The Arctic Lapland Rally winner, who burst into the spotlight in late January, will continue his busy schedule this year. Previously, his events were limited to Finland, but from spring onwards, the young driver from Finland will get acquainted with Europe’s special stages.
Kauppinen is competing in the Finnish Rally Championship (SM), as well as the European Rally Championship (ERC) and the Italian Rally Championship this season. In Europe, however, he will be driving a lower-category car, as he takes part in events with Lancia’s new two-wheel-drive rally car. The main objective is to gain experience on tarmac.
Although Kauppinen started his motorsport career in karting, tarmac rallying is completely new to him.
“It’s all new to me, of course. I haven’t done a single rally on tarmac. I’m going in to learn, and I don’t have much idea yet how it will go,” Kauppinen told RallyJournal.com.
The young rally talent competed abroad for the first time in Sweden in February – immediately at WRC level. Later this year, his schedule includes the WRC rounds in Finland and Estonia, but the most important lessons will come from smaller championships and a smaller car.
On gravel, Kauppinen has already proven his speed. Now, he must master another key element – preferably quickly.
“The next big step is to learn to drive on tarmac just as well as on gravel. I’m sure it’ll start coming together,” Kauppinen reflected.
In the early months of the year, Kauppinen has been competing in winter rallies at a rapid pace in Finland. As the season transitions, his focus will shift to Lancia and the upcoming tarmac challenges.
“I don’t know exactly when we’ll test yet. Probably in a couple of weeks. It’s still undecided where and when, but the plan is to get going soon and see what it’s all about,” Kauppinen said.
