THURSDAY JULY 29 2010
Neste Oil Rally Finland kicked off with the first Special Stage Thursday evening. Sandell and Axelsson got off to a good start of the rally, with third best time after the two Finns Jari Ketomaa och Juho Hänninen.
WEDNESDAY JULY 28 2010
The cars fly for nearly a hundred metres over the rollercoaster crests that characterise the all-gravel event, which takes place around the university city of Jyvaskyla in central Finland. Accurate pace notes are vital, as the speeds are so high that even a small mistake can have serious consequences.
Finland will be the Swede's fourth event of the year, and it is one of the rallies that he is looking forward to most. Sandell is targeting victory, although the competition in Finland could well be tougher than it has ever been before.
"It's a massive challenge, but I really love Finland," said the 27-year-old. "It's one of the most exciting events of the year, and I've always had a really good feeling with it. There are many good drivers in top cars there, but I feel confident that if we have a good run we are capable of being on the podium or winning. It's really like a second home event for me! You have to believe in yourself, so we're heading to Finland determined to get the job done."
Sandell has not driven on a World Championship rally since New Zealand in May, but he has been keeping busy over the summer. As well as the Super 2000 World Rally Championship, the Swede has also been doing some rallies in China - and these have kept him match fit, along with an intensive programme of physical training. Currently, he lies sixth in the Super 2000 World Rally Champ
Sandell is not planning on a test before the rally so the first time that he will drive the Skoda in Finland will be at the shakedown on Thursday morning.
As usual, Sandell's car will be run by the respected BRR team headed up by multiple Austrian champion Raimund Baumschlager: who drives a Skoda Fabia S2000 himself back at home in Austria. Last weekend, the Austrian claimed another rally victory to seal his eighth consecutive title!
"I think Finland should be an event that suits Patrik well," said Baumschlager. "Of course it is one of the most challenging rallies that we will find on the calendar this year, but it's really enjoyable for everyone. One of the big challenges for Patrik will be from his team mate, so we are aiming for a very good team result for ourselves and Red Bull as well!"
The BRR team is also running local man Juho Hanninen on the Rally Finland, backed by Red Bull. Hanninen is a Skoda factory driver who currently leads the Intercontinental Rally Challenge. Last year, he won Group N in Finland and finished 10th overall at the wheel of a Skoda after a dominant performance.
"It's a great opportunity for me and I'd like to thank Red Bull for making this happen," he said. "I won the class last year so of course this has to be the target again. But its not going to be easy: I think the fight will be even tougher this year."
Unusually for a World Rally Championship event, the Rally Finland will get underway on Thursday morning and finish on Saturday evening after 19 stages totalling 310 competitive kilometres.
SUNDAY MAY 9 2010
The result means that the Swede maintains fifth in the drivers' standings, having set three fastest stage times on the New Zealand event. Patrik unfortunately had a spin on the very last stage of the event, denying him the chance to make further progress.
Nonetheless, Patrik enjoyed the fast and flowing stages in New Zealand: although he was already hit by a setback in the very early stages of the rally. On the second stage, Sandell and his co-driver Emil Axelsson hit a large bird, damaging their car's windscreen and robbing them of confidence.
Having progressively made some changes to the set-up of the BRR Skoda, as Patrik did not get the chance to test before the start of the event, he gradually increased his speed - also winning the first stage on the final day.
On the first day I had a problem to get into the right rhythm or the right speed," reported Patrik. "We felt good on some corners but we didn't find the right timing in the driving or the perfect set-up. From Saturday it was feeling really good so we tried to push more and more and we passed Nasser Al Attiyah in a similar car. We tried to catch Martin Prokop as well and took a lot of time out of him this morning but on the long stage the first time this morning he had an incredible time; 20 seconds faster than everybody else. In the end there was not so much to do but try to keep the fourth place and get to the finish of the rally. Okay it's some more points but we need to get some podiums as well."
