Heikkilä to tackle his sixth career-inspiring home rally of Secto Rally Finland

Finnish rally driver Mikko Heikkilä competes in the upcoming Secto Rally Finland in the WRC2 category. The event marks the Finn’s career-sixth Secto Rally Finland – an event that inspired the Skoda driver’s career.

Finnish rally driver Mikko Heikkilä and co-driver Kristian Temonen are competing in the home event of the Finnish rallying, Secto Rally Finland, this weekend. The traditional and fast gravel roads of Central Finland host the 10th round of the WRC calendar. Heikkilä, who competes with the TGS Motorsport Skoda, is eager to attack the stages of his home country – with some new stages on the itinerary this year as well.

- The feeling after testing is good so far, and we got a few ideas during them. The quality of those ideas will be revealed throughout the weekend though. After one day of recce on Tuesday, the route looks great, and the new additions to the event, such as Sydänmaa and Hoho, are welcome ones, Heikkilä said.

The attraction of Jyväskylä is not just about the scenic and challenging route, but the atmosphere of the home rally. The 75-years-old event has been inspiring many Finnish racing drivers, including Heikkilä.

- Secto is an amazing event, and one of the events that got me into rallying. As a small kid, and admittedly as a slightly older kid as well, we were here spectating the rally and I was dreaming of being able to one day drive on these roads. Now it’s our sixth time here. A lot of friends, partners, and fans are lining up the stages, and the atmosphere is just great. It’s always a pleasure to go to Jyväskylä, and this is one of the best events one can do, Heikkilä commented.

Heikkilä, who competes in the WRC2 category with number 42, is aiming for a mistake-free rally.

- The goal is the same as always before. For me, it’s a normal rally in terms of preparation, and we try not to think of the results too much but instead focus on our own rally – that’s the best chance for success. Let’s see how the rally begins, but I’d be happy with a mistake-free performance, Heikkilä ends.

Secto Rally Finland is held from 30th of July to 2nd of August in Jyväskylä, Finland. The rally is shown live via Rally.tv streaming service.