Mads Østberg Celebrates 300th Rally Start, Reflects on Career and Future in Motorsport
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A veteran rally driver recently marked a meaningful milestone – his 300th career start – while expressing his enthusiasm for the future of the sport and balancing his passion wiht family life. The driver, who completed the Croatia Rally podium earlier this month, has enjoyed a long and prosperous career spanning both the FIA World Rally Championship (WRC) and the European Rally Championship (ERC).
The 38-year-old, a two-time ERC event winner, didn’t begin competing in the ERC until 2016, but now considers the pan-European series a vital proving ground for emerging talent. “I’m a big fan of the ERC, it’s a great championship. It’s a good place for young drivers to learn and develop, and it’s also a really competitive series,” Østberg said.
Legacy forged Through Years of Competition
Reaching 300 starts is a testament to longevity and dedication in a demanding sport. “It never crossed my mind until Becsy told me it was coming up,” Østberg explained. “For sure it took some years, it’s great and it means I’ve been in the game a long time, to be honest it feels like I’ve done 300 rallies, so I’m not surprised in that way. I don’t no life without rallies and for sure it’s highly appreciated to reach this number.”
The driver fondly recalled highlights from his career, emphasizing the emotional rollercoaster inherent in rallying. “Rallies are all about the ups and downs and the ups after the downs are the best ones,” he stated. He specifically cited his first WRC podium at Rally Sweden in 2011 as a especially memorable moment. Another standout was Rally Finland in 2018, a triumphant return after a challenging period, were he nearly secured a victory with Citroën. Beyond the high-profile events, he also cherished experiences in national rallies across Norway, Sweden, and Chile.
Balancing Passion with Personal Life
As Østberg contemplates the future, a desire for a greater work-life balance is becoming increasingly prominent. “I’ve done it for a long time, I don’t know what the future holds.I want to spend more time with my family, I’ve been quite clear on that for a long time,” he said. He also expressed a reluctance to continue if he couldn’t commit fully. “The young guys are putting their lives into it,I’m not doing that anymore,I don’t want to waste people’s time or money,I want to do it well or not do it.”
Despite acknowledging the demands of top-level competition, Østberg remains committed to staying involved in rallying. “I’m considering what the future will hold but for sure I will be involved in rallying on some level. Without a doubt it’s nice to do 300 rallies and I think there’s a little bit of speed left, but we will see.” He anticipates making a decision after the current season and reflecting on how he feels after the holidays.
Recognition and Future Plans
During the Croatia Rally, Østberg was presented with a unique gift to commemorate his 300th start: a pair of handmade shoes crafted in Zlín, the Czech Republic’s shoemaking centre, commissioned by the ERC promoter WRC Promoter GmbH.he drove a Michelin-equipped Citroën C3 Rally2 for the TRT Rally Team in the 2025 ERC.
For a deeper dive into Østberg’s career, personal life, and the mental fortitude required to succeed in rallying, listeners can tune into WRC Backstories: Mads Østberg. Ultimately,while the future remains uncertain,Mads Østberg’s 300th rally start serves as a powerful reminder of a career defined by passion,perseverance,and a deep love for the sport.
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