The 60th edition of the Jyvaskyla-based event will therefore be one for the books, with a 4-time rally champion battling a 6-time world rally champion (Sebastien Loeb) and a Formula One champion (Kimi Raikkonen), two of those three running in front of a home crowd. Kankkunen will not return to the series just for fun, but aims for a Top 10 finish on Saturday afternoon.
“It's going to be great to drive again and I'm very excited to attend the jubilee event as a part of the Stobart M-Sport Ford Rally Team,” said Kankkunen, according to Autosport.
“It is also a fantastic opportunity to enjoy a World Rally Car, especially after knowing they'll disappear from the series after this season,” added the 51-year old Finnish rally driver, who will team up with former co-driver Juha Repo for next week's running.
“I haven't spent much time in the latest generation cars and I know there's been a lot of changes, but I don't foresee any undue surprises. My target is a place in the top 10 and to battle with Kimi Raikkonen. Juha (Repo) last competed in this rally in 2003 where he finished 11th so he is also eager to finish inside the top 10.”
Needless to say, Ford's team boss Malcolm Wilson is ecstatic at the idea, admitting that both his team and the event's organizers have hit the jackpot by convincing Kankkunen to join the Rally of 1000 Lakes once again.
“He is an idol to thousands in the rallying world and it is fantastic news that he will be joining the team in Finland next week,” said Wilson.
Kankkunen's last rally in the WRC happened in late 2002, while driving for Hyundai, recording a 9th place finish in Rally GB. His last presence in Rally Finland ended with a retirement in that same year.
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