Juha Rytkönen fondly remembers the previous World RX in Finland five years ago. It was a special time. The corona restrictions hit, competitors, officials and everyone who arrived at the competition area were tested for corona. The audience was not allowed to attend. The Tykkimäki circuit in Kouvola witnessed a fantastic race, which the spectators could only enjoy from their sofas at home.
In that same special competition, Juha Rytkönen made his first World Championship starts. And in what a great way: Rytkönen finished second, and at the same time became known to the entire rallycross world.
Now Rytkönen will return to the World RX in front of his home crowd, when the competition takes place at KymiRing this weekend. Rytkönen is currently fifth in the World Championship. The track is new to Rytkönen, as it is to almost everyone else taking part in the competition.
– The atmosphere is quite expectant, and I haven’t seen a new track other than Joni Turpeinen’s incar.
Turpeinen is taking part in this weekend’s competition in the Euro RX1 class and went to test his car on the track. The video recorded during the drive also helps Rytkönen get to know the track.
– The track looks interesting. It’s a great feeling to go and try it out, Rytkönen says.
And what about the success of the upcoming race weekend?
The corners of his mouth turn up towards his ears when Rytkönen talks about his first World RX race in Kouvola in 2020.
– I got to drive for Bosse’s (Marcus Grönholm) team. I was second, so I think it was a pretty good start. I got to do it in Finland, Rytkönen smiles.
– I think this is a great continuation. It’s like the circle didn’t close with that corona race. It’s nice to be back in Finland!
Rytkönen hopes that as many spectators as possible will be there!
– It is really important to get a lot of people in the stands and create a good atmosphere, he encourages motorsports fans to come!
Come meet Juha Rytkönen and other top drivers in Kouvola for Manski and take part in the ticket raffle!
Get ready for the race weekend with a meet & greet event, which will be held in the center of Kouvola, on the pedestrian street Manski on Thursday, August 21st at 6 p.m.!
Drivers including Grönholm, Kristofferson, Rytkönen, Veiby, Andersson, Liimatainen, Seppä and Turpeinen will be there. There will also be SuperCars.
It is worth coming to Manski in large numbers! Visitors can take part in a raffle where the prize is tickets to the weekend event!
FIA World RX and Euro RX events at KymiRing 23-24 August 2025!
Photos by: Jakub Nitka