A year ago, it seemed highly likely that Suninen would secure a more permanent position with Hyundai’s WRC team. The Finn had put in strong performances with Hyundai’s Rally1 car in four WRC events and was a leading contender for a part-time seat in Hyundai’s third car.
In the end, however, Suninen was left without a Rally1 contract, as Hyundai instead hired Andreas Mikkelsen to share driving duties with Esapekka Lappi and Dani Sordo.
This year, Suninen competed in five WRC events in Hyundai’s Rally2 car in the WRC2 category. However, his performances yielded limited results, as he failed to score points in any of the events.
These results shouldn’t be over-analysed, though. Hyundai’s Rally2 car was not among the top vehicles in the category, and there were also recurring technical issues with the cars.
According to Suninen, he still has much to offer at the highest level in the World Rally Championship.
“Personally, I feel that I’m still, like from the skill side, in let’s say the best moment of the career,” Suninen told DirtFish.
“Last year I was strong already, I was able to show good pace. This year was difficult, but it made me even stronger. So I feel that I could do still even better results than the year before,” the Finnish driver added.
There have been rumours linking Suninen to a WRC2 drive with Toyota’s Rally2 car next season, which he tested earlier this autumn. However, Suninen remains tight-lipped about these speculations.
“I think it’s just people’s imagination what can happen. But I don’t want to comment on that topic by any words more than I did now,” said Suninen.
When asked if he expects to secure a place in the WRC next year, Suninen’s answer suggested he has learned from last year’s experiences.
“Last year we had agreed it and I didn’t have it, so this year I don’t want to say anything before I’m in the car.”
Suninen has not ruled out the possibility of driving for Toyota, but one thing is certain: he is determined to keep competing in the WRC and to return to the top of the sport.
“I would have something to prove for the people and soon the older generation is getting to the age that they start retiring, and at least then I should have a place there,” Suninen mused.
“But it will be, let’s say, after two years or something. And who knows where rallying is then.”
