Halonen, who will soon turn just 16, has joined the Skoda importer Helkama-Auto Oy’s Skoda Young Talent programme, and at the same time, he will also switch classes in next season’s Finnish Rally Championship.
During the past season, Halonen competed in the SM4 class and won the championship. In addition, he also took the Finnish Junior Championship title, but starting next year he will race in the SM3 class.
Having begun his rallying career at the age of 11 together with Enni Mälkönen, Halonen also belongs to the AKK coaching group. The Flying Finn Academy training programme has, over the years, helped shape some of the biggest names in motorsport, as through the same academy have risen to the top the likes of Kimi Räikkönen, Valtteri Bottas, and now Esapekka Lappi, who has come to support Halonen.
“Of course, you get a lot of advice related to physical training, and there are also instructors there. You can get good tips from them as well. It’s only a plus,” Halonen said, referring to the AKK coaching programme.
However, the young and outspoken Halonen didn’t hold back when talking about AKK.
“Those AKK guys are a bit old-fashioned. They do have knowledge, but EP still has a bit more of it,” Halonen burst out, making the listeners erupt in laughter.
Next season, Halonen will drive with the support of RTE Motorsport, even though he cannot compete with a Skoda. According to Esapekka Lappi, there were natural reasons for this.
“Over the years, we’ve supported many young drivers, and for the simple reason that the future lies with the young. As someone with a family, I feel that helping others is important. When you’re young and just starting your career, you might simply not have the money. Bluntly put, now that I have some status, it’s easier to find that support – but I don’t really need it anymore. When you do need it, you can’t find it. That’s why we’ve felt it’s good to give something back,” Lappi said.
Lappi considers Halonen a great talent – mature beyond his years.
“He’s still just a kid, even if he doesn’t look like one,” Lappi laughed.
“He’s quite mature in his manner and can talk sensibly, even though he did just criticise those AKK guys a bit. But mostly he speaks quite wisely,” Lappi continued.
“That’s what struck me first when I met him. You sometimes forget how young he really is. And of course, I’ve seen how he works in the Finnish Championship and how strong his motivation is. That alone takes you quite far,” Lappi praised.
