Vatanen’s Rally2 debut showcased his speed whilst gaining all the experience from Portugal
Finnish ERC3 champion Ville Vatanen made his ERC1 debut at the ERC Portugal behind an M-Sport prepared Ford Fiesta Rally2. The Finn scored three top six stage times with a competitive pace throughout, as well as gained all the experience available from the demanding and highly competitive event.
The reigning ERC3 champion Ville Vatanen and co-driver Joonas Ojala made their debut behind the wheel of the premier ERC1-category Ford Fiesta Rally2 in the ERC Rally Six Cities North of Portugal. As part of the their victorious M-Sport Fiesta Rally3 Trophy campaign, the pair got to learn behind the wheel of the one step faster Rally2 car on the Portuguese gravel. Vatanen kept up a competitive pace throughout the weekend, despite a small setback at the end of Saturday.
-We had a good and really insightful rally. Of course, it’s a shame we lost the fight for positions on Saturday evening as we landed with the front first after a jump and had to retire. We managed to complete the demanding route except for a single kilometer. Our pace was good, considering especially that we drove with a Rally2 car for the first time on gravel in last Tuesday. I’m also happy for the upwards trajectory of the weekend, we really learned a lot here, Vatanen said.
The Finn showcased his pace already on the first stage on Friday with a fifth-fastest stage time. The pace was present throughout the event, with the 20-year-old posting three top-six stage times and having a competitive pace throughout. On Sunday, Vatanen continued with the Super Rally regulations, finishing the event in style.
-On Saturday, our pace was improving as the rally progressed. I started to discover the style how to push a Rally2 car in rougher and more rutted conditions – you just have to be brave about it. Sunday was easier since some of the things learned on Saturday were already in mind and I could focus on less new things at once. For sure, we were behind the top drivers, but with these kilometers, that’s what you’re supposed to do, Vatanen continued.
Successful international Rally2 debut on gravel ends the 20-year-old’s ERC season, with the Finn continuing behind the wheel of a Rally2 car on a local tarmac event in Italy. The plans for 2027 are in motion, with Vatanen unveiling future plans at a later date.
-A big thanks for the M-Sport team and mechanics for the car and putting it together on Saturday night for us. Big thanks to the KMS Racing team for the ERC season up to Portugal that netted us the ERC3 championship, as well as all my cooperation partners and everyone who’s been with us this season. It’s been a fantastic year, and it’s a good building block for the future.
-Let’s see what 2027 brings us. We have drawn plans for next year, and will unveil them at a later date. But the direction is forwards, Vatanen said.
ERC Rally Six Cities North of Portugal results:
1. Martins Sesks (LVA) 2:05:42,1 Skoda Fabia RS Rally2
2. Pablo Sarrazin (FRA) +1:02,9 Lancia Ypsilon Rally2 HF
3. Roope Korhonen (FIN) +1:25,0 Toyota GR Yaris Rally2
4. Jan Solans (ESP) +1:48,0 Skoda Fabia RS Rally2
23. Ville Vatanen (FIN) +13:38,9 (Super Rally) Ford Fiesta Rally2
Photo: Hannu Rainamo
