Co-driver Miikka Anttila.

Our goal in this contest was to chase after third position and with these points we could win the whole Subaru Cup. Fears came true on second stage, when second gear started malfunctioning. Before that we were leading, but because of the problems we dropped second. Roads were slippery and we drove slow, so second gear should have been handy. We persistently continued the struggle, although the gear was not working every time. It appeared for a while that rally is too long for us and others are going to catch us. When it became dark, I could keep up the pace while others slowed down a bit. Battle was worthwhile and we won the Subaru Cup.

12th overall, 2nd in Subaru-Cup, Win of Subaru-Cup

Subaru VRX 4 four-wheel drive, group N.
Service team Motoring Club.
Rally engineer Esko Reiners

Co-driver Miikka Anttila.

Last round of British Rally Championship. First rally which I could drive through without mistakes. We drove fastest times in 12 stages out of 14. When Laukkanen and Milner weren´t competing, it was great to end these rounds at 1st overall.

1st overall, 4th in British Rally Championship

Ford Focus WRC -01
Service team M-Sport
Rally engineer Esko Reiners

Co-driver Miikka Anttila.

There was 150 km of special stages. After second stage, we were eight seconds behind the leader. But on third stage problems began. Car started to be very hungry for fuel and we were afraid that we haven´t got enough fuel. Also engine had an air leak. Engine stopped many times on stage four. We believed already that we have to retire. And then suddenly engine started to get more fuel and we survived to service halt (46. overall). Service didn´t find the fault, but we decreased power, so fuel consumption would be smaller. It succeeded and so began the crazy chase, which was enough for finishing third in Subaru Cup.

11th overall, Subaru Cup 3rd

Car: Subaru WRX, four-wheel drive, group N.
Service team: Motoring Club
Engineer: Esko Reiners

Co-driver Miikka Anttila.

For first three rainy and slippery stages we chose softer tyres, when other took harder ones. We set a benchmark of 30 seconds comparing to other Subarus. We drove the rest of the day sensibly and gab shrunk only little. This was the first time we won Subaru Cup round. Success felt really nice.

5th overall, Subaru Cup 1st

Car: Subaru WRX, four-wheel drive, group N.
Service team: Motoring Club
Engineer: Esko Reiners

Co-driver Miikka Anttila.

Two first stages went just in getting used to the car after driving group N. Cars new active diff settings seemed really nice. We fought really hard with Laukkanen in narrow roads. In the morning of second day gab was five seconds. We tried to claw back the deficit, but we slid off cause of a bad note. We lost 1,5 minutes and fell third. I drove good times in the end of the day, which brought me confidence after driving off.

3rd overall

Ford Focus WRC -01
Service team M-Sport
Rally engineer Esko Reiners

Co-driver Miikka Anttila.

First day was very difficult, four punctures, from which one we had to change on the middle of stage. We lost eight minutes, when drive shaft broke. After first leg our placing was 33rd overall. Second day began with dust problems, but afternoon was clearer and better. We drove good times in the end of the day.

20th overall, Subaru Cup 3rd.

Car: Subaru WRX, four-wheel drive, group N.
Service team: Motoring Club
Engineer: Esko Reiners

Co-driver Miikka Anttila.

Pressures were enormous in start, because two previous contests in asphalt in Britain had ended to ditch. I started very cautiously, but I found my confidence and speed soon. We stayed in second place in slippery asphalt for a long time. On third last stage one Irish guy passed us by in times and we tried to catch him. But I didn´t do very well, I overshot a junction and engine stopped. I tried to start but I didn´t manage before I switched the main current off and on again. We lost 45 seconds and we were fourth. In finish I was disappointed but on the other hand I had learned again a lot.

4th overall

Ford Focus WRC -01
Service team M-Sport
Rally engineer Esko Reiners

Co-driver Miikka Anttila.

From Germany straight to Isle of Man. Tiredness affected in making of notes and that´s why there were small mistakes in notes. Tarmac roads were difficult and rough. I started carefully and then I speeded up. That continued on second day. I was second in overalls. I tried to narrow the deficit of 20s to first car. But I went off the road on SS15, partially because of slip in notebook.

retirement SS15

Ford Focus WRC -01
Service team M-Sport
Rally engineer Esko Reiners

Co-driver Miikka Anttila.

My first rally in Finland. I had a good test with Corolla. I was really nervous before the rally. After first stage I could relax and I was feeling good about driving. In whole, not a single mistake. I drove steadily and I was pleased with the result.

4th overall

Toyota Corolla WRC 98, group A.
Service team JM Engineering.
Rally engineer Esko Reiners

Co-driver Carl Williamson.

Rally began poorly. On Friday SS2 I hit paving stone – puncture. Saturday was rainy and it was very slippery. Stages from three to five went well, only once engine stopped and I was 6th overall. It was my first time competing in tarmac in wet conditions in Britain. Stage 6 was really slippery. Because my minor experience and over trying I drove heavily off the road.

retirement SS6

Ford Focus WRC -01
Service team M-Sport
Rally engineer Esko Reiners