Mikkelsen’s pace wasn’t quite enough against Toyota’s Kalle Rovanperä during the day. However, Mikkelsen arrived at the evening service in second place, collecting valuable provisional points for Hyundai in the manufacturers’ championship.
Perhaps even more important for Mikkelsen was to show himself, his team, and the entire rally world that he still has the speed. The Norwegian has been in excellent form throughout the weekend in Hyundai’s Rally1 car, which has undoubtedly boosted his confidence.
“We have to be happy with our day. I think we drove really well today. Kalle is obviously very fast, and then we have to take big risks,” Mikkelsen admitted.
“I took the risk that I was willing to take, knowing that the car also needs to finish for the points. I think we can be happy.”
Mikkelsen won Rally Poland in 2016, and now he has the chance to fight for the top spot again after an eight-year break. But Mikkelsen will have a meeting with Hyundai’s team management before Sunday’s stages.
Due to the new points system, the danger for Mikkelsen is that he might not be allowed to attack on Sunday. Hyundai’s top drivers Thierry Neuville and Ott Tänak are certainly chasing big points on Super Sunday for the drivers’ championship battle.
“We could try to chase Kalle, but with our good road position and Tänak being first on the road, maybe we take driver’s points from Ott tomorrow, or from Thierry. So, I don’t know. It depends a little bit on what the team wants,” Mikkelsen explained to RallyJournal.com
If the team asks Mikkelsen to slow down, it might secure the Norwegian’s provisional points pot from Saturday night.
“We have to play the game a little bit, but I hope we can push tomorrow and fight for the win. It would be cool.”
