Tuukka Kauppinen confident ahead of Kuopio FRC
Rautio Motorsport’s Tuukka Kauppinen and his co-driver Sebastian Virtanen are heading confidently into their debut in the SM1 class with the team’s Toyota Yaris Rally2. The duo has prepared thoroughly for the Hotelli IsoValkeinen SM Rally Kuopio 250th Anniversary Rally. While Kauppinen and Virtanen have competed together in a few rallies in the past, this will be their first joint event in the top class of the Finnish Rally Championship.
Kauppinen has completed two test sessions to familiarize himself with the new car. The young rally talent is brimming with excitement after the tests.
– I’m getting more and more comfortable with the car, and it feels better all the time. The roads in Kuopio are bound to be fast and in great condition, which only boosts the excitement. We aim for steady progress during the race, and even if we can’t show our best pace yet, we’ll definitely try to challenge the top drivers. There’s no pressure on us for the first rally, Kauppinen explains.
Sebastian Virtanen, 31, who recently transitioned to co-driving, knows Kauppinen from a couple of years back and says their collaboration has been smooth. Virtanen and Kauppinen competed in a few rallies during the 2023 season with a front-wheel-drive car, but now they are facing bigger challenges. Despite this, Virtanen remains optimistic after their initial tests.
– The tests actually exceeded expectations. The car fit Tuukka’s driving style incredibly well right from the start, and in my opinion, there’s no need to worry about the pace. I believe we can definitely fight for good positions, Virtanen states.
The Kuopio Finnish Rally Championship event kicks off from Hotelli IsoValkeinen’s courtyard on Saturday, January 18, at 9:15 AM. The first competitors are expected to reach the finish line at Kuopio Market Square at around 7:20 PM.
Photo: Rautio Motorsport
