16.6.2024 - Mikko Eskelinen continues in silver position at Finnish Rally Championship series Master Cup after FRC Pohjanmaa Rally

Three weeks ago in 4th round of Finnish Rally Championship series, which was driven in region of Turku, Flying Finn Mikko Eskelinen experienced his first-ever roll in his 17 years of rally career. Now in 5th round of the series, which was driven in region of Seinäjoki, he and his co-driver Arto Kapanen was able to finish the event in 8th position of FRC1-group. Skoda Fabia R5 EVO drivers continues in silver position at Masters Cup series as there are still two rounds to be driven.

- Fridays Super Special stage went very well. However next five stages I was too carefull especially on narrow roads. On final three stages I was able to increase my speed to the same level it has been on previous events. For mentally it was a big thing for me to finish the rally and even I went straight in one junction, I'm happy for the 8th position as the fixed car and the Dynamo Team worked without a problem, Eskelinen tells.

- Finnish Rally Championship standings looks like that the drive for medal positions is over for us as Championship leader Roope Korhonen, silver position driver Teemu Asunmaa and bronze position driver Benjamin Korhola is in control. Also as Masters Cup victory is going to Reijo Muhonen I need to think that shall I continue driving with Skoda Fabia R5 EVO in next round or shall I compete with Ford Fiesta RS WRC for the group victory. Ofcourse there is also a choice that we'll continue rallying in season 2025 edition of Arctic Lapland Rally, Eskelinen shares his thoughts.

Winner of FRC Pohjanmaa rally was Teemu Asunmaa who with his co-driver Ville Mannisenmäki drove nine special stages and 127 special stage kilometres 8,4 seconds faster than Championship leader Roope Korhonen.

Final results FRC Pohjanmaa Rally 14th - 15th June 2024, FRC1-group, Top-3:
1. Teemu Asunmaa & Ville Mannisenmäki, Skoda Fabia RS, 1:02:20,1
2. Roope Korhonen & Anssi Viinikka, Toyota GR Yaris Rally2, +8,4s
3. Benjamin Korhola & Sebastian Virtanen, Hyundai i20, +24,7s
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8. Mikko Eskelinen & Arto Kapanen, Skoda Fabia R5 EVO, +3:19,0s

Finnish Rally Championship standings 2024 (5/7 rounds): SM1-group, top-3:
1. Roope Korhonen, Skoda Fabia/Toyota GR Yaris Rally2, 88p
2. Teemu Asunmaa, Skoda Fabia RS, 75p
3. Benjamin Korhola, Hyundai i20, 74p
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7. Mikko Eskelinen, Skoda Fabia R5 EVO, 36p

Finnish Rally Masters Cup standings 2024: 5/7 rounds: top-5:
1. Reijo Muhonen, BMW M3, 51p
2. Mikko Eskelinen, Skoda Fabia R5 EVO, 35p
3. Kees Burger, Skoda Fabia R5, 32p
4. Arto Juolahti, Mitsubishi Lancer E10, 23p
5. Ville Ruokanen, Ford Fiesta Rally3, 23p

Onboard videos:
- FRC Pohjanmaa Rally 2024 SS1: Seinäjoki City
- FRC Pohjanmaa Rally 2024 SS2: Nopankylä
- FRC Pohjanmaa Rally 2024 SS3: Paavalinvuori
- FRC Pohjanmaa Rally 2024 SS4: Kytölä-Torstila #1
- FRC Pohjanmaa Rally 2024 SS5: Suorttila
- FRC Pohjanmaa Rally 2024 SS6: Kärkimäki
- FRC Pohjanmaa Rally 2024 SS7: Järviranta
- FRC Pohjanmaa Rally 2024 SS8: Kytölä-Torstila #2
- FRC Pohjanmaa Rally 2024 SS9: Ooperi

Images from the event