Patrik's next scheduled event is Rally Finland in August: a rally that he loves and has contested four times already. However, the Swede hopes to be able to get in another practice event first.
"It's always good to have time in the car to find the brake points and the small, small details," added Patrik. "It's important to be in the car all the time and we need to look to everything now. Our next rally is Finland and we will be very prepared for that one..."
SATURDAY MAY 8 2010
The Swede, at the wheel of a Skoda Fabia S2000 run by the experienced BRR team, ended the day in style by setting the fastest time on the spectator superspecial at the all-asphalt Hampton Downs racing circuit.
Having enjoyed a strong day with no mechanical problems, Sandell now has the third-placed man in his sights. Patrik did not have the easiest of starts to the rally, hitting a bird on only the second stage and finding the set-up not to his liking - as he did not get a chance to test his car before the event.
However, some changes to the car meant that the former Junior World Rally Champion was able to make the most of his talent and the performance of the Skoda Fabia during the second day.
Once more the drivers faced fast and flowing stages, with the anticipated rain failing to materialise. Conditions were dry and overcast, putting the emphasis firmly on pure driving ability. In total the crews faced eight stages today, split into two loops of four.
Patrik felt that he had not pushed hard enough on the opening stage, but apart from that he was happy with his day's work.
"It's been an interesting day and I have been trying to push more and more after what was not a great start on the opening stage," said Patrik. "Then we were a little bit in the dust on the last long stage and overtook a car. But we certainly had fun and I think we are in a good position for tomorrow."
His co-driver Emil Axelsson added: "The first stage was terrible for us. But this afternoon we have found the perfect rhythm and it's unbelievably nice when everything works on these stages with the pacenotes. Tomorrow we have to try for the podium - well that is the aim at least!"
The final day of the Rally New Zealand consists of four stages, including the famous Whaanga Coast stage: a spectacular photographer's favourite that runs alongside the ocean.
FRIDAY MAY 7 2010
While the Swede is relieved to get to the end of the opening day, it has not been the best of starts for the Skoda driver. Patrik, who is competing in the Super 2000 World Rally Championship this year, hit a large bird on only the second stage, which damaged his windscreen and put him off his rhythm.
Rally New Zealand is a favourite of all the drivers but it is also extremely challenging, thanks to high average speeds and heavily cambered roads. It is vital to find a good pace from an early point so any distractions - such as low-flying birds - are a major inconvenience.
New Zealand is on the calendar for the first time since 2008, and today's action presented competitors with eight tough stages plus a spectator superspecial to conclude the day. The route was made up of loose gravel roads to the north of Auckland, but most of this loose gravel was swept quickly away once the first competitors had passed over the stages. Temperatures remained moderate throughout the day, without any of the rain that had been feared before the start.
Sandell, whose Skoda is run by the experienced BRR team, previously finished an excellent 11th overall on the 2008 Rally New Zealand, which gave him and his co-driver Emil Axelsson some idea of what to expect. However, the route has changed considerably since then, with today's stages being used for the first time in four years.
"This morning I didn't really have a good rhythm, but in the afternoon it was OK," said Sandell. "The car was just a bit too soft in the morning so it was difficult for us to find traction. I didn't really trust it in the fast sections, but there's still a very long way to go so anything can happen. I'm looking forward to a better day tomorrow."
His co-driver Emil Axelsson added: "The bird we hit in the morning was like an eagle: a really big one! It moved up just as we came but it was not quite fast enough to get out of the way. I think it affected Patrik's concentration for a while. It's fantastic to be here because the roads are amazing and so fast. We just need to go faster ourselves..."
The action on the second day of the Rally New Zealand revisits some classic stages as Te Akau, and also contains two runs over the all-new Hampton Downs spectator superspecial, held on a motor racing circuit. The crews get underway from Auckland at 0600, heading for eight more hectic special stages.
Rally Finland has started - Sandell third.
