Mikkelsen, Hankook Geared Up for Barum Rally

Norwegian rally ace Andreas Mikkelsen has completed a successful test in the Hankook Opel Corsa ahead of the Barum Czech Rally Zlin, to be held later this month. The 20 year old headed to the UK for his first taste of the Hankook-liveried car that is contesting selected rallies this year ahead of a full assault on the Intercontinental Rally Challenge in 2010.

“Andreas was really impressed with the car and tyre package,’’ said Hankook motorsport manager Mike Patterson. “MSD has developed a car we hope will be unbeatable next year and with Andreas at the wheel in the Czech Republic we know the car is going to be in extremely capable hands.’’

Mikkelsen and co-driver Ola Fløene clocked up a fully day’s mileage in the UK with further shakedown tests planned before the Barum Rally gets underway on August 21. “I have not tested many S2000 cars, but my first impression of this car is very good and I believe that together with MSD and Hankook we can develop a very competitive car for 2010. I really look forward to Rally Barum and IRC, which will be a new experience for me,’’ said the Norwegian driver.

Mikkelsen and Fløene are seeded at number five for the event, to be run in the Moravian town of Zlín. “It’s was very much a familiarisation session for the crew and all we need to do now is fine tune a few settings before the Barum Rally,’’ said David Whitehead managing director of MSD. “Andreas was extremely quick in the car from the outset and has a very mature attitude which is going to help us ensure the best set up for the car in the Czech Republic and for next year.’’

The rally’s demanding asphalt roads are likely to provide a comprehensive test for the car with the mix of slow and technical sections and fast straights providing the perfect combination for MSD and Hankook to gain valuable data.

Later this year the team is set to contest events in Spain, San Remo and Scotland in order to complete testing ahead of 2010. “The mix of rallies chosen for 2009 will give the team valuable experience on both asphalt and gravel surfaces and ensure maximum opportunity for tyre development before the 2010 season gets underway,’’ said Patterson.