Q&A with Mads Ostberg

Mads Ostberg was thrilled to finish second in Portugal. Then he found out he’d won following Mikko Hirvonen’s exclusion. But the elevation in status wasn’t quite how he’d wanted to win his first world championship rally, as he told WRC.com.

What does it feel like to be a world rally winner for the first time?

“Well this is definitely not how I wanted to win my first WRC event and doesn’t really change anything. I did a good rally and was really happy with my performance by finishing second after a tough event. The next time I want to do it right and win by being on top of the podium.”

Where were you when you heard Mikko had been excluded?

“Actually I was out having dinner with my team celebrating finishing second. Then the rumours started and I got a few text messages. The team was aware the stewards were having a meeting, but when I heard it just felt strange.”

Have you spoken to Mikko and what did you say?

“I spoke to him on Sunday night. He was saying he did his job and these things just happen. He was nice because he was congratulating me but he’s a nice guy so this is what I expected. I wanted to talk to him because it was a difficult situation none of us could do anything about.”

What about the first-place trophy. Have you got your hands on that yet?

“He’s very kindly left it for me to collect from his hotel. I’m staying down in Portugal for a few more days so he’s told me to get it from reception where it’s being stored.”

What’s the reaction been like back in Norway?

“I don’t get back until Thursday so I don’t think things will really happen until then but there has been a lot of interest, a lot of media, things like that.”

It’s been a good start to the season for you?

“For sure and when you think it’s actually three podiums in four starts if you include Rally GB last year. I just hope these results help me to get the budget to complete the season, that’s the most important thing.”

Is that looking like it’s going to be tough?

“I’m trying to do everything apart from New Zealand but I don’t have the complete budget yet. I’d like to do everything but I need more money and more money for the events I am planning to do.”

How much confidence does this result give you?

“I know I can handle very difficult conditions now so I’m happy with that. My confidence is already good but maybe now I can be more confident to push more and take more risks. I obviously don’t want to crash but I certainly feel I can take more risks now and push harder.”