31.10.2026 - Mikko Eskelinen dramatically crashed into cliff out in Rallye Ciudad de Granad - Flying Finns collect P1 and P2 after fierce racing
In season 2026 edition of Rallye Ciudad de Granada, which was driven in South-Spain Andalucia, Calm Competicio driver Mikko Eskelinen and his co-driver Arto Kapanen were in intense battle for 5th position in overall classifications after four stages. At the end section of fifth stage they encountered a fast-paced off with their Toyota GR Yaris Rally2 and were forced to retire the event.
In qualifying Eskelinen and Kapanen drove P7 in total of 19 Rally2 drivers and in first two stages they tackle with heavy dust which led to very low vicibility and were steadly in 7th position in overall classifications after four stages, but just 5,7 seconds behind 5th position. However at the final section of the fifth stage, Eskelinen encountered a small mistake in pace notes which led into fast-paced crash and rolling in cliff.
- We had a good start for the rally even in two first stages we tackled with low vicibility due dust. Then for the fifth stage we entered with an attack mode and we're in excellent pace after first 20 kilometres. Then in fast-paced section we went off due a small mistake in pace notes and rolled the car on cliff. When the car stopped rolling we immediately noticed that the grass was on fire which was set by hot brakes. Fortunately we were able to stop the fire, Eskelinen shared his dramatical moments.
- Despite the off I'm very happy for my pace and even we couldn't match our pace for the rally winner Roope Korhonen we still could drive an excellent competition with top Spanish Gravel Championship drivers. Ffifth position in overall classifications would have been reachable but now we just have to try again in next season, Flying Finn continues.
Finnish rally drivers Roope Korhonen and Mikko Heikkilä drove an intense racing for the victory. Eventually after eight tricky special stages Roope Korhonen and his co-driver Anssi Viinikka were 7,3 seconds faster than Mikko Heikkilä and his co-driver Kristian Temonen.
Final results Ciudad de Granada rally 2026, overall top-3:
1. Roope Korhonen (FIN) & Anssi Viinikka (FIN), Toyota GR Yaris Rally2, 54:42.6
2. Mikko Heikkilä (FIN) & Kristian Temonen (FIN), Skoda Fabia RS Rally2, +7.3s
3. Max Smart (KEN) & Alejandro Lopez (ESP), Ford Fiesta R5 MkII, +1:30.3
--- ret. Mikko Eskelinen (FIN) & Arto Kapanen (FIN), Toyota GR Yaris Rally2, offroad ek5
