Ostberg gets ready for Sweden

Norway's Mads Ostberg prepared himself for Rally Sweden in the best possible way by finishing second in the recent Norway Mountain Rally (25 January).

In only his second event driving the Citroen DS3 WRC Ostberg and his co-driver, Sweden's Jonas Andersson, finished 1 minute 36.3 seconds behind winner Pontus Tidemand's Ford Fiesta.

The event was key for the 26 year-old as he set out to learn how his new car behaved on snow and ice before the second round of the WRC this coming weekend.

"I'm here to gather as much experience as I possibly can before Rally Sweden," he said. “Everyone can get a good result under perfect conditions, but you need experience to manage the tricky ones”.

As well as competing int he rally, this past week has seen Ostberg embark upon two full days of testing in Sweden.

This year's rally Sweden offers a double home advantage for Ostberg and Andersson. The only winter rally on the calendar will take place on both sides of the Norway/Sweden border.

"The goal is of course to finish on the podium. If all goes as it should, I know we can win" Ostberg told his official website. "Besides this the home for both Jonas and me, we have to do well!"

Rally Sweden begins on Wednesday February 5 and concludes on the afternoon of Saturday february 8. Reigning champion Sebastien Ogier leads the standings after his impressive fightback to win the opening round in Monte-Carlo.