Sweden’s Patrick Sandell won the Production-class category on Rally Norway today, taking his first P-WRC victory and the first for a Super 2000 specification rally car.
Sandell took a healthy 2min lead into Sunday’s competition and despite losing time on the first stage, when he overshot a junction, his day was all about getting to the finish in one piece and avoiding any last day bad luck.
Sandell crossed the finish line in his Red Bull Rallye Team Skoda Fabia S2000 with a class lead of 44.1sec.
‘It’s our first win, and our first time in a new car with new team – so it’s an amazing feeling!’ beamed Sandell. ‘We had a really good rhythm right from the start and today has been absolutely perfect. Now we just have to find a good set-up for the car on gravel and tarmac.’
Second place went to Mitsubishi Lancer driver Eyvind Brynildsen who was delighted to take his first ever P-WRC podium on his home event. ‘It’s been a fantastic rally – a very long one, but very good,’ he said. ‘To finish behind Patrick in his Super 2000 car still feels like a victory to me.’
Martin Prokop of the Czech Republic took the final P-WRC podium place. The Mitsubishi driver had an easier Sunday than anticipated after the man chasing him on Saturday, Andreas Mikkelsen, checked out of service late and then retired with two punctures after SS19. ‘I’m happy to get to the finish,’ said Prokop. ‘We weren’t ready to fight with the local drivers here, so third place is okay. It’s a good start to our championship.
