Tuesday | 21 Apr 2015

In Brief: Paddon/ Mikkola/Haapamäki

A selection of stories that are making the news in the WRC world:

Paddon set-up: Hyundai’s Hayden Paddon heads into Rally Argentina (23 - 26 April) encouraged by a new set-up for his i20 WRC developed during testing in Portugal.

“We worked on two key aspects. One related to the set-up direction we went for in Mexico. While it felt good and was driver-friendly, it did not produce the grip and traction that we needed. We now have some new set-up strategies that are working well in testing.

“Secondly, we have closely identified the key areas where my driving differs from our team-mates, and we are trying to adapt some of that,” explained the Kiwi (above).

Mikkola’s challenge: Former world champion Hannu Mikkola is the latest big name to pledge his support for next month’s two-day festival in Scotland celebrating the 20th anniversary of Colin McRae’s world title.

Mikkola, who lifted the crown in 1983, will drive a Audi Sport Quattro S1 E2 at the McRae Rally Challenge (16 - 17 May), one of several Group B quattros due to appear at the Knockhill race circuit event.

“It’s always nice to get back behind the wheel of an Audi quattro rally car and it never fails to bring back special memories for me. It’s also great to support this event and celebrate a fantastic achievement in British motorsports and remember what Colin accomplished in the sport,” said the Finn.

Haapamäki to JWRC: Henri Haapamäki and co-driver Marko Salminen (right) will contest a minimum of three rounds of the Junior WRC.

The Finns, who impressed at both their home WRC round and Wales Rally GB last season, will start their campaign at Vodafone Rally de Portugal (21 - 24 May) and will also contest rounds in Poland and Finland.

Team boss Hannu Lehessaari said there was sufficient budget to complete the whole season if Haapamäki is in a position to challenge for the title.

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