Hyundai Shell Mobis WRT Announces Teemu Suninen as Third Driver for Rally Estonia and Rally Finland
In a surprise move, Finnish rally driver Teemu Suninen announced today that he will be taking the wheel of the third Hyundai i20 N Rally1 car for Hyundai Shell Mobis WRT in the upcoming Rally Estonia and Rally Finland events this summer.
Suninen, accompanied by co-driver Mikko Markkula, will be a part of the re-launched Hyundai Motorsport Driver Development Programme. This means they will not only drive the Rally1 car but also contribute to its development, alongside the Hyundai i20 N Rally2. The Finnish duo was previously spotted testing the Rally1 car in their native Finland, where the team is currently based.
Suninen has been representing Hyundai in WRC2 since the end of 2021, after parting ways with M-Sport Ford WRT. However, this will mark his second and third outings in the top class for the team, following his debut at Rally Monza in Italy last season, where he stepped in for Ott Tänak.
“I’m excited to get back behind the wheel of a top-tier car; it’s been a while,” Suninen expressed in his social media announcement. “Estonia and Finland have historically been strong rallies for me, but adapting to the Hyundai i20 N Rally1 hybrid and its hybrid system with limited testing will be a significant challenge.”
The news comes after Craig Breen’s tragic passing during a pre-event test accident ahead of Rally Croatia in April. With Breen initially slated to drive the third car in the fast gravel rallies, Dani Sordo has since taken on the responsibility of driving in all rallies. Hyundai’s decision to bring Suninen on board fills the gap left by Breen’s untimely departure.
“It’s essential to have 110% confidence in these sprint rallies, where pushing flat out from the starting line is crucial. I’ll need to be patient, and only time will tell if our approach pays off. My goal is to learn the car step by step, gradually increase my pace, and bring valuable points to the team,” Suninen added.
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