The 29-year-old Citroën driver secured a crucial class victory in the Rally Chile just under two weeks ago. With this WRC2 win, Rossel kept his chances for this season’s championship alive.
In practice, Rossel would need to win the WRC2 class at next week’s Central European Rally to move ahead of Oliver Solberg in points. Additionally, for Rossel to secure the championship, Sami Pajari would need to fall short in the season finale in Japan.
Rossel’s ambitions reach beyond the WRC2 title. He has shown his capabilities, particularly on tarmac and in slower gravel events. It would be intriguing to see how Rossel would fare behind the wheel of a Rally1 car.
Rossel’s ultimate aim is to step up to the top tier of the WRC. This ambition prompted him to bring on a new co-driver midway through the season.
Arnaud Dunand stepped aside after the Rally Portugal, and since the Rally Finland in August, Rossel has been partnered with Florian Barral.
“The reason is just that Arnaud wanted to stop. I don’t know exactly why. Maybe too much pressure,” Rossel explains.
With Barral by his side, Rossel is pursuing his goal to reach the pinnacle of the sport.
“For a long time, the plan has been to move up to Rally1. We have the same target, and we are working to be there in Rally1. It may be too much for someone else, but for me, it’s like that. I want to prove I am ready for Rally1,” Rossel states.
Rossel is an intriguing name in the driver market, but a downside for the Frenchman is that Rally1 seats are limited. Still, Rossel keeps his lines of communication open with WRC teams.
“I have discussed a bit, but there’s no real opportunity at the moment. I think maybe after the other guys, we can discuss more. For sure, the plan is to get into Rally1 and prove my speed. I want to know if I have the level to fight at the top level,” Rossel says.
