It was always going to be a steep learning curve kind of a year for Teemu Suninen, but the young Finn has made steady progress in his M-Sport Ford Fiesta WRC and is looking for another strong performance on this weekend’s Wales Rally GB.
Already a winner in Wales when he lifted the WRC 2 trophy in 2015, Suninen was also in the mix for the podium positions last year. Making his fifth appearance at the event, Suninen will be partnered by the experienced Jarmo Lehtinen – who won Rally GB back in 2007.
“I really like this rally and have done well there in the past,” says Suninen. “I didn’t have a lot of experience of the stages last year, but I was really pleased with my performance – setting some good times and running in podium position before having to retire. So the goal this year will be to continue that performance, and see if we can challenge for the top positions.
“We completed a full day of testing in Greystoke and, even though the base there is a bit harder than what we’ll see in Wales, I think we managed to find a good set-up and will be able to deliver a good performance on these challenging stages.
“Maybe the biggest challenge though is the lack of sleep. Probably we will only get about four or five hours a night – and the road sections to the first stage can be pretty long. It will be physically and mentally challenging to stay alert in those first stages, but that is all part of the challenge in Wales.”
Teemu Suninen and Jarmo Lehtinen wear Stilo WRC DES Zero 8860 helmets.
