Ostberg ‘can’t wait to come back’

Another world championship event winner has signed up to compete in the Otago Rally.

Two-time Otago Rally competitor and 2019 Classic Rally winner Mads Ostberg will return for his third attempt at the event.

The popular Norwegian will go head-to-head against Northern Ireland star Kris Meeke in the 50th anniversary of the Central Machine Hire-sponsored rally on April 10-12.

While Meeke will be at the wheel of a Ford Escort RS1800, Ostberg will line up in a top-spec Mazda RX3 owned by prominent Southland businessman and motorsport supporter and competitor Scott O’Donnell.

O’Donnell and the Paddon Racing Group have supported the deal, while the Norwegian driver will enlist experienced local co-driver Jared Hudson to read pacenotes for the event.

"I can’t wait to come back," Ostberg said.

"I enjoyed myself so much when I was there in 2018 and 2019."

Ostberg expected a "real challenge" against Meeke and Pasi Hagstrom in the Porsche 911.

"New Zealand is a special place in the world to go rallying, and I’m excited to make some more memories there."

O’Donnell enthused about getting the former WRC competitor in his Mazda.

"It’s great to be able to support Mads coming back to the Otago Rally, and help make their 50th anniversary something really special," O’Donnell said.

"The RX3 is a fast car, and I think we’re about to find out just how fast it really is."

While a Mazda RX7 has won the Otago Classic Rally before, an RX3 has never tasted success, although that Mazda model has won the overall rally four times.

"It’s so good to have Mads back here at the Otago Rally," event spokesman Roger Oakley said.

"He’s such a great guy. The fans really enjoyed meeting him. It’s hard to believe it will be seven years since he was here last.

"The spectators are in for a treat. Mads is a spectacular driver and the Mazda RX3 is a very fast car."

While his World Rally Championship commitments with Hyundai may prevent him from entering the Otago Rally, Hayden Paddon has been influential in getting Ostberg back to New Zealand.

"I’ve had a long and mutually beneficial relationship with the Otago Rally for a long time now," Paddon said.

"I’m delighted to be able to help bring my good friend Mads back to compete.

"The Classic Rally really is a special event, and seeing Mads competing against Kris and Pasi will be great viewing." — Allied Media