Dominguez opened KMS Racing’s podium tally of the year
KMS Racing’s Diego Dominguez finished third in the FRC2 category in the Arctic Lapland Rally. Meanwhile in FRC3, the young Finn Raoul Dahlqvist is getting to grips with his Ford Fiesta Rally4, with the 18-year-old improving his pace throughout the two-day event.
Official M-Sport Partner in Finland, KMS Racing, competed with two Ford Fiestas at the traditional Arctic Lapland Rally. The event marked the second round of the Finnish Rally Championship for Raoul Dahlqvist, as well as a practice rally for the Paraguayan Diemo Dominguez.
In FRC2 category, Dominguez and co-driver, Spaniard Rogelio Penate, got to a quick start on snow. Driving top three stage times during most of the rally and winning two stages, SS2 and SS10, the shakedown for the upcoming Junior WRC season and the WRC Sweden was rewarded with a podium finish.
-I’m happy for the results and our performance, as we were on pace with the Scandinavian drivers here. This was good preparation for WRC Sweden, and we’ll try not to repeat the same mistakes there. We were happy with the car and of course with the team. It was important for us to compete in Finland, as it is the home of the rally. A great experience, Dominguez said after the event.
In FRC3 category, Dahlqvist and co-driver Patric Öhman started off carefully, but improved throughout the event. Whilst slight technical issues troubled the Finnish crew, they were sorted out and the pace was starting to show. For the 18-year-old Dahlqvist, it’s back to the boot camp soon after the rally as the young Finn is carrying out his mandatory military service this year.
-The feeling isn’t the most upbeat, but we got through this difficult rally. A couple of stages were good, and we took it easy on the last stage just to be sure. I’m starting to get in grips with the car, and it’s a really good and fun car to drive. We’ll continue learning on the next round in Tuuri, it’s a new event on the calendar so it’s interesting to see what the organizers have planned for us, Dahlqvist said.
Dahlqvist is set to continue the Ralli SM season at the third round of the championship in Alavus in 8th to 9th of March. Dominguez’s JWRC season kicks off in WRC Sweden on 15th to 18th of October.
Arctic Lapland Rally results
FRC2:
1. Henri Hokkala 1:45:41,9 Ford Fiesta Rally3
2. Jooa Iivari +0,8 Renault Clio Rally3
3. Diego Dominguez +58,0 Ford Fiesta Rally3
4. Toni Herranen +5:17,1 Ford Fiesta Rally3
FRC3:
1. Tuukka Kauppinen 1:51:02,4 Ford Fiesta Rally4
2. Leevi Lassila +2:17,8 Ford Fiesta Rally4
3. Juhana Raitanen +3:54,0 Peugeot 208 Rally4
4. Ossi Pohjanharju +5:23,8 Ford Fiesta Rally4
6. Raoul Dahlqvist +8:30,8 Ford Fiesta Rally4
Photo: Merita Mäkinen
