Teemu Suninen secures WRC2 victory at Rally Portugal
Teemu Suninen delivered a clinical performance to secure WRC2 honors at Rally Portugal, finishing 45.6 seconds ahead of Roope Korhonen. Entering the final day with a slim lead of less than a second over Jan Solans, Suninen utilized his experience to manage the closing stages. Solans, who challenged for the lead throughout the weekend, saw his podium hopes fade after an incident on the penultimate stage caused his Škoda Fabia RS Rally2 to lose over two minutes.
This victory marks Suninen's maiden WRC2 win behind the wheel of the Toyota GR Yaris Rally2 and his first triumph alongside co-driver Janni Hussi. Reflecting on the result, the Finn noted the satisfaction of returning to gravel competition after a two-year hiatus and demonstrating his competitive pace. Beyond the win, Suninen impressed by setting the fastest stage times in seven of the rally's 23 special stages.
Following a consistent weekend, Roope Korhonen moved into a share of the WRC2 championship lead, joining brothers Yohan and Léo Rossel in a three-way tie. Andreas Mikkelsen completed the podium for Toksport WRT, while Fabrizio Zaldivar secured fifth place. Further down the order, Junior WRC champion Mille Johansson achieved a career-best sixth place in his Ford Fiesta Rally2, navigating a field that included Eric Camilli and Gus Greensmith.
