The Norwegian has clocked up 111 World Rally Championship events, with 16 podium finishes - all in a fearsome state-of-the-art 4WD Ford or Citroen cars. He enters this weekend's rally in a borrowed Ford Escort RS1800. It will be his first event in New Zealand, and his debut drive in a rear-wheel-drive Escort.
He was unfazed about the challenge when Drivesouth contacted him.
"I have some previous experience after driving both Volvos and Escorts in the past. But it's a long time ago. I do love to go sideways, so I'm sure I will enjoy it," Ostberg said.
He has been unable to drive a similar car in his native Norway and admits he will "need to adapt quickly ." As to whether he will get much mileage in the Rossendale Wines-supplied Escort once in New Zealand remains to be seen.
"I don't know exactly, but I'll use all possibilities that come up before the event to get some extra time in the car." Ostberg said.
He earnt himself the nickname Mad Mads due to his courage on the WRC circuit, especially over the famous jumps, where he loves to fly high and long.
Otago's infamous crests are sure to play into his hands and Ostberg will still start as the first seed given his extensive WRC experience.
The Otago Rally's reputation as a fantastic event Down Under had reached the former Ford, and current Citroen, World Championship factory driver, in Europe. However, it was Hayden Paddon's former WRC co-driver John Kennard who was instrumental in turning Ostberg's interest in the event into his appearance here.
"John has presented the idea really well. But I love rallying and I have heard a lot of good things about rallies in New Zealand. Also I thought it was a good opportunity for a travel adventure with my small family."
Kennard will step back into the passenger seat of Paddon's Hyundai i20 rally car for five New Zealand-based events this season, the first of which is the Drivesouth/Dunedin Isuzu Otago Rally.
Ostberg rates his fellow WRC driver as the most likely to take victory in the national championship section. "For sure he will do well and win. All my money is on him."
Ostberg will be co-driven by Belgian Stephane Prevot, who partnered Estonian Markko Martin to victory in the 2016 and 2017 Otago Classic Rallies.
They have not competed together before but Ostberg knows him and is "sure we will enjoy our time."
"While it will be difficult to go there for the first time and win, I'm looking forward to the challenge of driving the classic Escort and partnering with Stephane for the rally."
Ostberg joins a long list of international rally stars who have contested the Otago Classic Rally since 2002.
World rally champions Bjorn Waldegard, Hannu Mikkola, Ari Vatanen, Juha Kankkunen, Miki Biasion and Didier Auriol have all been past competitors, as have Michele Mouton, Alex Fiorio, Russell Brookes, Jimmy McRae, Gwyndaf Evans, and Pasi Hagstriim.
