In Saturday’s rally, Joona clocked nine fastest times out of ten special stages. He secured first place with an impressive margin of 31.6 seconds ahead of Roope Korhonen, who clinched the national championship title.
Joona, driving a Škoda, participated in only his second Finnish Rally Championship event of the season. In February’s Arctic Rally, the driver from Sastamala went off the road during the third special stage. This victory in Kitee marked Joona’s third career win. Last season, he celebrated wins in both Lahti and Seinäjoki.
“A clean and good rally for us. It was a great day. We enjoyed the driving and the varied roads, which were fast and really suited my style. It was definitely fun. Our pace notes worked well, and Tuukka (Shemeikka) delivered them perfectly, making it easy to drive,” Joona summarised.
“After the international season, it was nice to return to Finland, rally, and show our faces and car to the domestic audience. We came to Kitee for driving experience and visibility, and we got both.”
This year, Joona competed in seven rounds of the WRC2 category. His only podium finish came in Rally Portugal, where he placed third. The success didn’t quite match expectations, but Joona has his sights set on international rallies next year.
“Next year, the rallies will continue. I want to keep pursuing an international programme, as there’s still room for improvement in the WRC. We also aim to compete in as many events as possible in Finland,” Joona explained.
“I can’t say anything specific yet until we get the full package together. Before the season ends, the plan is possibly to race in one or two more rallies abroad.”
