Ostberg: We’re in it to win it

Ford Fiesta RS WRC driver Mads Ostberg says he is determined not to lose another Rally Sweden scrap with Mikko Hirvonen.

The 24-year-old Norwegian led last year’s Karlstad-based event but eventually lost out to Hirvonen by 6.5 seconds. Despite being beaten again by the now Citroen factory driver on last weekend’s Rally Finnskog, Ostberg says he has no intention of following the Finn home again.

"He has taken us sometimes on the snow," said Ostberg, "but he won’t do it again! Last year was great for me, we were able to put pressure on Mikko and everything is possible again this year."

Ostberg added that the lack of snow compared with last year would make this week’s event quite different in nature.

"It will be faster," said Ostberg, "and it will be a different event. One of the things we have to watch for this time around will be the punctures. With a thinner layer of snow on the surface of the road, you don’t know what’s underneath that snow - we need to watch out for the rocks."

Ostberg admitted that he was feeling the pressure as he prepares himself for his opening round of the 2012 season.

"I have said some things in the media," said Ostberg, "and those things have brought some more pressure. If I didn’t want this pressure I would keep my mouth shut, but I like it - and I will stand up to it."

Ostberg finished this morning’s qualifying stage seventh fastest in his Adapta team Fiesta.