Teemu Suninen returns as a race driver. Ralliäs also talks about his collaboration with Janni Huss.
Teemu Suninen got himself a big driving program. Pasi Liesimaa
Teemu Suninen is a relieved man.
– It’s nice to be able to drive after a long time.
The contract of the Finnish rally ace, known from the World Series, with the Portuguese racing team The Racing Factory was announced on Tuesday.
Suninen competes in the ranks of the team in the rally EC series, or ERC.
– The first contacts took place already before the turn of the year. Things moved a bit under their own weight, but a couple of weeks ago they got close again. The offer was so attractive that I decided to take it, says Suninen.
In between, Suninen got to compete after a long time. In the World Rally Championship in Sweden, he drove second in the WRC2 class. The result was good, because the previous rally start was from 2024.
– Maybe that result changed their attitude a little too. At least I hardly complicated my own settings with a good drive, Suninen mumbles.
“A Finnish man keeps his word”
Seven races will be run in the ERC this season. The first race will be held in Spain on the 17th-19th. April.
Suninen is going to the opening rally of the series directly from the World Rally Championship in Croatia.
– I worked there by Hayden Paddon in the front car group. This matter had already been agreed upon in advance. I wanted to be a straightforward Finnish man and do the promised work, says Suninen.
In the EC series, Suninen competes with Skoda.
– I haven’t been able to drive the car yet. But won’t it be good, otherwise it would hardly be one of the most popular car brands. In my opinion, I have shown in the past that adapting to the new equipment is not a problem for me, says Suninen.
Cooperation pattern with Huss
Suninen and Janni Hussi got to spray champagne at the Swedish World Rally Championship in February. PDO
Suninen competed in the Swedish World Rally together with Janni Huss.
However, for the EC series, Suninen needs a new map reader by his side.
– Janni is connected to Toyota, he has a contract in that direction. Unfortunately, we couldn’t agree on cooperation patterns, says Suninen.
However, the cooperation is not over.
– Let’s continue in the World Cup rallies as agreed. We drive together what we drive at Toyota.
Suninen will drive his next World Rally Championship in the Canary Islands, but there the car will be a Hyundai. The driving program is to be supplemented, so the cooperation may well continue.
– Portugal should be driven. There are currently discussions about that race.
Skills in store
Suninen is satisfied with his ERC contract.
– The feeling is good. Lately I haven’t been able to compete, it’s nice to have a driving routine again and to get back to the level I was at my best, says Suninen.
The main goal is next year, when big changes can be expected in the World Rally Championship.
– This contract of mine supports my project well. Now the purpose is to drive good performances and make it clear that no one needs to doubt my speed, says Suninen.
Suninen drove in the World Rally Championship in the main class 2017–2023 with M-Sport and Hyundai. He has accumulated three podium places.
Hussi has sat out this season in addition to Suninen Jari-Matti Latvala riding in Historic EM rally series races. In addition, he has acted Takamoto Katsuta in the musical group. The trio is united by Toyota.
