Hänninen confirmed for Rally Poland

Hyundai has given Juho Hänninen a vote of confidence by confirming him in its second i20 World Rally Car for Rally Poland (26 - 29 June).

The Finn was originally announced in the second seat for last weekend’s Rally Argentina, but was replaced on the day entries closed by Dani Sordo.

A few days earlier Sordo had delivered an excellent drive to hold fourth at Rally de Portugal before retiring on the final morning with a mechanical problem. Hänninen finished eighth after a troubled weekend which included several punctures, a broken driveshaft and an impact with a tree.

Sordo had a nightmare in Argentina and retired on both Friday and Saturday, the last time terminally, with mechanical problems after setting fastest time at shakedown.

Before Poland, Hänninen will also have the second seat for the WRC’s next round, Rally Italia Sardegna, next month.

Hyundai said that as the Poland route featured fast and flowing gravel roads similar to those in Finland, Hänninen was the ideal choice to partner lead driver Thierry Neuville.

While Hänninen does battle in Poland, Sordo will drive an i20 at the Goodwood Festival of Speed in Britain the same weekend. The Spaniard will pilot the car up the famous 1.86km hillclimb as well as through the forest stage during the three-day demonstration event.