Mikko Heikkilä is leading the opening round of ERC, V-Hid Rally Hungary, after two competitive days. The Toyota driver holds a lead of 2,3 seconds before the final day of the event.
Finnish rally driver Mikko Heikkilä, along with his co-driver Kristian Temonen, are leading the opening round of European Rally Championship, V-Hid Rally Hungary. Driving with the Toyota GR Yaris Rally2, fielded by the Italian team Step Five Motorsport, Heikkilä leads the pack into the final day with a margin of 2,3 seconds.
The three-day event began on Friday with a super special stage. For Heikkilä, the short stage was not a success, as the Finn found himself 16th after the opening stage. On the first proper day of the event, Heikkilä set his sights for the lead of the rally, and quickly elevated himself up to the battle for the win. By the end of the day, Heikkilä retook the lead he held during the morning loop, and leads the rally before the final day.
-The second loop of the day went really well, one of the best loops I’ve ever driven. I’m especially happy with the final two stages of the day. The time wasn’t as good as it could have been however, as we struggled with issues with the pop-off valve, Heikkilä said.
-In the morning loop we lost a bit of time, around six seconds, as we drove to a muddy corner that threw all the mud to our windshield, and we couldn’t get the windshield washers to work. Overall, we’ve lost about 20 seconds today, but on the other hand, despite all that we are leading the rally. Yet the bigger the gap the better, Heikkilä added.
Heikkilä’s Toyota has been proven fast in the rough and bumpy gravel roads of Hungary.
-GR Yaris Rally2 is strong in these conditions. Even with big ditches on the stages, there’s no need to lift off too much. The Michelin tires have been working very well here too, and you can really trust the tires. Tomorrow we’re aiming to continue where we left off today, Heikkilä stated.
V-Hid Rally Hungary continues on Sunday 14th of April with six special stages and a total of 88,18 special stage kilometres. The rally can be spectated via Rally.TV streaming service. Overall standings SS7/13:
1. Mikko Heikkilä 59:41,0 Toyota GR Yaris Rally2 FIN
2. Martins Sesks +2,3 Toyota GR Yaris Rally2 LVA
3. Simone Tempestini +6,3 Skoda Fabia RS Rally2 ROM
4. Hayden Paddon +12,0 Hyundai i20 N Rally2 NZL
5. Miko Marczyk +21,7 Skoda Fabia RS Rally2 POL
Rally Hungary itinerary: Sunday 14.4. – 88,18 km 09:27 SS8 – Iszka 1 15.34 km 10:35 SS9 – Tés 1 10.25 km 11:35 SS10 – Nagylőtér 1 11.50 km 13:59 SS11 - Iszka 2 15.34 km 15:07 SS12 – Tés 2 10.25 km 17:05 SS13 – Nagylőtér 2 (Power Stage) 18.50 km