Heikki Kovalainen’s new patterns survived.
Heikki Kovalainen plays an important role when the tire giant Dunlop jumps into the European rally tire market. Juuso Taipale
Heikki Kovalainen’s rally career continues in Italy.
The F1 ace of yesteryear is a multiple Japanese rally champion, but now the 44-year-old Finn is looking for success in the tough Italian asphalt rally series.
The series includes seven competitions. Works as a cart Patric Öhman.
Kovalainen’s plan has a couple of delicious pieces of news. The first concerns the rolling stock.
– Below is a Citroën from the beginning of the season, but the intention is to change to a Lancia during the season, Kovalainen reveals to Iltalehti.
The legendary Italian brand made a return to the rally grid for this season. Lancia Ypsilon Rally2 HF Integrale took the class win right at the opening of the World Rally season in Monte Carlo.
Dunlop’s man
Kovalainen starts his season with Citroën. The intention is to switch to a Lancia later. Keane Design
Kovalainen’s stable is the Italian Gino Motosport, but there is strong Japanese support in the background.
Aicello, who was Kovalainen’s sponsor in Japan, is prominently featured in the Italian rally series. Another big and significant collaboration can be found on the tire side.
– I compete with Dunlops. The tire brand is now coming to Europe in a big way for the first time. The purpose is to develop the brand’s asphalt tires this year, Kovalainen says.
This is significant news. The competition between tire brands is a bloody and real struggle. When Kovalainen’s supporter is such a huge tire giant as Dunlop, the resources should be fine.
Dunlop is owned by Sumitomo Rubber Industries. Last year, the Japanese company acquired Dunlop’s brand rights for Europe, North America and Oceania for more than 700 million dollars. The other ownership base already existed before.
The company’s turnover last year was 6.5 billion dollars, so the development of rally tires would not be limited by the money.
– It will be interesting to see how Dunlop fares against Pirelli and Michelin. It’s great to be involved in this development project, says Kovalainen.
Realistic goals
Heikki Kovalainen drove a Toyota Yaris Rally2 car in the 2024 World Rally Championship in Japan. PDO
Kovalainen competed in the F1 series from 2007 to 2013. Among other things, after a formulaic career with a GP win and four podium places, Kovalainen showed in Japan that his speed is also in order on the rally tracks.
However, Kovalainen is realistic about his Italian rally goals.
– The series is of a very high standard. The local bigwigs are guaranteed to drive fast, and I really don’t expect to be in the top fight right from the start, says Kovalainen.
– It’s really hard to get to the top ten.
Instead of investment goals, Kovalainen’s main goal is to develop two things: his own driving and Dunlop tires.
– The tire race is something I’m familiar with from my previous years of driving. I have been promised a lot of test time, so at least I get to drive a lot. I’m really looking forward to this season, Kovalainen enthuses.
Kovalainen’s rally season in Italy starts already next weekend.
In addition to his rally duties, Kovalainen continues his work as Viaplay’s F1 expert. In addition to Finland, he is also seen and heard as an expert on international broadcasts.
