HMDP Preview: Jari and Antti return to scene of 2017 victory in Finland

There’s no place like home – just ask our HMDP crew Jari and Antti! They made the most of a home advantage in Rally Finland twelve months ago to take a memorable WRC2 victory. One year later, and they are aiming to repeat that success in our i20 R5.

For our Finnish duo, the high-speed routes will be very familiar even if the event route itself differs significantly from last year’s round. With the gravel roads lined by local supporters, they will have the home crowds cheering them every stage of the way.

“I’m looking forward to putting on a spectacular event for our home fans,” said Jari. “I feel really comfortable with these conditions and we know we can be strong on gravel.”

Practice makes perfect

It will be the fourth event of the WRC2 season for the crew, following Sweden, Mexico and Portugal. In each of the rallies so far, the HMDP duo has embraced a steep learning curve in challenging conditions.

Our Team Principal Michel added: “Their first three rallies were a useful part of their learning curve. We are expecting them to put those experienced to good use in Finland. We know they have the ingredients to be fighting at the front.”

Taking part in Rally Estonia, the crew arrive on home soil in positive spirits and determined to put in a representative performance.

“We have learned a lot working with the Hyundai Motorsport team,” added Jari. “it won’t be easy with such a competitive WRC2 field, but we are ready to show our ability to put together a strong rally – from beginning to end.”

The 23-stage rally, based at Jyväsklyä, gets underway on Thursday with shakedown and the opening 2.31km Harju stage.