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Season 2014: Lamborghini Super Trofeo & Finnish Rally Championship series

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Time of event
Event name and location
Result
Raportti
23.-25.01.2014
Arctic Lapland Rally, Rovaniemi
4th
21.-22.02.2014
FRC Vaakuna Rally, Mikkeli
6th
07.-08.03.2014
FRC Itäralli, Joensuu
Retired
09.03.2014
1st Riihivuori Rallysprint
2nd
12.-13.04.2014
Lamborghini Blancpain Super Trofeo, Monza
Retired
23.-25.05.2014
Lamborghini Blancpain Super Trofeo, Silverstone
4th & 3rd
13.-14.06.2014
Porsche GT3 Cup Trophy Finland, Ahvenisto
Ret & 2nd
28.-29.06.2014
Lamborghini Blancpain Super Trofeo, Paul Ricard
6th & 4th
23.-27.07.2014
Lamborghini Blancpain Super Trofeo, SPA Francochamps
3rd & 3rd
29.-31.07.2014
Vetomies Rally, Jyväskylä (Finland)
Retired
06.-07.09.2014
Barcelona 24h Endurance
6th
20.-21.09.2014
Lamborghini Blancpain Super Trofeo, Nurburgring
5th & 3rd
20.-22.11.2014 Lamborghini Blancpain Super Trofeo, Sepang Ret & 3rd
23.11.2014 Lamborghini Blancpain Super Trofeo, World Final Sepang Ret & 2nd

Lamborghini Blancpain Super Trofeo Europe 2014 Pro-AM final standings 12/12 rounds:
1. Alberto Di Folco, 129 points
2. Gerhard Tweraser, 113 points
3. Sebastian Merchan, 107 points
4. Mirko Bortolotti, 87 points
4. Mikko Eskelinen 87 points
4. Dimitri Enjalbert, 87 points

5. Aristotelis Vavarouissis, 80 points
6. Sandro Bickel, 73 points


Season 2014 videos:
- Arctic Lapland Rally 2014 tests
- Arctic Lapland Rally 2014 SS1: Mäntyvaara
- Arctic Lapland Rally 2014 SS2: Aittajärvi
- Riihivuori Rallysprint 2014
- Lamborghini Super Trofeo testit @ Italy 2014
- Lamborghini Super Trofeo Monza 2014 Finnish TV
- Lamborghini Super Trofeo Silverstone incar 2014
- Lamborghini Super Trofeo Silverstone 2014 Finnish TV
- Porsche GT3 CUP Ahvenisto 2014 Tests
- Lamborghini Super Trofeo Paul Ricard 2014 Finnish TV
- Lamborghini Super Trofeo Belgium SPA 2014 Finnish TV
- Nelivetomies rally 2014 Incar SS01: Pihlajakoski
- Nelivetomies rally 2014 Incar SS02: Päijälä
- Lamborghini Super Trofeo Nurburgring 2014 Finnish TV
- Lamborghini Super Trofeo Nurburgring 2014 MikkoCam
- Lamborghini Super Trofeo Malaysia 2014 Finnish TV
- Lamborghini Super Trofeo Malaysia 2014 MikkoCam
- Lamborghini Super Trofeo World Final 2014 Finnish TV


25.1.2014 - Mikko Eskelinen into his best-ever Finnish Rally Championship result in Arctic Lapland rally - Podium was slipped away in a spun at legendary Siikakämä stage

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Flying Finn Mikko Eskelinen, age of 41, fullfilled his goals in 49th Arctic Lapland rally and collected 4th highest Championship points, which also were his best-ever result in Finnish Rally Championship series. Eskelinen and his long-term co-driver Arto Kapanen, age of 50, competed the event with Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution IX Fin-R R4 and tackled 10 special stages and 244,54 special stages kilometres with superb performance.

