WRC: Who will find the Finnish formula?

Steve · Jul 26, 2011

Who will find the Finnish formula? (minimotorsport.com)

Finland is a rally for specialists. You need a car with an optimal set-up and to be familiar with the Finnish routes to be up there challenging. Not an easy task for the MINI WRC Team.

Finally it is time for another competitive rally. The long wait since the first official outing of the MINI WRC Team at the Rally Italy on Sardinia will be over on Thursday when Kris Meeke, Dani Sordo and Co. set off on the first special stage of the Rally Finland.

Kris, in particular, is keen to show what he and co-driver Paul Nagle are capable in MINI John Cooper Works WRC number 52, after their race in Sardinia came to a premature end having completed just two special stages. "I am hungry for the Rally Finland," said Kris after the final test sessions, which also took place in Finland.

However, Dani will not be taking it easy after his promising sixth place in Sardinia. Alongside his experienced co-driver Carlos del Barrio, he will be looking to follow on from his performances at the Rally Italy in MINI WRC number 37. The meticulous preparation for the event in Scandinavia shows just how seriously the MINI WRC Team is taking the start in Finland.

The team has completed three extensive tests since May, the results of which were very promising. "I am impressed," Dani announced on Twitter following the latest tests, referring to the condition of the MINI WRC. Kris also gave his car top marks. "The car is reliable and feels very strong," said Kris after the test in Finland.

The technical department of the MINI WRC Team has done a good job of ensuring that Dani and Kris have two well-prepared cars. No easy task, particularly in Finland. The Rally Finland has certain perils that make a complex technical set-up of the car essential. On the one hand, the many jumps demand harder suspensions with a larger spring travel. On the other hand, the car should lie as low as possible in the corners and have good balance in order to be able to use maximum traction.

"Not many teams have found the right combination for Finland in the past," says Finland expert and Mini legend Rauno Aaltonen. In order to find the right formula for Finland, Aaltonen is working closely with the MINI WRC Team and will be available in a consultant capacity during the rally.

Another challenge is the rally's profile, which features a combination of fast sections, some tight corners and many spectacular jumps. In addition, six new special stages are planned for this year. For this reason, the organisers have scheduled three days for the route inspection and co-drivers Carlos and Paul met on-site last Friday to evaluate the key sections of the 1355-kilometre rally.

All in all it is not going to be an easy challenge for the MINI WRC Team in Finland, as Kris is aware: "You have to treat this rally with respect, as it is most specific with regards to knowledge." Whilst he promises he wants to be as fast as possible, he also admits: "I donâ€™t have that knowledge, so I am going to treat it with caution." Team Principal David Richards also knows: "Finland is a specialist event, which always suits the style of the local Scandinavian drivers."

For this reason, the MINI WRC Team has its sights set on a different goal to the highest possible finish â€“ to gain experience. Richards: "Our aim is to put more competitive miles on the cars and to get both drivers through to the finish in strong positions."

Anyone with experience and who knows the formula for Finland is in a good position for future races in Finland. Only next season will the MINI WRC Team join the official WRC raking list, when Dani, Kris and Co. will participate in every rally.
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