The two-day Arctic Lapland Rally opened the 2010 Finnish Rally Championship season in Rovaniemi, and was held between 29th – 30th January. J.Salo, driving the TEIN Type Gr.N equipped Lancer Evo.X has dominated this traditional winter rally in the past and has won 2 consecutive times at Rovaniemi before.
J.Salo was looking to continue with his winning pace from the last two rallies of 2009, and also to repeat the win at Rovaniemi again.
“Preparations for the season proceeded very well. We have done improvements to many parts of the car. Winning is never easy but considering all the tests we have driven, I see that we are ready to hit hard to the victory battle”, J.Salo commented.
On Day 1, J.Salo was the fastest driver and managed to set the fastest times in 4 out of 6SS. At the end of the day, he was 8.4seconds ahead of second place J.Ketomäki.
“It’s no need to change the tactic for tomorrow. Let’s keep the accelerator pedal in the right position”, J.Salo said smiling.
On Day 2, trouble arose for J.Salo. Just before the end of the 28-kilometer opening stage, J.Salo’s car lost power. He had to struggle with the problem in the next two stages before coming in for the first service. J.Salo had lost over a minute but pushed hard to catch up to 4th position. Unfortunately on the last stage, he drove a corner wide, hit a snow bank and broke his rear tyre. He finished the day in 9th position but the damage was done.
Luckily his performance on Day 1 was enough for him to finish on the podium in 3rd overall place in the two day rally. Please look forward to more action in the next round in Mikkeli. |
