Mille Johansson sixth in Royal Rally of Scandinavia after strong finish

20-year-old rally driver Mille Johansson from Katrineholm achieved his best result to date in the FIA European Rally Championship as he and co-driver Johan Grönvall from Arvika finished sixth in the BAUHAUS Royal Rally of Scandinavia – Sweden’s round of the European Rally Championship, based in Karlstad.

After winning the junior category in the event last year, Mille and Johan returned to Karlstad to compete in the top category of the ERC for the first time, driving their four-wheel-drive Škoda Fabia RS Rally2 run by Italian team MS Munaretto.

On the ultra-fast gravel roads of Värmland, Mille and Johan gradually increased their pace. On Friday, they set the second-fastest overall time on the classic Colin’s stage and jumped an impressive 41 metres over the legendary Colin’s Crest – only two metres short of Norway’s Mads Østberg.

Against strong competition, Mille and Johan showed impressive pace throughout Saturday and climbed ahead of ERC championship leader Mikołaj Marczyk to secure sixth place overall. During the final day of the rally, they recorded top-five times on four of the eight special stages.

“We’re happy. We showed good pace on the final day and tried to push a little harder. That was reflected in the stage times,” said Mille Johansson.

“I’m very happy with sixth place. With more experience it could have been even better, but considering how few rallies we’ve done with this car on gravel, I’m really pleased. I’ve learned a lot and I’m really looking forward to the next rally in Poland,” said Mille.

The next round of the FIA ERC for Mille and Johan will take place in Poland on 13–15 June.