For whole two intense and arctic conditoned rally days Eskelinen and Kapanen were in excellent pace. Even they suffered a high-speed spin in third stage and suffered a technical problem in seventh stage, GTM drivers were able to reach for their goals. In -30c of chilly temperature Eskelinen cut a high-speed fast left-hand corner a bit too much and experienced a 180 degrees spin and suffered nearly two minutes of time loss. Without this mistake he and Kapanen would have reach podium position.

- We had a very good opening for the rally as in super special stage we were third fastest. I was able to keep up the good speed in next Aittajärvi stage and therefore for third stage I entered with very high self-confidence. Then in approx 20kms of third stage I cut a bit too much in one corner and front wheel dived into snow bank and caused us a spin. We lost lots of time when restarting the engine and reversing back into correct driving position, Eskelinen tells.

- Due my own mistake I decided not to give up and continue driving on the same speed. Then on final 49kms stage we entered in 8th position and after colourful events finished the rally in 4th position. Our fellow competitors were caught up with probems and therefore we stept up in overall standings, Eskelinen continues.

During the rally Eskelinen had, once again, a big fight with his Printsport Racing team mate Mattias Therman. Ford Fiesta S2000 driver and his co-driver Risto Pietiläinen were one of the unlucky ones and rolled their car just 5kms before the finish. Despite good Championship points Eskelinen won't make a decision to continue for the next round.

- Unfortunately my team mate and a good friend Mattias Therman went off in final stage and as there also lots of other drivers suffered problems, we managed to pass them and collect good points. A big thanks for this success goes to my sponsors and partners as well as Printsport Racing and its' mechanics for keeping my car in competitive condition, Eskelinen shared his thoughts.

- Next round for Finnish Rally Championship event is to be driven in fourth weekend of February in region of Mikkeli. At the moment I don't know if I drive in the event or not because now I'll celebrate this result and in next week start focusing for next round, multiple racing Champion continues.

Winner of Arctic Lapland rally was another flying Finn Janne Tuohino, who won the event for third time in his long career. Janne and co-driver Markku Tuohino drove the event with Printsport Racing maintenanced new Ford Fiesta R5. Jarkko Nikara was second, over two minutes slower than winner Tuohino. Reighning Finnish Rally Champion Juha Salo was forced to retire the event due technical problems.

Final results 49th Arctic Lapland Rally 2014: FRC1: Super4, Top-6:
1. Janne Tuohino & Markku Tuohino, Ford Fiesta R5, 2:08:02,4
2. Jarkko Nikara & Timo Hantunen, Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution IX, +2:30,4sek
3. Jussi Vainionpää & Mika Juntunen, Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution IX, +4:33,4
4. Mikko Eskelinen & Arto Kapanen, Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution IX, +5:40,3sek
5. Roland Murakas & Kalle Adler, Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution IX, +5:42,3sek
6. Riku Tahko & Markus Soininen, Mini John Cooper Works S2, +7:43,8sek


23.2.2014 - Mikko Eskelinen continues in 4th position in Finnish Rally Championship series - Sixth highest Championship points from FRC Vaakuna Rally

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In surroundings of Mikkeli, central-east Finland, a second Finnish Rally Championship event was driven. Flying Finn Mikko Eskelinen, age of 41, and his long-term co-driver Arto Kapanen, age of 50, accomplished satisfying sixth position in FRC1-group which is better known as supercars -group.

In not-so-basic winter conditions Eskelinen suffered technical problems as the engine of his Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution IX rally car overheat and reduced horse poweres. Therefore he wasnt able to improve the fourth position he had collect from opening round.

Furthermore he experienced a high-speed off in fifth stage and damaged cooling and therefore he was forced to satisfy for sixth highest Championship points which were enough to keep him in Championship standings fourth position as there are still one winterish and three gravel rounds to be driven.

- Two years ago sixth position in Finnish Rally Championship series would have been a top story for me. However now, due improved performance and skills, sixth position tastes like losing, Eskelinen tells and continues, - In first kilometres of 120,21 special stage kilometres rally I experienced lack of horse powers and all engine temperature warning lights came up. During the race PrintSport Racing service crew gave first-aid for my car and we managed to get into finish with reduced horse powers.

