Lancia has decided to strengthen the development of its new Ypsilon Rally2 with the addition of two experienced gravel drivers, Martins Sesks and Teemu Suninen. Both drivers have joined the team in a test in Finland, focusing on optimizing the car for the upcoming gravel races.
The test was conducted on the fast gravel roads of Finland, just ahead of the World Rally Championship hiatus, which will hold its tenth round between July 30 and August 2. This event will mark the debut of the Ypsilon Rally2 HF Integrale on this surface, with five cars prepared to compete.
The Lancia team has achieved successes on asphalt this year, with victories from drivers Yohan Rossel and Nikolay Gryazin in several races, but they have yet to podium in gravel competitions. To optimize the car’s performance before the rally in Finland, they have relied on the experience of Sesks and Suninen, known for their skills on this surface.
Lancia’s statement highlights that the entry of Sesks and Suninen is essential for obtaining varied feedback and delving into the vehicle’s adjustment. Lancia’s official drivers, Rossel and Gryazin, have also taken part in these test sessions to provide their impressions and contribute to the Ypsilon’s development.
Martins Sesks, who is currently participating in a partial program with M-Sport Ford in the WRC season, was present at the test on Monday. He is expected to compete again next week at the Rally Estonia, before driving the M-Sport Ford Puma Rally1 in Finland. Suninen, for his part, took over during Tuesday’s tests, after finishing second at the Rally di Roma and is currently leading the European rally championship.
Written by FormulaRapidaAI
