Hankook’s international rally programme moves to Belgium next week for the Geko Ypres Rally – the IRC asphalt debut for the Hankook Fiesta S2000 in the hands of Norwegian rally Ace Andreas Mikkelsen.
Andreas, who turns 21 on June 22, is looking to put retirement on the recent round in Sardinia behind him and translate hisundoubted speed into a top five result on the event which gets underway on June 25.
Together with co-driver Ole Fløene the pair are looking to test the Fiesta S2000 ahead of the rally and believe that they can compete with the leading crews in the IRC.
“It was disappointing for Andreas to retire in Sardinia after an early crash but under Superally rules the car completed all of the second day stages and some impressive top three times proved that the car and crew have plenty of speed,’’ said Hankook’s UK motorsport manager Mike Patterson.
“Andreas is set to put the M-Sport prepared car through its paces in asphalt testing ahead of the rally and we are looking forward to seeing how they then perform on an extremely tricky rally.’’
With changeable weather and stage conditions predicted for the rally Hankook is set for every eventuality with three wet and two dry tyre choices. “It will be important for Andreas to be on the right tyres every time he leaves the service area and our options mean that we are confident that we have a tyre for every eventuality,’’ said Mike.
Ypres Rally is one of the longest-standing rallies in Europe attracting huge numbers of spectators and enthusiastic participants with the historic town hosting the service park during the two day event.
“I’m really looking forward to Ypres. I’ve heard it’s a great event and tricky stages,’’ said Andreas.” I’m sure it will be a great event for me and also for Hankook and I’m really looking forward to try the car for the first time on tarmac.”
Action gets underway late on on Friday June 25 with six high speed stages. Crews tackle a further 13 special stages on the Saturday before the finish and awards back in Ypres.
The Geko Ypres Rally is one of seven selected IRC rounds Mikkelsen will contest this year in the
Hankook Ford Fiesta S2000. The Hankook IRC programme also includes Azores, Czech Republic, San Remo, Scotlandand Cyprus.