- As my fellow competitors also experienced worries I decided to drive a bit over my skills and pick up positions. However in fifth stage my attack went wrong as me and Arto went off into a ditch. Fortunately we had enough speed to get back to the stage but still cooler was full of snow and temperatures rised into a critical position. I'm glad that this time ms. Fortuna was on our side and we managed to finish the rally in a position which keeps us in medal positions, Eskelinen shares his thoughts.

FRC Vaakuna rally FRC1-group was won by Mitsubishi Lancer WRC-driver Ari Vihavainen. He was 18,3 seconds faster than Karl Kruuda, who is also Printsport Racing driver. Third and final winter round is to be driven in first weekend of March in region of Joensuu, eastern Finland.

FRC Vaakuna Rally 2014 final results, FRC1-group:
1. Ari Vihavainen & Jani Vainikka, Mitsubishi Lancer WRC, 1:03:56,2
2. Karl Kruuda & Martin Järveoja, Ford Fiesta S2000, +18,3sec
3. Veli-Pekka Karttunen & Topi Luhtinen, Subaru Impreza WRX STi, +49,1sec
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6. Mikko Eskelinen & Arto Kapanen, Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution IX FIN-R R4, +3:40,9sec


9.3.2014 - Mikko Eskelinen second fastest in first-ever Riihivuori Rallysprint - International Racing Champion enters Lamborghini Blancpain Super Trofeo Europe

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In season 2014 Flying Finn Mikko Eskelinen, age of 41, has stept up his speed and drives top times in Finnish Rally Championshi series. Now after a dissapointing retirement he and co-driver Arto Kapanen experienced in FRC Rally of Joensuu Mikko took silver podium position in first-ever driven Riihivuori Rallysprint.

In Finlands' Pikes Peak and its' three kilometres special stage Eskelinen was only 0,68 seconds slower than winner, rallysprint specialist Tomi Hallia. In a high-speed event which was driven non-snow conditions Eskelinen suffered high engine temperatures and therefore wasn't able to match his speed against his fellow competitor Tomi Hallia. However silver position is like a victory for highly experienced Eskelinen.

- In Saturday at Rally of Joensuu me and co-driver Arto Kapanen went off the stage in high-speed and tricky right-hand corner. Due lack of spectators we got back to stage after eight minutes of shoveling works. Due lots of time loss we decided to retire the event, told Eskelinen and dropped into seventh position in Championship standings.

- In Sunday at Riihivuori Rallysprint I focused to continue to drive on my own level and this time it was enough for silver medal. Because the gap for six-times Finnish Rallysprint Champion Tomi Hallia was only blink of an eye I'm very happy for the result. This was a very good finish for winter season 2014, Eskelinen continued.

FRC Rally of Joensuu was won by Jarkko Nikara who secured his lead in the standings.

Lamborghini Blancpain Super Trofeo Europe calls for Eskelinen


In his six competition years Eskelinen has won two Finnish, one Estonian, one Spanish and one Portugalize Championship titles. Now he takes a new bold step in his career and enters behind the steering wheel of 4WD Lamborghini Gallardo in Lamborgnihi Blancpain Super Trofeo Europe. The series includes six racing weekends and 12 rounds. Mikko shares the seat with french Dimitri Enjalbert, who is season 2012 series silver medalist.

- After two Iberic (Spain & Portugal) Championship seasons I got an outstanding offer from a team who is familiar for me in FIA GT3 European Championship series. As Lamborghini Blancpain Super Trofeo Europe is driven in the best circuits of Europe and finals in Malaysian Sepang Circuit I could't resist not accept the contract, Eskelinen tells and continues, - Furthermore the series is being televisioned in one of the top channels in Finland and therefore my sponsors and partners also showed green light for the project.

Eskelinen has driven one test with the car and is having high hopes for forthcoming season.

