Lauri Joona’s Rally Sweden debut met an unfortunate end due to a puncture in the last special stage and subsequent tire change. Joona who up until the puncture had good momentum throughout the rally, but could only finish ninth in the JWRC.
The Swedish round of the FIA World Rally Championship suffered a mild and snow-free winter as it opened the Junior World Rally Championship.
Due to poor weather conditions the rally stages was shortened, the rally started on Friday with four special stages, and then on Saturday it was repeated again. 23-year-old Joona and co-driver Ari Koponen led the class on both days, and they were firmly third in the overall classification before the frustrating tyre issue struck on the last day’s special stage.
“I don’t really know what happened. The start of the special test was in a very bad shape and it did not hit either. It was only noticed at some point that the turn did not turn properly and one straight started to “clap” so that the tire was forced to change in the middle” Joona said.
“The first two days went well, even slightly above expectations. It was shown that the pace is competitive in Junior WRC and a great experience was gained. Through the positive towards the future.”
