“In the last few years, I have learned a lot about creating pacenotes and driving in all kinds of environment – beginning with the rocky roads in Portugal and Sardinia, to the 10 000 corners of smooth asphalt in Corsica, and the fast roads in Sweden. During this time, competing in such long and complicated events, I have improved a lot as a driver,” says Dennis Rådström.
“This will be my first visit to Latvia, but I have competed in Poland previously. I believe that both of these events have some similarities, although there are quite a few differences as well. The roads in Liepāja are faster and more flowing,” describes the Swedish driver. “Of course, it will be unusual to come to a new country and face this challenge. European roads are very tricky – to keep a good speed you have to be extremely focused, as even a small mistake can result in a huge accident.”
Asked if lacking experience of the Kurzeme region roads could be a detriment, Dennis is optimistic: “There is a chance of that happening, but we have a lot of experience in this car and my pacenotes are good. If we analyse everything properly and have successful tests, we should be alright.”
Last season, Rådström finished third overall in the Junior WRC category, winning at least one stage in every event, so it is no surprise that he has ambitious goals for this season. “With the new team, we had great preparation in Rally Sweden. We have already spent some time in testing, but plan to do a few more tests in the near future. Our goal for this year is to compete for the title.”
When asked about his main opposition, the Swede did not mention anyone specifically: “I am not focusing on others at the moment. It is clear that the level of driving will be great and there will be multiple quick drivers, but I have not looked into the entry lists just yet.” Dennis also mentions that is will be interesting to drive on roads where Mārtinš Sesks began his rally career. Both drivers competed against each other in Junior WRC events last year, where Sesks is also competing in 2020.
Rådström will contest the European championship in an R2 class Ford Fiesta: “I will compete in all six rounds of ERC3 Junior. My goal is to move to all-wheel drive in the future, but first I have to demonstrate my talent and show that we can win. We need to have a good season and then continue on that high note.”
FIA European Rally Championship for ERC3 Junior category will begin in the Azores, from March 26 to March 28, and conclude from August 28 to August 30 in the Czech Republic. Rally Liepāja, which will take place from May 29 to May 31 and cover both Talsi and Liepāja regions, will be the third round of the championship, likely serving as the event after which the championship favourites will distinguish themselves in the overall standings. To remind you, in 2018 the FIA ERC Junior U27 (now known as ERC3 Junior) championship was won by Liepāja native Mārtiņš Sesks.