- In season 2008 I won Finnish Racing Championship title with RWD BMW and in season 2009 with RWD Lamborghini Gallardo and my rally car Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution is 4WD. Therefore it isn't a new thing for me to drive 4WD Lamborghini Gallardo and in Monza tests it was like sitting on my home couch, Eskelinen shares his thoughts.

- In a long test day we were able to do all the things we had planned. Now I have a month to pick up my fitness and start focusing my thought for forthcoming events. Because my team-mate Dimitri Enjalbert already have silver medal of the series our goals are set for the Championship, Eskelinen tells his bold goals.

Lamborghini Blancpain Super Trofeo series is driven in Europe, in USA and in Asia. After final round top 10 drivers measure their speed for unofficial title of series World Champion. In Europe Mikko and fellow competitors measure speed in Monza, Silverstone, Paul Ricard, SPA Francochamps, Nurburgring and Malaysia Sepang circuits.

Final results 1st Riihivuori Rallisprint 2014: Top-5:
1. Tomi Hallia, Mitsubishi Lancer E6, 1.40,99
2. Mikko Eskelinen, Mitsubishi Lancer E9, +0,68sec
3. Jani Itkonen, Mitsubishi Lancer E6, +4,44sec
4. Jarno Häkkinen, Ford Escort RS Cosworth, +5,90sec
5. Ari Könönen, Mitsubishi Lancer E9, +9,69sec

Final results FR Rally of Joensuu 2014: FRC1: Super4
1. Jarkko Nikara & Petri Nikara, Mitsubishi Lancer E9, 49:39,0
2. Karl Kruuda & Martin Järveoja, Ford Fiesta S2000, +11,6sec
3. Jussi Tiippana & Henri Arpiainen, Mitsubishi Lancer E9, +46,4sec
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ret. Mikko Eskelinen & Arto Kapanen, Mitsubishi Lancer E9, after ss1 (offroad)


13.4.2014 - Mikko Eskelinen experienced a dissapointing start in opening round of Lamborghini Blancpain Super Trofeo Europe series

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Flying Finn Mikko Eskelinen, age of 21, entered Lamborghini Blancpain Super Trofeo Europe series with high hopes but suffered a dissapointing weekend in series opening rounds which was driven in Monza, Italy.

In two intense 50 minute races Eskelinen and several other his fellow competitors experienced punctures which ruined their events due extra pit stop. Racetrax team drivers Mikko Eskelinen and his team mate Dimitri Enjalbert dropped out of points due punctures they experienced in both races.

In first round Mikko suffered a left-rear corner puncture in third lap and Enjalbert another puncture just six laps before finish. In second race Mikko suffered a puncture in his first lap. The Finn was very dissapointed for the miserable racing weekend.

- In Saturday we suffered a game over due two punctures and in Sunday we lost the race when again left-rear corner tyre blew off. We were very fortunate because the punctures happened when we had speed over 250km/h. It was very mysterious why it was always left-rear tyre which blew up, Eskelinen tells.

- Due zero points we're now far away from our goals. This means that in next five racing weekends we cannot make not even a single mistake if we want to reach medals, Eskelinen shared his thoughts.

Second racing weekend for Lamborghini Blancpain Super Trofeo Europe series is to be driven in British Silverstone at the end of May.

Final results Lamborghini Blancpain Super Trofeo Europe 2014: 12.4.2014: Monza 1st round:
1. Andrea Palma, 26 laps
2. Edoardo Piscopo & Milos Pavlovich, +10.044sec
3. Mirko Bortolotti & Aris Vavaroussis, +25.148sec
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22. Mikko Eskelinen & Dimitri Enjalbert, retired due puncture

Final results Lamborghini Blancpain Super Trofeo Europe 2014: 12.4.2014: Monza 2nd round:
1. Edoardo Piscopo & Milos Pavlovich, 26 laps
2. Jeroen Mul, +10.544sec
3. Cédric Leimer & Jonathan Cochet, +33.638sec
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21. Mikko Eskelinen & Dimitri Enjalbert, +3 laps (puncture)



25.5.2014 - Mikko Eskelinen drove his first-ever Lamborghini Blancpain Super Trofeo podium in British Silverstone

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Flying Finn Mikko Eskelinen, age of 41, and his french Team Mate Dimitri Enjalbert drove superb performance in Lamborghini Blancpain Super Trofeo British Silverstone events and finished the two intense events in 4th and 3rd positions. This was also first-ever Lamborghini Super Trofeo podium for Finnish Racing Pro-Am driver.

In Saturdays first round Racetrax drivers collect 4th Pro-AM group position and in Sunday they celebrated Podium position. Due good results Eskelinen and Enjalbert rose into 6th position in overall standings after four rounds.

Two successfull rounds were essential for Eskelinen to reach for his season 2014 goals.

- This was my third time in Silverstone circuit and this is one of the most challenging circuits I've ever driven. Long and high-speed corners and especially always tricky weather was again in this year one of the biggest mysteries. Furthermore in practice session we weren't able to make a perfect setup and therefore driving was pretty hard. However third and fourth positions were surely the positions our speed is able to give us, Eskelinen tells.

- Even podium finish is always a celebration issue I still am not satisfied for my performance. In first round and up to its' final laps I was able to drive in third position but then my fellow competitor passed me in third final corner. Even it was a bit dissapointing it still was great to see that our speed in Pro-AM group is enough to reach for podiums, Finn continued.

Lamborghini Blancpain Super Trofeo Europe series Silverstone rounds were won by dutch Jeroen Mul. Next two rounds are to be driven in final weekend of June at French circuit of Paul Ricard.

Final results Lamborghini Blancpain Super Trofeo Europe Silverstone, May 25th 2014, Pro-AM-group, Top-3:
1. Alberto Di Folco, 23 laps
2. Aristotelis Vavaroussis, 15,233sec
3. Yoshi Mori & Giacomo Barri, +23,245sec
4. Mikko Eskelinen & Dimitri Enjalbert, +23,433sec

Final results Lamborghini Blancpain Super Trofeo Europe Silverstone, May 26th 2014, Pro-AM-group, Top-3:
1. Sandro Bickel & Gerhard Tweraser, 23 laps
2. Alberto Di Folco, +11,324sec
3. Mikko Eskelinen & Dimitri Enjalbert, +18,244sec


14.6.2014 - Mikko Eskelinen as a crash test dummie in Porsche GT3 Cup Trophy Finland - Silver position in second run as solitary prize

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In seasons 2008 and 2009 Mikko Eskelinen won titles of Finnish Racing Champion. In season 2012 he collect the title of Spanish GT Champion and in season 2013 he drove himself the title of Portugal SuperCars Champion. Now in season 2014 he's driving in Lamborghini Blancpain SuperTrofeo Europe. In the middle of intenese competition he made a visit entry to Finnish Racing Championship series Ahvenisto event where he experienced a heavy crash and satisfy second position.

Eskelinen entered the event with a Porsche powered by EkoRace team. In qualifying he wasn't able to match his speed to the level he had wanted and also in first race suffered a heavy crash which was caused a fellow competitor losing a braking point in first corner. The impact was so severe that Eskelinen hit a fellow in front of him and forced also him to retire the event. Due the insident Eskelinen drove back to pit and retired the first event.

A few hours later drivers grouped to second 14 laps race. Due miserable result in first race, Eskelinen was forced to get underway from 12th grid. However in 18 minutes of intense racing he was able to push into silver podium position of group-2. Winner of the race was another Flying Finn Simo Muhonen, age of 17.

Silver position in a second race was a comfortable result in miserable racing weekend.

- For some reason in tests and during the racing weekend I wasn't able to get into the speed I wanted. Furthermore as the engine of my car started to leak oil and smoke up I can only think that's the reason for my lack of speed. And then my fellow competitor made a big driving mistake and caused a massive collision - This really wasn't a result I had hoped for, Eskelinen tells.

