Calle Carlberg didn’t miss a trick in the final of the 2024 Junior European Rally Championship (JERC) and secured the runner-up spot with his victory at the Rally Silesia in Poland. At the asphalt event, which was made more difficult by treacherous external conditions, the 24-year-old Swede and his Norwegian co-driver Jørgen Eriksen were in a class of their own in the Opel Corsa Rally4 entered by Stohl Racing. The Scandinavians from the ADAC Opel Rally Junior Team set the best time in nine of the 13 special stages and finished 27.6 seconds ahead of Max McRae in a Peugeot 208 Rally4. This meant that Carlberg overtook the Scotsman in the overall standings to take second place behind his compatriot and fellow Opel driver Mille Johansson.

“I'm over the moon,” beamed Carlberg at the finish. ”This rally was the crowning glory of a great season. We've been fighting all year, had four podiums, and now we've finally got the win. I'd like to thank the entire ADAC Opel Rally Junior Team and everyone who made this cool season possible. Above all, I would like to thank everyone at Opel Motorsport who believed in me. Opel is the only manufacturer that gives young talent such an opportunity for development. This cannot be appreciated enough. I hope to be back next year, preferably in the same race suit. I might wash it beforehand…”

Opel Motorsport Director Jörg Schrott not only praised the enormous driving talent, but also the personality of his junior: “It's a real pleasure to work with Calle. He is incredibly eager to learn and open-minded, he listens and can implement what he has heard. He is also a great guy who is just fun to be around. With his consistent performance throughout the season, he truly deserves the title of runner-up. The same applies to Manfred Stohl's team: the crew just works and is on point when it is needed. And Manfred's vast experience is simply invaluable. Praise and thanks to everyone involved!”