Defending Intercontinental Rally Challenge champion Juho Hänninen will be hoping for a change of fortune when he contests Sata Rallye Açores later this week.
The 29-year-old is returning to the IRC after skipping the previous round, June’s GEKO Ypres Rally. He will drive a ŠKODA Fabia Super 2000 for the Czech factory team alongside co-driver Mikko Markkula.
Hänninen was leading in the Azores with two stages left to run last season only to pick up a puncture and drop back to an eventual third overall.
“This is our third appearance in the Azores and we didn’t have much luck here last year, so I hope that we will do a lot better this time,” said the Finn, a winner of seven IRC events. “I like this island, it is really beautiful.”
Hänninen has a strong record on gravel rallies, including in this year’s Super 2000 world championship, which he is contesting alongside his IRC campaign. Of the three events he has tackled this season, he has finished second twice and first on one occasion.