- Now we forget this and focus our thoughts to Lamborghini Blancpain Super Trofeo France event which is to be driven in circuit of Paul Ricard. I'm really keen to gain podium because if we cannot reach our goals, we'll also have a miserable rest of the season. My next race in Finland will be Nelivetomies Rally which is to be driven in WRC Rally Finland, Eskelinen continues.

Final results FINRace Ahvenisto, Porsche GT3 Cup Trophy Finland, 1st start: Top-4:
1. Jukka Honkavuori, 14 laps
2. Kari-Pekka Laaksonen, +13.481sec
3. Johan Westergård, +22.723sec
4. Raimo Niemi, +27.549sec
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ret. Mikko Eskelinen, crash in 1st lap

Final results FINRace Ahvenisto, Porsche GT3 Cup Trophy Finland, 2nd start: Gr2 Top-4:
1. Simo Muhonen, 14 laps
2. Mikko Eskelinen, +15,423sec
3. Jesse Lintumäki, +25,284sec


28.6.2014 - Mikko Eskelinen had a thrilling battle in Lamborhini Blancpain Super Trofeo Paul Ricard - Missed podium just two seconds

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In very warm South-France weather conditions flying Finn Mikko Eskelinen, age of 41, and his team mate Dimitri Enjalbert tackled a massive fight for silver podium position at sixth round of Lamborghini Blancpain Super Trofeo series. However after 50 minutes and 22 intensive laps the duo was forced to satisfy for fourth position.

Lamborghini Blancpain Super Trofeo is a series where drivers measure their skills with exactly the same 4WD cars. In qualifying Luxemburg Racetrax team drivers were able to pick up a good speed but suffered bad car setup and ended the first race in sixth position, which didn't match teams' goals.

After five hours of pause Eskelinen and Enjalbert focused their efforts for complitely new setup and this immediately put their speed to battle of silver position. However chequerred flag came to early and they missed podium just 2,0986 seconds and silver position by 2,415 seconds. Again they missed their goals, but this time by just blink of an eye.

- This was a weekend for us that we knew that we had to be on podium of we wanted to drive for the Championship title. Therefore me and Dimitri both drove on our limits but unfortunately the car setup was a bit wrong and it was quite impossible to push into podium positions. Then on pause between the races we managed to get better setup and then were back on podium hunt. However this time it was missed by just a time of thought, Eskelinen tells his competition.

- Ofcourse we both could have driven with more aggressive style and having a big risk of crash and zero points. However these results are better than zero points and therefore we now have to focus our thoughts for next events. Even in standings we're now on sixth position, 42 points behind leading drivers we aren't going to give up as we're facing a 1000kms test day in Belgium SPA-Francochamps. Testing is the only way to reach for top drivers, Eskelinen continues.

Winner of Lamborghini Blancpain Super Trofeo Paul Richard PRO-AM events was Sebastian Merchan who also stepped into broze position. Eskelinen and Enjalbert are 11 points behind Mechan as the series continues in Belgium SPA-Francochamps in July.

Final results Lamborghini Blancpain Super Trofeo Paul Ricard 2014: 1st start: PRO-AM:
1. Sebastian Merchan, 23 laps
2. Aristotelis Vavarouissis & Mirko Bortolotti, +1.121sec
3. Alberto Di Folco, +19.623sec
4. Matteo Zucchi, +25,323sec
5. Gerhard Tweraser & Sandro Bickel, +39.523sec
6. Mikko Eskelinen & Dimitri Enjalbert, +52.344sec

Final results Lamborghini Blancpain Super Trofeo Paul Ricard 2014: 2nd start: PRO-AM:
1. Sebastian Merchan, 22 laps
2. Alberto Di Folco, +34.918sec
3. Aristotelis Vavarouissis / Mirko Bortolotti, +35.237sec
4. Mikko Eskelinen & Dimitri Enjalbert, +37.333sec


26.7.2014 - Mikko Eskelinen two times into bronze medal in Lamborghini Blancpain Belgium event

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In his six years of racing career Mikko Eskelinen, 41, has won multiple Championship titles. Now in final weekend of July he and french team mate Dimitri Enjalbert celebrated two podium positions in seventh and eight round of Lamborghini Blancpain Super Trofeo series which were driven in circuit of SPA-Francochamps, Belgium.

