Although he still has an outside chance of becoming WRC2 champion in 2024, Yohan Rossel’s focus is on proving his speed rather than winning the championship.
In a similar vein to Oliver Solberg, whose mission last season was to prove he was the out-and-out fastest driver in the Rally2 class, Rossel can see just as much value in his performances across a range of events as in winning the title.
The Citroën Racing driver says the title is important for manufacturers, but proving speed is most important for drivers.
Rossel told DirtFish: “For sure, I think the championship is very important for the constructor. But for the driver, I think the best is to prove the speed. And this year, I proved the speed everywhere.
“I don’t know if I am ready for the Rally1, but I think now it’s quite good. For sure, the plan is to be a Rally1 driver,” he stressed.
“In my dream, the plan is just to fight with the best level in my motorsport. If I want to fight for the great championship, it’s in Rally1. I don’t know what happens at the end of the year, but for sure, now I can pass.”
Frenchman has three WRC2 podiums on gravel events this year
Rossel, and the C3 Rally2 he drives, were often previously seen as strong on asphalt events only, but the 29-year-old has proved that misconception wrong this season – not least at Acropolis Rally Greece earlier this month, where he led WRC2 by over 45 seconds before a puncture relegated him to third.
“I think the car improved a lot this year, and also the rally helped a bit the package to be performed,” Rossel said. “When it’s dry, we can fight for sure. We need to work when it’s muddy or when you have a bit of loose, you know.
“The plan at the beginning [of the year] is to prove my speed on every surface and every rally, and I think at the end of this rally it’s done.”
Had Rossel won in Greece, his championship hand would have been much stronger. But with that secondary to his own performance, his target is just to win this week in Chile.
“For sure, the plan is to play for the win in Chile, and let’s see if I can do it,” he said.
“At the beginning of the rally [Greece], I said in my last three rounds, we need to win two rallies, and now we stay two rallies after this one. Just keep focused, do no mistake.
“I think if I don’t have a puncture I can win the rally for sure.”
However, he will face stiff competition from the Škoda Fabia RS Rally2 of Oliver Solberg, who will be equally motivated to win and wrap up the championship.
How WRC2 could be won in Chile
Solberg can clinch WRC2 title with victory in Chile
There are scenarios in which Solberg can still win WRC2 without winning in Chile, but the only way to guarantee the championship this weekend – and not rely on the results of others to help him – is to win.
If he does, his total of 136 points will be too great for either Rossel or Sami Pajari to beat.
Even if Rossel wins in Chile, Solberg can eliminate him from the championship fight if he finishes second.
But that would open the door for Pajari to steal the title in Japan, as a win for the Finn (who is currently three points behind with the same dropped score of zero) would lift him ahead of Solberg and make him champion.
Realistically though, it’s in Solberg’s hands. Win and it’s done. Should the Swede fail to win, then the calculators will be back out to see where everyone stands.
“I know that if I win, then I will be champion, but it’s one thing to say that – it’s another thing to go and win a WRC2 round. The events are so competitive this season, we have to fight one more time,” Solberg said.
“All of the year in 2024, I have been focused on winning this championship; my partners and the whole team have been working hard towards this moment. Now we have to deliver.”
