19.8.2011 Ulster-rally
Mikko Pajunen trustful about British tarmac
Mikko Pajunen, who starred in the Rally Finland, is competing over the
weekend in the British Rally Championship in Northern Ireland. Ulster
Rally is driven on tarmac. Pajunen and his co-driver Jani Salo are
racing, as usually, in Autosport Technology´s Renault Twingo.
The team did two days worth of testing on tarmac last week, and that
experience and feeling pleased Pajunen.
- It was a very good test. We managed to set the car as we were hoping
for. Of course there could be more power in the engine, but this is
what we?ve got. It?s alright, said Pajunen.
The Finn from Jyväskylä is ninth in the overall standings in the
British championship, and fourth in the two-wheel drive class. Pajunen
has been successful in his own class. In the previous tarmac rally he
was second.
- This time the roads are a little bit different, more level. The aim
is to get some more points, but let?s see first how fast the locals
drive. There?s no pressure to win, emphasised Pajunen.
Ulster Rally, near Belfast, has 14 stages between Friday and Saturday
evening. Pajunen has a solid driving routine, gained from the Finnish
rally and the tarmac testing.
- I?m feeling good. In Jyväskylä we got what we aimed for. The tarmac
tests gave us more useful kilometers. I?m looking forward to the
weekend and to the times we manage to clock, said Pajunen.
Pajunen is part of AKK-Motorsport?s rally coaching group. His backroom
staff includes a former double world championship Risto Mannisenmäki.
In the WRC Rally Finland Pajunen was given the prestigious Abu Dhabi
Spirit of the Rally prize.
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