Eskelinen, who drives in Luxemburg Racetrax team, took two bronze medals in Pro-AM class. He and Enjalbert were able to drive a technically trouble-free runs and were very happy to finish the events in their goals. In season 2014 Eskelinen and Enjalbert has been three times on podium of eight possible events and were able to improve their positions in Championship standings.

- Both events can be analyzed so that we got perfect starts and drove our turns without any mistakes. It provided us a tecnically trouble-free so that we just could enjoy racing in one of the most legendary circuit of Europe, Eskelinen tells.

- Ofcourse it could have been two positions better, but still we're very happy for bronze trophies. Before the event we knew that we had, no matter what, to gain podium and now as we did it two times we know that the dream of medal is still on. I'm very pleased for our good performance, Eskelinen tells.

WRC Rally Finland calling

Flying Finn is having a wild motorsport summer as on next Friday he's about to start rallying in his home event, WRC Rally Finland. A year ago he and co-driver Arto Kapanen finished the Nelivetomies rally, which is to be driven inside WRC Rally Finland, in second position. Now he seeks one position improvement.


2.8.2014 - Mikko Eskelinen suffered a big dissapointment in Vetomies Rally - Puncture and technical problems forced to retirement

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Season 2014 edition of WRC Rally Finland included two intense competition days for regional Vetomies rally drivers. Flying Finn Mikko Eskelinen and his co-driver Arto Kapanen suffered a big dissapointment as puncture and technical problems stopped their performance.

Eskelinen set the fastest special stage time to first stage by 12,4 seconds gap and therefore he was ready to increase his leadership in second stage. However a puncture, rim broke, drive shaft broke-up and losing brakes forced pair to end the rally before it had even started.

A week before Eskelinen took two bronze podium positions in Lamborghini Blancpain Super Trofeo SPA-Francochamps events. Now he was very sad for the retirement in his home rally.

- Ofcourse I'm very dissapointment as my goals were set for victory and not retirement. Even we got a excellent start for the rally as our time was very comparative to WRC drivers it was only a small confort for our worries, Eskelinen tells.

- There wasn't anything I could do for the puncture and technical problems which occured after we discovered our tyre was blown away. The stone was just after a crest and therefore I couldn't see it. However these kind of situations belongs to intense racing as lots of things can be happen during action, Eskelinen continues.

Vetomies rally was the final rally for Eskelinen in season 2014 and now he focuses his thoughts to next round of Lamborghini Blancpain Super Trofeo series which is to be driven in legendary german Nurburgring at the middle of September.


7.9.2014 - Mikko Eskelinen sixth fastest in his first-ever 24 hours Endurance race at Barcelona - Brake and transmission problems slowed racing

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Flying Finn Mikko Eskelinen competed his first-ever 24 hours Endurace GT-race in Barcelona circuit at german Leipert Motorsport team with australian Liam Talbot, canadian Jean-Charles Perrin and swiss Fredy Barth team mates. In intense event Eskelinen shared seat in Lamborghini Gallardo FL2 GT3 car and finished the event as sixth fastest team of A6-group.

In 24 hours Finn was able to drive trouble free stints. However during the night team suffered transmission and then brake problems and due 90 minutes of service they came to chequered flag 63 laps slower than winner team Scuderia Praha. In overall classifications Leipert Motorsport was in 19th position.

Despite having technical difficulties Eskelinen was still full of smile after having a superb 24 hours of competing.

