Hanninen scores PWRC win in Sweden

Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution driver Juho Hanninen (Finland) collected his first win of the season in Karlstad this afternoon, after dominating the final day of the Production Car World Rally Championship element of the Swedish Rally. There was an even bigger reason for Hanninen and co-driver Mikko Markkula to celebrate as they also collected points in the drivers’ world championship for eighth position overall.

The 26-year-old Finn moved to the front of the field mid-way through yesterday’s stages and then maintained a gap of more then a minute through today’s five stages to celebrate at the finish. The organizers of the event were forced to cancel another stage today due to the unseasonably warm conditions which left the road devoid of snow and ice.

Hanninen said: "The roads today were not so nice to drive on. Again, there was some gravel coming through, so we weren’t having a lot of fun, but at the same time, I am so happy with this result! The Production result is fantastic, but then to get a point as well is incredible. It shows how the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution has run without any problems for the whole rally. The only concern for me was a puncture on the last day. I was careful to avoid the big rocks. But now we are here at the finish and we have the first win - it’s a great way to start the season."

Once again, Mitsubishi’s dominated the top 10 in the Group N category of a round of the World Rally Championship, with seven places taken by drivers of the Lancer Evolution.