It's my seventh visit to the Finnish Grand Prix as the Neste Oil Rally Finland is sometimes known to the locals. For a nation who enjoy some of the cheapest petrol and best roads in the world (tongue firmly in cheek) it's no surprise that rallying is well supported by both spectators and competitors. The fact that there have only been four non-Scandinavian winners of the rally also point to the unique characteristics of this special rally that all the drivers want to win. Rally Finland is a high speed test of drivers on the limit on gravel road with some of the highest speeds seen all year.
This year my amazing hosts, known to the important few as J&J Rally Tours, enabled me to visit the main rally head quarters in Jyväskylä. Here the cars come back for short periods of running repairs and servicing throughout the day. It's a chance for the many rally fans to see the cars and drivers close-up. Fortunately it rained for a few minutes before the cars came in for the afternoon service making it easier to get a good spot right next to the barrier for those of us hardy enough to brave a little Finnish summer rain.
When the cars come in it gets a bit tough to see them as the mechanics swarm over them fixing and replacing worn parts. I was in front of the the Ford team with Jari Matti Latvala's empty place in front of me, Mikko Hirvonen to the right and Khalid Al Qassimi to the left. In half an hour the mechanics replaced the complete set of dampers on the car, checked the tracking, topped up all the fluids including the driver and co-driver drink bottles, replaced the wheels and tyres, cleaned the windows and replaced the rear valance trim on Mikko Hirvonen's car. I'm sure your local Ford dealer would not charge for thirty minutes labour time to do the same!
Located to the right of the Ford team was the Stobart Ford team, they were the stars of crowd pleasing, as all the drivers and co-drivers came out to the railings to sign autographs and talk with the crowds, the top teams could learn something from this. Stobart's drivers Matthew Wilson and Gigi Galli looked to be relaxed and enjoying their rally. In contrast local hero Mikko Hirvonen just kept in the back of the garage. 
On arrival back at the summer cottage, our rally HQ for the weekend, there was a treat in store; crayfish from the lake and some rather good vodka from the freezer to go with it.The rallying pictures and photo techniques explanation will come in the next post.
- p4pictures -
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