Only first place will do for Juho Hänninen on Sata Rallye Açores, according to the ŠKODA Motorsport ace.
The defending Intercontinental Rally Challenge champion will take a lead of 1.3s into the final five all-gravel stages on the mid-Atlantic island of São Miguel today (Saturday). And the 29-year-old from Finland has no plans to settle for second behind close rival Andreas Mikkelsen.
He said: “It’s going to be a big battle with Andreas that’s for sure. I’m not interested in second so I will be pushing for victory.”
Mikkelsen, however, admitted that a second place finish would represent a major upturn in form for the ŠKODA UK Motorsport star, who has yet to finish on the podium in the IRC this season.
“It’s important to get these points,” said the 22-year-old from Norway. “Second would be a great result and to go for the win would need a big push. I want to win, of course, but I have to think about what is best for the team.”