10.3.2024 - Mikko Eskelinen and Arto Kapanen had a nostalgic rally in Tuuri - Co-driver started his career in 38 years ago at the same stage which was also now driven

After three Finnish Rally Championship events Mikko Eskelinen is in silver position at Masters Cup standings. In third round of the series, which was driven in region of Tuuri, the Flying Finn collect sixth highest FRC1-group Championship points. Even the seven stages and altogether 94,9 special stage kilometres were in excellent conditions, Skoda Fabia R5 EVO drivers couldn't reach the desired pace. Therefore sixth position was a big dissapointment Dynamo Team drivers.

- A month ago in Arctic Lapland Rally we were able to increase our speed. However now we couldn't do the same and therefore we're not happy. It's frustrating to see that our fellow rivals have done improvement and we're not. Therefore sixth highest Championship points were far away from what our goals were, Eskelinen tells.

- Positive thing is that we had a very nostalgic trip. Before the event got underway we celebrated my co-drivers 38 years career as he started his job in the same stage which rally was also started this year. Then after cake and coffee we went to the same stage. In 38 years ago Kapanen competed with 1300cc Lada and now 1600cc Skoda. I felt very honoured and priviledged to make this time trip into season 1986 with a person who has been my co-driver for past 12 seasons, Eskelinen continues.

Winner of FRC Tuuri rally was reigning WRC3 World Champion Roope Korhonen. He leads the series by 34 points for Benjamin Korhola and 27 points margin to multiple Finnish Rally Champion Teemu Asunmaa. However after the rally Asunmaa was disqualified because of too light rally car.

- Because in Masters Cup the series leader Reijo Muhonen collect 7th highest Championship points we rised into silver position in overall standings. In next rally, which is to be driven in final weekend of May, there will be lots of stake also in FRC1-group. Furthermore I'm aiming to compete a tarmac rally in Spain later this season, Eskelinen shared his plans.

Final results FRC Tuuri Rally, Alavus 8th-9th March 2024: SM1-group, top-3: 
1. Roope Korhonen & Anssi Viinikka, Toyota Toyota GR Yaris Rally2, 48:24,2    
2. Teemu Asunmaa & Ville Mannisenmäki, Skoda Fabia RS, +23,0s *
3. Niclas Grönholm & Timo Rautiainen, Skoda Fabia RS, +42,0s
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9. Mikko Eskelinen & Arto Kapanen, Skoda Fabia R5 EVO, +2:59,8s

Finnish Rally Championship standings 2024: 3/7 events, SM1-group, Top-3:
1. Roope Korhonen, Skoda Fabia RS, 70p
2. Benjamin Korhola, Hyundai i20, 46p
3. Teemu Asunmaa, Skoda Fabia RS, 43p
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7. Mikko Eskelinen, Skoda Fabia R5 EVO, 28p

Masters Cup standings 2024: 3/7 events: top-5:
1. Reijo Muhonen, BMW M3, 39p
2. Mikko Eskelinen, Skoda Fabia R5 EVO, 28p
3. Arto Juolahti, Mitsubishi Lancer E10, 23p
4. Ville Ruokanen, Ford Fiesta Rally3, 23p
5. Kees Burger, Skoda Fabia R5, 19p

Pictures from the rally:



Pictures from Pre-Rally Tests, Jyväskylä (Moksi)