These plans indicate the intention to rely on Finnish content in the team, and suggestions that highly rated foreign drivers, who would demand a full WRC program, are not being sought.
2014 European Rally Champion, 25-year old Lappi has been driving for Skoda Motorsport for the past four years, and has already widely commented that now is the time for him to move on. He has never rallied a World Rally Car.
2012 European Rally Champion, Hanninen (35) has been the team’s main test driver so far. Hanninen’s final regular year in the WRC was driving a Hyundai World Rally Car.
It is reported that Tommi Makinen Racing has yet to start asphalt test work, but 6000km have been covered in gravel road testing.
It is rumoured that the team will be launched at the Paris Salon motor show on September 28, but this has not yet been confirmed.