Last months International Rally Yorkshire drew a curtain over another competitive season in the British Rally Championship, but it ended on a high for this years Pirelli Star Driver Jukka Korhonen who claimed his best result of 2012.

Korhonen was the latest in a long line of drivers to receive a fully-paid drive in the Pirelli-supported British Rally Championship courtesy of the renowned Italian tyre firm. The 28-year-old competed on six rounds of this years British Rally Championship at the wheel of a TEG Sport prepared Skoda Fabia R2, but also took part in rounds of his home series: the Finnish Rally Championship.

While competing on the British Championships curtain-raiser in February, Korhonen was close to claiming second place until a mechanical problem on the events closing stage halted his charge. On the Bulldog International Rally of North Wales, the Finn drove faultlessly to finish seventh overall and second in class. On the Pirelli International Rally, Korhonen secured sixth overall, only 1.8 seconds behind fifth place.

Korhonen claimed his best result on asphalt after finishing seventh on the Jim Clark International Rally back in June but after battling inside the top 10 on the Todds Leap Rally of Northern Ireland, the Finn was forced to retire following a broken driveshaft. On last months Yorkshire Rally, however, Korhonen secured his best result of the season when he finished fifth overall and clinched his first class victory.

We caught up with Pirellis protg at the end of a busy motorsport season as he relaxed in native Finland

Hi Jukka, how would you sum up your season?

JK: Its has been a very educational year for me. I started the year in a brand new Skoda Fabia R2, which was completely new to me. It was also my first time as a team driver and I have both the Pirelli Star Driver programme and the team at TEG Sport to thank for this fantastic opportunity. The British Rally Championship has a long history with Finnish drivers and it has been a great honour to compete in the series this year. It has also been very good for my language skills as I have had to learn to communicate with everyone in English on a regular basis.

What was your favourite rally in the BRC and why?

JK: Hmm, its quite difficult to say as I liked each of the rallies for different reasons. I might choose the Jim Clark International Rally because it was my first asphalt event but I also had also a great time on the Pirelli International Rally and Bulldog Rally. Both of those rallies are very fast and similar to the roads back home in Finland.

What has been your best and worst moment from this years season?

JK: My best moment was definitely my last rally in Yorkshire when we won our class: it was perfect to end the season with a victory. My worst moment was on the Rallye Sunseeker at the start of the season because our fight with Elfyn Evans ended on the last stage due to a technical problem, I felt very disappointed.

You were also competing in this years Finnish Rally Championship in a Group N Mitsubishi and also a Fiesta R2.  Was it difficult adapting to driving three different types of cars?

JK: There have been some difficulties, especially when there are long breaks between rallies and I was driving different cars. You have to collect your thoughts before you jump into the car and remember which car it is you are driving!

What is your favourite tyre from the Pirelli range and why?

JK: This year was the first time that I had driven on Pirelli slicks and I was surprised by how much I enjoyed it. The RX7 and RE7 provide very good grip on asphalt and that was difficult for me to imagine when I had only been used to driving on gravel and snow before. Now I have very good experience with the whole Pirelli range.

How much has Pirelli helped your career?

JK: The Pirelli Star Driver programme has been fantastic: the six international rallies on gravel and asphalt this year gave a great opportunity to develop as a driver.  I have used Pirelli tyres now for three years but I have learned a lot more this year than just about the tyres! Obviously the financial support has been an amazing bonus.

And finally, what are your plans for next year?

JK: I really want to drive in the British Rally Championship again. Now I have good experience on the roads in the UK, I will be out to win some rallies next year!