After a short break from the European Rally Championship, Katrineholm’s Mille Johansson and co-driver Johan Grönvall from Arvika are back behind the wheel – ready for a new challenge as the ERC’s Barum Czech Rally Zlín takes place this weekend. For the first time on asphalt, the duo will compete in a Škoda Fabia RS Rally2 on Pirelli tyres, facing the full ERC elite.
“We had our first test today with the RS model on asphalt and on Pirelli tyres, and it felt really good. It will be great to measure ourselves against the others on equal terms, at least when it comes to equipment. Experience plays a big role in this rally though, as it’s a very unique event with uneven asphalt and lots of bumps,” says Mille Johansson.
Mille and Johan, representing Italian team MS Munaretto, have so far this season driven their asphalt events in an older Fabia Rally2 Evo. Now, they make their asphalt debut in the newer RS model.
In the Czech Republic, they face one of the most demanding asphalt rallies on the calendar, known for its fast sections, varying grip levels and often unpredictable weather conditions. A total of 13 special stages will be contested – starting with shakedown and a spectator stage in Zlín on Friday, followed by six stages each on Saturday and Sunday.
“It’s great to be back in the ERC, especially when we get to drive the RS model this time. I prefer gravel, but it’s good to gain more experience on asphalt,” says co-driver Johan Grönvall.
For Mille, this will be his second start at Barum Czech Rally Zlín, after making his debut in the Junior ERC in 2023. This year’s edition offers a record-strong Rally2 entry, with 38 cars and the entire ERC top field on site.
“Asphalt is the surface I like second best, after snow, so I’m really looking forward to the final two ERC rounds where we will be running the RS model and Pirelli. The goal is of course to get to the finish in this very challenging rally, but we haven’t upgraded our equipment for nothing,” says Mille Johansson.
Barum Czech Rally Zlín is the sixth of eight rounds in the 2025 FIA European Rally Championship. Mille and Johan have contested every round this season except for Hungary in May.