Sandell gears up for flying Rally Finland
Finland will be the Swede's fourth event of the year, and it is one of the rallies that he is looking forward to most. Sandell is targeting victory, although the competition in Finland could well be tougher than it has ever been before.
"It's a massive challenge, but I really love Finland," said the 27-year-old. "It's one of the most exciting events of the year, and I've always had a really good feeling with it. There are many good drivers in top cars there, but I feel confident that if we have a good run we are capable of being on the podium or winning. It's really like a second home event for me! You have to believe in yourself, so we're heading to Finland determined to get the job done."
Sandell has not driven on a World Championship rally since New Zealand in May, but he has been keeping busy over the summer. As well as the Super 2000 World Rally Championship, the Swede has also been doing some rallies in China - and these have kept him match fit, along with an intensive programme of physical training. Currently, he lies sixth in the Super 2000 World Rally Champ
Sandell is not planning on a test before the rally so the first time that he will drive the Skoda in Finland will be at the shakedown on Thursday morning.
As usual, Sandell's car will be run by the respected BRR team headed up by multiple Austrian champion Raimund Baumschlager: who drives a Skoda Fabia S2000 himself back at home in Austria. Last weekend, the Austrian claimed another rally victory to seal his eighth consecutive title!
"I think Finland should be an event that suits Patrik well," said Baumschlager. "Of course it is one of the most challenging rallies that we will find on the calendar this year, but it's really enjoyable for everyone. One of the big challenges for Patrik will be from his team mate, so we are aiming for a very good team result for ourselves and Red Bull as well!"
The BRR team is also running local man Juho Hanninen on the Rally Finland, backed by Red Bull. Hanninen is a Skoda factory driver who currently leads the Intercontinental Rally Challenge. Last year, he won Group N in Finland and finished 10th overall at the wheel of a Skoda after a dominant performance.
"It's a great opportunity for me and I'd like to thank Red Bull for making this happen," he said. "I won the class last year so of course this has to be the target again. But its not going to be easy: I think the fight will be even tougher this year."
Unusually for a World Rally Championship event, the Rally Finland will get underway on Thursday morning and finish on Saturday evening after 19 stages totalling 310 competitive kilometres.
Sandell finishes fourth in New Zealand
Patrik Sandell, driving a Red Bull backed Skoda Fabia S2000, has finished a fighting fourth in the Super 2000 World Rally Championship classification on Rally New Zealand.
The result means that the Swede maintains fifth in the drivers' standings, having set three fastest stage times on the New Zealand event. Patrik unfortunately had a spin on the very last stage of the event, denying him the chance to make further progress.
Nonetheless, Patrik enjoyed the fast and flowing stages in New Zealand: although he was already hit by a setback in the very early stages of the rally. On the second stage, Sandell and his co-driver Emil Axelsson hit a large bird, damaging their car's windscreen and robbing them of confidence.
Having progressively made some changes to the set-up of the BRR Skoda, as Patrik did not get the chance to test before the start of the event, he gradually increased his speed - also winning the first stage on the final day.
On the first day I had a problem to get into the right rhythm or the right speed," reported Patrik. "We felt good on some corners but we didn't find the right timing in the driving or the perfect set-up. From Saturday it was feeling really good so we tried to push more and more and we passed Nasser Al Attiyah in a similar car. We tried to catch Martin Prokop as well and took a lot of time out of him this morning but on the long stage the first time this morning he had an incredible time; 20 seconds faster than everybody else. In the end there was not so much to do but try to keep the fourth place and get to the finish of the rally. Okay it's some more points but we need to get some podiums as well."
Patrik's next scheduled event is Rally Finland in August: a rally that he loves and has contested four times already. However, the Swede hopes to be able to get in another practice event first.
"It's always good to have time in the car to find the brake points and the small, small details," added Patrik. "It's important to be in the car all the time and we need to look to everything now. Our next rally is Finland and we will be very prepared for that one..."
