Finnish drivers in good positions for the second day of competition in the World RX of Finland at KymiRing

The first rallycross World Championship in the history of the KymiRing started with the pre-favourite, the seven-time world champion of the sport. Sweden’s Johan Kristoffersson leads the race after two qualifying heats. Finnish Niclas Grönholm is second and Juha Rytkönen is fourth.

Grönholm found some room for improvement in the two starts, but the start to the race weekend was good!

– It’s okay, I’m running out of speed a bit, but this wasn’t the worst start. We’ll tighten up tomorrow, said Grönholm.

Juha Rytkönen, who is competing in the only combustion engine car at the KymiRing in the World RX, was disappointed with the difficult start.

– The start was difficult, but I gradually started to find confidence in the track and the car. I’m feeling good heading into tomorrow. It’s nice to be driving in Finland again, commented Rytkönen.

Euro RX1 class starts under Belevskiy

The lead in the Euro RX1 class of the European Championship is in the hands of the series leader, Yury Belevskiy from Switzerland. The Finns Mika Liimatainen is fourth, Anton Seppä fifth, Joni Turpeinen sixth, Mikko Ikonen ninth and Iivari Niemi twelfth.

Liimatainen’s car broke down in the second practice and the man had to miss the first heat.

– Practice sessions were short, we were repairing the car during the first heat. We got the car fixed a minute before the start of the second one, Liimatainen laughs.

Turpeinen had the right pace, but the starts were not going successful.

– The ride was good, but there were difficulties with the starts. We will try to continue the same pace on Sunday and get the starts in order, Turpeinen said after Saturday’s race.

Iivari Niemi, for his part, said he is on a study trip.

– The day as a whole improved all the time in terms of driving. There is still learning to do with the car, the tires and of course the new track, but I am looking forward to tomorrow’s race day, Niemi smiled.

The competition culminates on Sunday

On Sunday, two qualifying heats will be held at KymiRing in each class, followed by the semi-finals, with the best drivers competing in the finals of their classes.

The morning warm up starts at 9, with the competition events starting a little before 10 am for the national class and after 10 am for the other classes.

The standings after the 2/4 qualifying heats:

World RX-luokka: