Finnish rally driver Max Vatanen is gearing up for the first round of the Drive DMACK Fiesta Trophy on this weekend’s Vodafone Rally de Portugal. Vatanen, who is the son of rallying legend Ari Vatanen, comes into the 2015 series having won the rookie title last year.
The 24 year old will have French co-driver Jacques-Julien Renucci on the notes for this year and the pair took part in the Serras de Fafe Rally in March in preparations for the new season. As part of the new regulations for the championship Vatanen and Renucci will tackle the series in a new turbo charged one litre Ford Fiesta R2 and the Finnish driver is relishing the challenge of the Portuguese stages.
“I’ve heard all of the epic stories from Dad about what the Portugal Rally used to be like in the Porto area, and all the fans who came out to see it,” said Max.
“That’s why it’s an incredible privilege to be driving on those stages as part of the world championship again.
“I’m absolutely delighted that we have the chance to compete on the Drive DMACK Fiesta Trophy for a second year. My aim is to build on the valuable experience I gained last year, and to challenge for wins and the championship.”
The Drive DMACK Fiesta Trophy pits 11 drivers against each other over five rounds of the FIA World Rally Championship all gunning to secure the overall prize of a full 2016 season in a Ford Fiesta R5.
Rally de Portugal begins with the ceremonial start on Thursday night.
