Rumours about a joint programme for Suninen and Hussi had been circulating earlier, but the plan has now been officially confirmed. The duo will compete at Rally Sweden in mid-February, where they will contest points in the WRC2 category.
Suninen will drive a Toyota GR Yaris Rally2 run by the Italian team Delta Rally. At least on paper, the equipment should not be the limiting factor, as the WRC2 title has been won with the same model in each of the past two seasons.
“I have really good and eagerly anticipated feelings heading into Rally Sweden. Winter rallies have always suited me well, and driving on snow and ice in Sweden is exactly what I enjoy most about this sport,” Suninen said.
“I’m expecting a tough and evenly matched fight. Sweden is a performance rally where the driver and the car decide the result, and you don’t have to worry as much about reliability. If everything clicks and we’re able to perform at our best, I believe it’s possible to come away from Sweden with a really strong result,” he added.
Last season was a competitive gap year for Suninen, as his most recent WRC start before this came in 2024 with Hyundai Rally2 machinery. Earlier in his career, he also made numerous starts in the top category as a driver for M-Sport Ford and Hyundai. Now, he is set to make his first competitive start in a Toyota Rally2 car.
Although Suninen did not have a WRC programme last year, his ambition to return to the top of rallying remains strong. He hopes that this year will bring additional starts alongside Hussi.
“We are also working seriously towards adding more rallies to our programme this year. In this sport, that requires several pieces to fall into place, but the intention is not for this to be a one-off appearance,” Suninen said.
Suninen has never competed alongside Hussi before. Hussi’s co-driving career began just over three years ago, but she has already gained solid experience, having read pacenotes for drivers including Heikki Kovalainen, Lauri Joona and most recently Jari-Matti Latvala.
“Of course, there will be a learning process for both of us. Motivation is high on both sides, and we want to do the job properly. I’m heading into the rally with Janni feeling confident,” Suninen summed up.
This will be Hussi’s second start at Rally Sweden. She made her WRC debut in the Umeå region in 2024, competing alongside Lauri Joona.
“Teemu is a top-level driver, and I’m excited to jump into the car with him. We both have high ambitions. It’s great to return to WRC2 competition right at the start of the season,” Hussi said.
Rally Sweden will be held from 12 to 15 February. The WRC season gets under way next week at Rally Monte Carlo.
