Rally legends to take on current stars

RALLY fans often wonder how Scandinavian legends Tommi Makinen, Markku Alen, Marcus Gronholm and Juha Kankkunen would fare in today’s sophisticated hi-tech World Rally Cars.

This fascinating question will be answered in Helsinki this Saturday when, in a special precursor to Rally Finland, the four old-time heroes go head to head with modern stars Sebastien Ogier and Jari-Matti Latvala (both VW), Mads Ostberg (Citroen), Mikko Hirvonen (M-Sport Ford), Thierry Neuville and Juho Hanninen (both Hyundai).

The race-off will take place on a specially constructed sprint circuit on the waterfront in Helsinki.

The circuit for the “Helsinki Battle” is just 1.65 kilometres in length, but littered with challenges. Short full-throttle sections alternate with technically demanding corners and cobblestones, jumps created specifically for the event and a spectacular 360-degree turnabout.

After a warm-up, the rally legends and today’s stars will take to the track individually for qualifying. The best of the present-day drivers and the top rally legend will qualify for the final, which, like qualifying, will be held over two laps, with each driver having two attempts.

More info available here: http://www.nestekampanjat.fi/helsinkibattle/