High speed debate over Rally Finland

The organisers of the traditionally ultra-fast Neste Rally Finland (WRC round 9, 28-30 July) are paying special attention to the thorny subject of special stage speeds.  

Kris Meeke at Finland 2016, the world's fastest rally driver! (Photo: Martin Holmes)Assistant Clerk of Course, Kari Nuutinen, said: “The route of (the 2017) Neste Rally Finland was approved already in January,” but admitted, post Rally Sweden, it is highly likely this issue will be addressed by the FIA in relation to Rally Finland.  

Clerk of the Course, Kai Tarkiainen, added: “Safety is of course our number one priority, and now the situation has changed from what it was at the beginning of the year. We will be seeking the best possible solution, also sporting-wise, on this matter.”  

It is not known if this means using expensively constructed chicanes, or like last year, placing unpopular but solid and unyielding obstacles on fast stretches of the route.  

Last year the Neste Rally was won by Citroen’s Kris Meeke at an average speed of 126.61kh/h, the fastest ever on a WRC event.  And that was using the old, less powerful World Rally Cars ...
 
- Martin Holmes

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