Sandell moves up in New Zealand
Red Bull driver Patrik Sandell has enjoyed a strong second day in New Zealand, moving up the leaderboard with a string of second-fastest times to claim fourth place in the Super 2000 World Rally Championship overnight.
The Swede, at the wheel of a Skoda Fabia S2000 run by the experienced BRR team, ended the day in style by setting the fastest time on the spectator superspecial at the all-asphalt Hampton Downs racing circuit.
Having enjoyed a strong day with no mechanical problems, Sandell now has the third-placed man in his sights. Patrik did not have the easiest of starts to the rally, hitting a bird on only the second stage and finding the set-up not to his liking - as he did not get a chance to test his car before the event.
However, some changes to the car meant that the former Junior World Rally Champion was able to make the most of his talent and the performance of the Skoda Fabia during the second day.
Once more the drivers faced fast and flowing stages, with the anticipated rain failing to materialise. Conditions were dry and overcast, putting the emphasis firmly on pure driving ability. In total the crews faced eight stages today, split into two loops of four.
Patrik felt that he had not pushed hard enough on the opening stage, but apart from that he was happy with his day's work.
"It's been an interesting day and I have been trying to push more and more after what was not a great start on the opening stage," said Patrik. "Then we were a little bit in the dust on the last long stage and overtook a car. But we certainly had fun and I think we are in a good position for tomorrow."
His co-driver Emil Axelsson added: "The first stage was terrible for us. But this afternoon we have found the perfect rhythm and it's unbelievably nice when everything works on these stages with the pacenotes. Tomorrow we have to try for the podium - well that is the aim at least!"
The final day of the Rally New Zealand consists of four stages, including the famous Whaanga Coast stage: a spectacular photographer's favourite that runs alongside the ocean.
Solid start for Sandell in New Zealand
Patrik Sandell, driving a Red Bull-backed Skoda Fabia S2000, has ended the opening day of the Rally New Zealand in fifth position of the Super 2000 runners.
While the Swede is relieved to get to the end of the opening day, it has not been the best of starts for the Skoda driver. Patrik, who is competing in the Super 2000 World Rally Championship this year, hit a large bird on only the second stage, which damaged his windscreen and put him off his rhythm.
Rally New Zealand is a favourite of all the drivers but it is also extremely challenging, thanks to high average speeds and heavily cambered roads. It is vital to find a good pace from an early point so any distractions - such as low-flying birds - are a major inconvenience.
New Zealand is on the calendar for the first time since 2008, and today's action presented competitors with eight tough stages plus a spectator superspecial to conclude the day. The route was made up of loose gravel roads to the north of Auckland, but most of this loose gravel was swept quickly away once the first competitors had passed over the stages. Temperatures remained moderate throughout the day, without any of the rain that had been feared before the start.
Sandell, whose Skoda is run by the experienced BRR team, previously finished an excellent 11th overall on the 2008 Rally New Zealand, which gave him and his co-driver Emil Axelsson some idea of what to expect. However, the route has changed considerably since then, with today's stages being used for the first time in four years.
"This morning I didn't really have a good rhythm, but in the afternoon it was OK," said Sandell. "The car was just a bit too soft in the morning so it was difficult for us to find traction. I didn't really trust it in the fast sections, but there's still a very long way to go so anything can happen. I'm looking forward to a better day tomorrow."
His co-driver Emil Axelsson added: "The bird we hit in the morning was like an eagle: a really big one! It moved up just as we came but it was not quite fast enough to get out of the way. I think it affected Patrik's concentration for a while. It's fantastic to be here because the roads are amazing and so fast. We just need to go faster ourselves..."
The action on the second day of the Rally New Zealand revisits some classic stages as Te Akau, and also contains two runs over the all-new Hampton Downs spectator superspecial, held on a motor racing circuit. The crews get underway from Auckland at 0600, heading for eight more hectic special stages.
Previous news
Rally Finland has started - Sandell third.
Sandell gears up for flying Rally Finland
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