JWRC Champion 2006!
Name: Emil Axelsson
Born: 1983-08-26
Length: 190 cm
Weight: 84 kg
Lives: Österbymo, Ydre - Sweden
Occupation: Co-driver
Strength as a co-driver: Goal-oriented and calm
Email: emil@patriksandell.com
Already at the age of five Emil knew that he wanted to become a co-driver. Only days after he turned 13 in 1996 he did his first rally together with his father in an Opel Kadett GTE. Emil´s first rally didn´t last long, as they got engine problems after only two stages. But the debut had made a big impression on him. He was trapped. Eight years later Patrik called him and asked for help during one race – the new-formed team was successful from the beginning and fought for victory. What was mentioned to be a single rally has now lasted for several years.
Patrik about Emil
“The true meaning of the word serious changed when I met Emil. He is very determined and professional in his way of working, which makes me able to focus on my things. I know that he takes care of everything except driving.”
Fast fact:
Most emotional performance in sports:
The podium ceremony in Rally Finland 2007 was breath taking. Standing on the top of the podium, watching all those people cheering, is a memory for life. Especially as Finland is such a unique rally with the extreme high speed stages and all the jumps. I will do everything I can to win the “Grand Prix of gravel” again. Off course the feeling when we won the JWRC title was also very emotional. The feeling of reaching such a goal is beyond words…
What do you prefer to do when you have a day off?
I promised myself that I will use all time possible to really get in better physical shape. So from now on I guess you will find me on the gym or on the running track. But when I have to relax I will do it in some way among friends. The perfect winter day we spend on a frozen lake, where we make an ice track and drive with rear-wheel drive Volvo 240 ´s and just have fun – unfortunately the weather doesn´t allowed so often.
What´s your best tip to young rally drivers?
Never forget that rallying is the best thing in life. Even if time get´s tough, you´re really lucky that you get the opportunity to do the greatest thing in life! There´s a lot of people that wants to be in your situation, no matter which level you are on, but they don´t get the chance.
Which is your favourite rally?
Every rally has its own challenge and that´s what make the WRC such an experience. But Finland is very special – there you just have to leave the brain at the hotel room before you go out on the stages. The snow rallies are also fantastic with the support along the roads and New Zealand with its camber roads and...
Your most unforgettable flying experience? In Sweden there´s something special with “Colin´s Crest” – every rally driver talks about it and the spectators love it. Our first time over the jump was in our JWRC debut 2006. We were so excited to finally get the opportunity to try our wings over the jump, but what we’ve missed a bit was the upcoming right hander – we went long, long sideways…
Name: Emil Axelsson
Born: 1983-08-26
Length: 190 cm
Weight: 84 kg
Lives: Österbymo, Ydre - Sweden
Occupation: Co-driver
Strength as a co-driver: Goal-oriented and calm
Email: emil@patriksandell.com
Already at the age of five Emil knew that he wanted to become a co-driver. Only days after he turned 13 in 1996 he did his first rally together with his father in an Opel Kadett GTE. Emil´s first rally didn´t last long, as they got engine problems after only two stages. But the debut had made a big impression on him. He was trapped. Eight years later Patrik called him and asked for help during one race – the new-formed team was successful from the beginning and fought for victory. What was mentioned to be a single rally has now lasted for several years.
Patrik about Emil
“The true meaning of the word serious changed when I met Emil. He is very determined and professional in his way of working, which makes me able to focus on my things. I know that he takes care of everything except driving.”
Fast fact:
Most emotional performance in sports:
The podium ceremony in Rally Finland 2007 was breath taking. Standing on the top of the podium, watching all those people cheering, is a memory for life. Especially as Finland is such a unique rally with the extreme high speed stages and all the jumps. I will do everything I can to win the “Grand Prix of gravel” again. Off course the feeling when we won the JWRC title was also very emotional. The feeling of reaching such a goal is beyond words…
What do you prefer to do when you have a day off?
I promised myself that I will use all time possible to really get in better physical shape. So from now on I guess you will find me on the gym or on the running track. But when I have to relax I will do it in some way among friends. The perfect winter day we spend on a frozen lake, where we make an ice track and drive with rear-wheel drive Volvo 240 ´s and just have fun – unfortunately the weather doesn´t allowed so often.
What´s your best tip to young rally drivers?
Never forget that rallying is the best thing in life. Even if time get´s tough, you´re really lucky that you get the opportunity to do the greatest thing in life! There´s a lot of people that wants to be in your situation, no matter which level you are on, but they don´t get the chance.
Which is your favourite rally?
Every rally has its own challenge and that´s what make the WRC such an experience. But Finland is very special – there you just have to leave the brain at the hotel room before you go out on the stages. The snow rallies are also fantastic with the support along the roads and New Zealand with its camber roads and...
Your most unforgettable flying experience? In Sweden there´s something special with “Colin´s Crest” – every rally driver talks about it and the spectators love it. Our first time over the jump was in our JWRC debut 2006. We were so excited to finally get the opportunity to try our wings over the jump, but what we’ve missed a bit was the upcoming right hander – we went long, long sideways…
