Parenthood helps fuel Mikkelsen’s WRC2 success

Mikkelsen extended his WRC2 lead to 16 points over Yohan Rossel thanks to a sensational win at EKO Acropolis Rally Greece. Having languished 12th in the category after being slowed by tyre troubles on Friday, he and co-driver Torstein Eriksen orchestrated a stunning comeback drive to claim the victory.

The plucky performance bore an uncanny resemblance to Mikkelsen's at the same event 12 months prior. In 2022, despite retiring after crashing on the opening stage, he fought back to clinch a seventh-place finish.

Mikkelsen, who pilots a Toksport-prepared Škoda Fabia RS Rally2, admitted the arrival of his first child late last year has instilled a newfound calmness within him when he takes the wheel.

“Maybe that’s why I don’t maybe feel that same pressure as before,” he told WRC.com. “In one way, we are pushing because, what’s the worst that could happen? Okay, if I were to crash the car then maybe I get to spend a lot more time with my son, and that’s also fine. I don’t need to make it, I am more relaxed, let’s say it like that.

“This was a very special win. After Friday it looked impossible, but we knew from last year what happened and that gave me the inspiration to see that it’s actually possible to catch back a lot of time.”

The 34-year-old is missing next week’s Rally Chile Bio Bío and will return to action for the Central European Rally in October. Despite still having two points-scoring rallies available, Mikkelsen plans to conclude his campaign at the all-new tri-country fixture.

“The plan is to do Central Europe, that’s it. It’s a budget thing,” he explained. “For sure, we would love to do seven events, but it’s a matter of cost as well. We have to try to win the championship at the next rally.”