feel in full possession of my means. I would really like a chance to show it.

It’s gift giving season: what did you ask for from the “Julenissen”? (Santa Claus in Norwegian. Editor’s note)

(Laughs) I think what I want will be a little different from what I get! On December 24, the most realistic gift would be to continue our excellent cooperation with Citroën.

Exactly where are you?

We are trying to find a good solution. I can only say that I am confident in the possibility of reproducing the same organization as this year. However, until nothing is confirmed and the contract is signed, you never know…

No chance of seeing you compete in a Rally1?

WRC2 is only seven races… normally (laughs)! So there are still some rallies, but I don't think I will do them on a Rally1. I am very motivated to get back to this level. However, I have a very good relationship with Citroën. It’s really better than doing nothing, especially since I don’t have to pay to run. I stay sharp and fast and if an interesting opportunity to join the elite presents itself, I will take it. My dream would be to do it with Citroën.

The hybrid could be your future with the arrival of other manufacturers. How do you view this development?

I can't say I'm the biggest fan of the hybrid, but it had to be WRC do something. This seems like a good direction and I support this change. However, I think that more needs to be done and that the current proposal is not sufficient, particularly given the consequences of the pandemic. To be able to safeguard our sport, shouldn't we move towards "Rally2 +" rather than degraded Rally1s? A WRC 2 car could be faster and more aerodynamically aggressive in the style of the 2011 WRCs, for a small increase in cost. If that happens, new manufacturers will come. If we stick to the proposed regulation, there will only be Toyota et Hyundai…and maybe not even. They must do something.

Is there a chance that Norway will take Sweden's place on the 2021 calendar?

Last year, the Swedish Rally lacked snow, and a month before the event, it was considered using the Mountain Rally to replace it. It takes place in the Geilo region (220 km northeast of Oslo. Editor’s note). In the end, they preferred to cross their fingers and hope for snow... which didn't really work. This could be an option. Maybe I should propose it to the FIA? It would be great to have a round in Norway, but it's probably better if I don't get involved personally (laughs).