SM O.K. Auto-Ralli 2018

22.05.2018

Last week the 4th stage of Finland's rally championship -  SM O.K. Auto-Ralli 2018 took place. Our crew Nikolay Gryazin and Yaroslav Fedorov also participated and stood alongside some of the fastest rally drivers in Finland. 

Before the start, Gryazin had two test days in Finland - which allowed him to stand strong and with confidence on the starting line. Gryazin was the fastest one during first 4 stages. He had +14,8 seconds on the Finish champion Eerik Pietarinen, and 25,4 seconds behind was Marko Mänty. So after 4 stages, we had a leading position, but unfortunately, during the 6th stage Gryazin made a mistake and ended up in a ditch and broke his radiator. This was the end of the race. 

The race was not bad at all. We were in the lead after 5 stages and on the 6th stage we drove well, were leading in the splits, but because of the heavy wear of tyers in one turn I lost control of the rear axle and hit the earthen bank after which we broke the radiator. In general our team and the crew did a good job. We must adjuct to such gravel, it's differet from the on in Latvia and it is necessary to change the driving style as well. It's a shame that the victory was so close, but still our of reach. But these kind of moments just make us work harder! - Nikolay Gryazin 

Results:

1. Eerik Pietarinen Skoda Fabia R5  

2. Emil Lindholm Skoda Fabia R5

3. Marko Mänty Skoda Fabia R5

4. Teemu Asunmaavv   Skoda Fabia R5    

5. Juha Salo Peugeot 208 R5

6. Jarkko Nikara Subaru Impreza WRX Sti

7. Henrik Pietarinen Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution IX  

8. Tomi Tukiainen Skoda Fabia R5  

9. Joonas Tokee Subaru Impreza WRX Sti

10. Esa Ruotsalainen Skoda Fabia R5