Kauppinen, 18, will take part in the Sierra Morena tarmac rally next weekend in Córdoba, Spain. The event serves as the season opener for the European Rally Championship.
Rally Il Ciocco, driven last week in Italy, was the first tarmac rally of Kauppinen’s career. Conditions proved quite challenging, as rain made the roads slippery. Kauppinen finished eighth in his class.
Kauppinen admitted that tackling the rally in wet conditions perhaps posed a slightly too demanding challenge.
“We went into the wet stages without much preparation, and it did raise some concerns,” Kauppinen admitted.
“Saturday in particular was really slippery, but my confidence kept improving throughout. The pacenotes also came together surprisingly well, and getting a clean start gave a good feeling, even though the result wasn’t quite where it should have been,” Kauppinen reflected.
Originally, Kauppinen was supposed to drive a Lancia in Sierra Morena, but he’ll now take the wheel of the Italian make the following weekend in Alba, Italy. In Spain, Kauppinen will compete in the ERC’s junior category, driving the familiar Peugeot 208 Rally4 from his previous event.
Sierra Morena consists of 13 special stages, totalling 210 kilometres. This will give Kauppinen the chance to gain very valuable experience on tarmac. The Finn did, however, make one request.
“We’re heading into it with a good feeling, but hopefully we’ll get to drive in dry conditions,” Kauppinen hoped.
“I believe that on wide and flowing roads, I’ll be able to find the rhythm better. We’re still not focusing on the result – the most important thing is to finish and collect as much experience as possible,” Kauppinen explained.
Kauppinen’s co-driver will also change for Sierra Morena. This time, the seat will be taken temporarily by Topi Luhtinen, who normally co-drives for Japanese driver Hikaru Kogure. Sebastian Virtanen usually reads the pacenotes for Kauppinen.
Rally Sierra Morena kicks off on Friday 4 April with a spectator stage held in the centre of Córdoba. Both Friday and Saturday feature three special stages, each driven twice.
