Heikkilä’s strong Saturday elevated the Finn to WRC2 podium before the final day

Mikko Heikkilä is running third in WRC2 category after three competitive days. The TGS Motorsport Skoda-driver was running at a top pace with a stage win on SS9.

Finnish rally driver Mikko Heikkilä is running third in the WRC2 category after three competition days. Heikkilä and co-driver Kristian Temonen begun the day from fourth in WRC2, but an improved setup and strong pace lifted the TGS Motorsport Skoda driver to third in the point-scoring WRC2 drivers.

-Today’s been a better day than yesterday, and the proper feeling is back. Changes to the setup made in yesterday’s evening service paid off greatly. It was a good day with no major mistakes, Heikkilä summed up.

Heikkilä’s Saturday was spent fighting for stage wins in the WRC2 category with the Finn claiming the fastest time on the opening stage of the day.

-We had some issues with understeer on the second pass. However, yesterday the car was oversteering, and understeering is notably a better option than oversteer. On the first stage of the second pass, I was too careful in the gravel bits. I was afraid the tire would wear out more than it did, and I could have pushed a bit harder, Heikkilä analyzed.

The rally concludes on Sunday with three stages and a total of 68,78 special stage kilometers. The goal for the final day is to continue the strong pace shown on Saturday.

-We’ll continue with the same rhythm, even though the second place is a bit far. We have to keep the championship points in mind, but of course I want to pass the non-scoring (Robert) Virves, as we are here to compete. A big thanks to the team, everything works flawlessly, Heikkilä said.

72. Rally Sweden concludes on 16th of February with three special stages and 68,78 special stage kilometres.

Rally Sweden results after SS15/18:

1. Oliver Solberg 2:06:13,8 SWE Toyota GR Yaris Rally2

2. Roope Korhonen +39,0 FIN Toyota GR Yaris Rally2

3. Mikko Heikkilä +56,7 FIN Skoda Fabia RS Rally2

4. Lauri Joona +1:22,4 FIN Skoda Fabia RS Rally2

5. Isak Reiersen +2:26,5 SWE Skoda Fabia RS Rally2

Rally Sweden itinerary (local time GMT+1)

Sunday 16.2. – 68,78 km

07:27 SS16 – Västervik 1               29,35 km

09:57 SS17 – Västervik 2               29,35 km

12:15 SS18 – Umeå                       10,08 km