British and Finnish Rally Championships join forces

Dulux Trade MSA British Rally Championship manager Mark Taylor recently visited Finland for the penultimate round of the Finnish Rally Championship, Vartti SM-Ralli, which took place during the Saturday of the bank holiday weekend.

The purpose of the visit was to get first-hand experience of a round of the Finnish Rally Championship and promote a closer working relationship between the championship organisers.

Taylor was invited to a meeting with Jarmo Mahonen, CEO of the Finnish Motorsport Federation and member of the FIA World Rally Commission. Both spoke about forming a closer alliance between the British and Finnish Rally Championships and working in partnership to provide training opportunities for drivers and co-drivers.

The visit was hosted by two time World Champion co-driver, Risto Mannisenmaki who is in charge of Finnish driver and co-driver development. Together with his assistant, Tuomo Nikkola, they are currently working with Esapekka Lappi, Jukka Korhonen and BRC Pirelli Star Driver finalist Mikko Pajunen who has been competing in the UK all season at the wheel of a Suzuki Swift.

"I had a very positive meeting with Jarmo (Mahonen) regarding the future of the sport and the demands we both face at national level. I was made very welcome by the organisers and we have agreed to meet again later this year with a view to seeking ways in which we can work together to provide beneficial opportunities to our competitors." explained Taylor.

-source: brc