Rautiainen and Niclas Grönholm achieved second place in the overall competition. For Grönholm, who is better known for his rallycross achievements, this podium finish was his first in the Finnish Rally Championship series.
“It’s really fun. Of course, there was a lot to learn since Niclas has a completely different pace note language and way and logic of doing them. It became clear during the tests what the logic was, but once the rally starts, it takes a little time to get into it,” Rautiainen told RallyJournal.com.
“My performance wasn’t quite 100% this time, but fortunately, we made it to the finish of every stage.”
Rautiainen serves in various capacities for the International Automobile Federation (FIA), including as a juror for World Rally Championship events. He won two world championships alongside Niclas’s father, Marcus Grönholm, during his active career.
According to the co-driver legend, there are similarities between father and son behind the wheel of a rally car.
“There’s a certain similar aggressiveness and courage in them. Neither respects the corners too much but believes that it will stay on the road as long as you push the gas pedal to the floor. They have a bit in common, but the pace note language is completely different,” Rautiainen said.
Last year, Rautiainen sat alongside Grönholm for one rally in Italy, but this was their first event together in a Rally2 car.
“It was nice to refresh memories and get an update to the present day. I’ve never sat in a Rally2 car before except in a test. This was the first rally with these. Really fun, and you could really see what kind of car this is,” Rautiainen shared.
“The car is very logical to drive and reliable. It has plenty of power and sufficient top speed. The chassis is absolutely fantastic. Just marvelous machines.”
However, his greatest eagerness for co-driving has subsided. Rautiainen doesn’t rule out the possibility of occasionally returning to the pace note book.
“I’ll turn 60 this year. Denis Giraudet is a couple of years older than me (68 years old, editor’s note), but he was still in Monte Carlo this season. I’m not saying never, but Niclas needs to find a regular co-driver now, with whom he can develop pace notes and practice. There needs to be continuity in their efforts,” Rautiainen concluded.
