In top of Junior ERC After Debut Win

“It feels great to win in the ERC. It’s something we’ve strived for over a year, and now it’s finally happened. Last year, we had quite a bit of bad luck, but now it feels like that’s behind us. We have good momentum and are well-prepared,” says Mille.

Although the victory in the ERC round in the Canary Islands in early May was the first for Mille and Johan in the ERC, it wasn’t their first in international competition. This past winter, they emerged victorious in the Junior WRC (World Rally Championship) at Rally Sweden in Umeå.

ERC Before WRC

Despite their success in Umeå, Mille and his team, coached by two-time world champion Pontus Tidemand from Charlottenberg, chose to stick to their plan and focus on the ERC. This plan has so far led to a third-place finish in Hungary and a win in the Canary Islands. Winning on tarmac was not something Mille had initially anticipated.

“Dad called me after the recce in the Canary Islands, and I remember saying it was going to be tough and that we needed to ensure we finished and scored points. The initial plan was to push on the gravel rallies and aim for points on tarmac. Now we might have to rethink that. But not in Karlstad, because there we’re going for the win.”

After two of six rounds in the Junior ERC, Mille and Johan lead the championship by two points over Max McRae from Great Britain.

“Of course, it feels good to lead the championship. But we’re not even halfway through the season yet. We obviously want to win the championship, but we need good results to get there. We can’t afford to cruise. It’s entirely new for me to lead a championship and the strategy that comes with it,” Mille continues.

Highlight of the Year

Now one of the highlights of the year awaits as the BAUHAUS Royal Rally of Scandinavia is up next for the juniors.

“It’s going to be fun to return to Karlstad. We competed here last year and really like the character of the roads. The Royal Rally of Scandinavia is one of the year’s absolute highlights along with Rally Sweden.”

Last year, they finished fifth after being in the fight for podium places all the way to the finish line. This year, the ERC leader has higher ambitions.

“We’re going for the win, no doubt. But we know it’s going to be tough. The competition is incredibly fierce, and since I’ve mostly competed abroad, I’m not as familiar with the roads in Sweden as Calle Carlberg and Patrik Hallberg, who have competed extensively in the Swedish Championship. But we’ll stand our ground and drive.”

Colin’s Crest is the Coolest

Besides aiming for victory, Mille is targeting a long jump over Colin’s Crest.

“Colin’s is the coolest part of the whole rally. You come full throttle in fifth gear, and you only see the top of the crest before you fly out over a sea of spectators. This year, I’m aiming to jump at least 30 meters,” Mille concludes.