Last year’s winner Mille Johansson is ready to defend his title

Preparations and Strategy – The Hunt for Every Margin

Mille and his co-driver Johan Grönvall have spent countless hours analyzing last year’s rally. They have studied recordings, identified where they can shave off time, and developed their notes.

“I sit at home and review every stage from last year. I ask myself: Why was I faster there? Why did I lose time here? It’s all about finding those small details that make the difference,” Mille explains.

In addition, the winter training has been intense. The gym, the running track, and mental preparation have all been part of his everyday routine. In two weeks, all that training will be put to the test on icy rally roads.

“This is the final push of winter training before everything kicks off for real. I want to be in peak condition when we’re at the starting line,” he says.

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A New Step – Competing on Two Fronts

For Mille, 2025 is a year in which he steps onto the really big stage. In addition to the Junior World Championship, an expanded race program awaits, including starts in the top class of the European Rally Championship, where for the first time he will take on Europe’s best drivers in a four-wheel-drive Skoda Fabia Rally2 Evo.

“It’s going to be a completely new challenge, but it’s exactly what I’ve been working for. Racing against the best is the only way to improve.”

To be able to focus fully on the Junior World Championship, Mille has chosen to skip two ERC rounds. However, getting the chance to compete in both the European and World Championships in the same season is an enormous opportunity – and an indication that he is on the right track.

“If I win the Junior World Championship this year, I get four WRC2 events paid for in 2026. It’s an incredibly valuable opportunity, and it’s clear that I must go for the victory this year.”

The Media and the Battle for the Junior World Championship Title

After his successes in 2024, Mille is ready to take on the role as one of the favorites in the Junior World Championship. In his four-wheel-drive Ford Fiesta Rally3, he knows that a lot is at stake, but he doesn’t let external pressure affect him.

“I don’t really care about what others think. I just focus on my own thing,” he says. This year, the competition is expected to be tough, but Mille is confident. He knows that his victory last year made an impression on his rivals.

“I hope they already feel that it’s going to be hard to beat us,” he adds with a smile.

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Competing on Home Turf – “It Gives You a Boost”

There is something special about competing in Sweden: the audience, the Swedish flags, and the familiar atmosphere along the stages. For Mille, it means even more to kick off the season with Rally Sweden.

“The most enjoyable races are the ones on home turf. You wake up on race day, stop by the gas station, and grab your morning coffee. It’s the little things that make you feel secure.”

However, Mille will not be taking part in the local festival in the same way as before.

“When I was younger, I would stand on the sidelines watching the rally, seeing everyone celebrating and having fun. Now I’ve outgrown that – and I hope I get to wait a few more years before experiencing it again,” he says with a laugh.

In two weeks, it will all begin. Mille Johansson is ready. The winter roads await, and the goal is crystal clear.

“We are here to win.”