Juha Kankkunen: "Hyundai used the tires better than us"

Toyota Gazoo Racing Deputy Team Principal Juha Kankkunen reflects on his team's success at Rally Portugal.

Published 19/05/2025 à 12:38

Comment on this article! ⁰

Juha Kankkunen: "Hyundai used the tires better than us"

Photo Paulo Maria / DPPI

The results are still positive for TGR, which is once again ahead of Hyundai in the Constructors' Championship…

That's true, but we also have to admit we were lucky. While all five of our cars finished, which is great news, Hyundai had a better balance than us. It was the opposite situation in the Canary Islands. This time, they used the tires better than us.

On the highest step of the podium, there is Sébastien Ogier ; are you admiring?

I know very well how difficult it is to establish yourself in Portugal. (Kankkunen did this in 1992 and 1994. Editor's note). To have achieved this 7 times is very impressive. It may not have been the fastest, but it was the best.

Will you still be in Sardinia? You seem to be enjoying your new role.

I will not be in Italy, where Jari-Matti Latvala (absent due to participation in the Rally of historic Antibes. Editor's note: I will be officiating, but then I will come back. The atmosphere is very good and the team is in excellent shape, it is true that I am really enjoying it.

Comments collected by Loïc, at the Rally of Portugal.

ALSO READ > Sébastien Ogier: “In rallying, it’s not enough to go fast”