2.4.2011 The Finn finished third in the Bulldog Rally
Punctures ruined Mikko Pajunen`s battle for victory in England
Mikko Pajunen finished third in the British Championship event Bulldog
Rally. The Finn started strongly and clocked the fastest time in his
Renault Twingo R2 in the opening stage.
Pajunen and his co-driver Jani Salo did not get to enjoy their pole
position for long, for in the secong stage a punture slowed them down.
To make things worse, another broken tyre later on ruined their
changes of victory.
- In the first instance we drove almost four kilometers with an empty
tyre, and second time about ten. This slowed us right down so we were
also penalised for arriving late at the time control, explained Pajunen.
The time penalty and tire problems added about a minute to Pajunen?s
total time. The winner Graig Breen finished the rally with 1.28
minutes before Pajunen. The second place went to Siim Plangi. Pajunen
lost that battle with only 12-second margin.
- It was not the best rally day I have ever had. The only good thing
was that our speed is up to scratch. There is nothing you can do about
broken tires. This is life and we just have to get on with it, said
Pajunen.
There were a total of 10 stages in the Bulldog Rally that was held
around Welshpool. Jussi Kumpumäki, another Finnish driver, finished
fourth in the R2 class, just after Pajunen.
After two British Championship events Pajunen is second in his class.
The next event, Pirelli International, takes place in Carlisle in the
last weekend of April.
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