Finnish WRC2 crew start season at Rally Sweden

Emil Lindholm and Reeta Hämäläinen started their WRC2 season at Rally Sweden (February 15-18). In an i20 N Rally2 prepared by the French CHL Sport Auto team they finished 12th overall on the snow and ice event – taking seventh among the WRC2 crew on the event.

The pair were running in the top ten overall before a minor mechanical problem on Friday’s penultimate stage dropped them to 17th. Fortunately, the issue was quickly fixed before the final test, allowing them to set the third fastest time within WRC2. Consistency throughout Saturday saw Emil and Reeta retake many of the lost positions, moving back up to 12th.

The duo held their position through Sunday. On the penultimate stage – the 25km Västervik 2 – Emil and Reeta set their best time within WRC2 – second fastest – further emphasising their performance potential in the car.

Hyundai Motorsport Customer Racing Manager Benoit Nogier said: “In WRC2 drivers with Hyundai Motorsport-built cars have put in strong performances. Emil Lindholm and Reeta Hämäläinen showed consistent pace at Rally Sweden to start their season with CHL Sport Auto in WRC2. Further developments for the i20 N Rally2 are due in the next few months to further support their campaign and those of our other customers.”