This year, Korhonen is competing not only in the WRC2 class of the World Rally Championship but also in the ERC’s gravel rallies. The Finnish driver made his debut in the European series over the weekend on Hungary’s special stages.
Toyota driver Korhonen battled fiercely at the front of the field throughout the weekend against Italian rival Andrea Mabellini. Korhonen took the lead for the first time with only two stages remaining.
The victory in the gravel rally was effectively sealed on the penultimate stage, when Mabellini’s car suffered a suspension failure. This gave Korhonen a solid lead of over half a minute heading into the final stage, and he never relinquished his top spot.
Korhonen and his co-driver Anssi Viinikka are competing in the ERC gravel rallies this year with backing from tyre manufacturer MRF.
“It went well right from the start, the pace was there, and the tyres worked brilliantly. We took a few of the rougher stages a bit more cautiously, but otherwise we were able to push the whole time,” Korhonen summed up.
Korhonen started the final loop of three stages virtually neck and neck with Mabellini. At this point, he took a gamble with his tyre strategy.
“We only carried one spare tyre for the final loop, so I was a bit nervous, but in the end the decision was the right one,” said Korhonen.
Conditions on the Hungarian gravel roads were extremely tough. Most crews suffered at least one puncture during the weekend. Korhonen also had a tyre failure on the first stage of the final loop, but luckily he avoided any more issues over the remaining two stages.
“Thanks to the team, to Rautio Motorsport, and to all our supporters – we’ve also gained some new partners for this ERC project, so thanks to everyone,” Korhonen said.
There won’t be much time for Korhonen to celebrate his ERC rally win, as he is competing this week in Rally Portugal. At the end of May, he is set to take part in Royal Rally of Scandinavia as part of his ERC schedule.