- This weekend can be easily said by just two words: Thrilling Experience! First in practice and qualifying we drove in heavy raining and then in the race I was able to all-the-time pass fellow competitors who were more than 20 seconds slower in a lap than me. Furthermore and despite having a low-energy I was able to maintain competitive speed and therefore this my first-ever 24 hours Endurace GT-race was definitely one of the best-ever experience I've ever had, Eskelinen tells.

- Even we suffered transmission and brake probles I'm still very happy for sixth position. If we could have driven a trouble-free runs we definitely would have driven for podium positions, Eskelinen tells and continues, - I'm 110% that this 24 hours race isn't going to be my last one.

Finn continues his season 2014 campaign in just two weeks at german circuit of Nurburgring. His goals are set for podium positions in Lamborghini Blancpain Super Trofeo eight and ninth rounds. At the moment Finn and his french team mate Dimitri Enjalbert are in sixth position of PRO-AM group as there are still 60 championship points to be shared.

Final results 24h Barcelona 2014: A6-group, top-3:
1. Scuderia Praha, Ferrari 458 Italia GT3, 653 laps
2. Kessel Racing, Ferrari 458 Italia GT3, 646 laps
3. Hofor Racing, Mercedes SLS AMG GT3, 641 laps
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6. Leipert Motorsport, Lamborghini Gallardo FL2, 593 laps

22.9.2014 - Mikko Eskelinen again on podium at Lamborghini Blancpain Super Trofeo Nurburgring - Six points behind bronze medal in overall standings

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In fifth and penultimate Racing weekend of Lamborghini Blancpain Super Trofeo, which was driven in German Nurburgring, Flying Finn Mikko Eskelinen and French team mate Dimitri Enjalbertg were able to collect 3rd and 5th highest Championship points in seasons 9th and 10th rounds.

In qualifying Racetrax team drivers drove legendary 5,148kms Formula-1 circuit of Nurburgring just 1,788 seconds slower than PRO-AM Pole Position drivers Mirko Bortolotti and Anders Josephsohn. Mikko and Dimitri were slowed down by a technical problem which occured in first practice session and due that reason they missed second practice session. Therefore Eskelinen and Enjalbert were forced to enter qualifying with reduced experience. In overall qualifying stadings they were 9th fastest.

- Fourth fastest PRO-AM group driver is pretty much a result we expected when considering that 12 best drivers were inside 2 seconds gap. In practice session we suffered a technical problem which was so severe that it took whole second practice session to fix it and therefore I missed that experience, Eskelinen tells.

In first round teams measured their skills behind the steering wheel in heavy rain. This was poison for Eskelinen and Enjalbert because the start was done behind safety car and Enjalbert weren't able to have his normal push. As conditions were horrible, Racetrax team drivers weren't able to take podium and by 10 seconds margin were forced to satisfy for fifth PRO-AM position.

- Both practice and qualifyings were driven in dry conditions but this first race was on very, very wet tarmac. Even Dimitri start the race behind safety car, he still was able to push into PRO-AM third position in his stint. On wet surface I wasn't able to keep that position and therefore two our fellow competitors were able to pass us and we finished the event in very dissapointing fifth position, Eskelinen tells.

On next day the 10th round of the season was also driven on very wet and misty conditions. Again teams entered the event behind the safety car and after four laps the race was on. Once again Enjalbert pushed really hard and broght the car to Eskelinen in third position. This time Finn was able to keep that position and duo celebrated their season fourth podium position and very important Championship points.

After ten rounds Eskelinen and Enjalbert are in sixth position at PRO-AM group and just six points behind bronze position as there are still two final rounds and World Final to go on. Eskelinen thought this weekend was one of the most challenging weekends he have ever had in his six years of international racing.

- The conditions were very, very tricky as heavy rain kept the surface very slippery and mist reduced vicibility. Before the event we knew that podium position would be our minimum goal and therefore the focus on driving was very intense. As we were able to take bronze podium position we now have lots of new confidence for the final rounds which are to be driven in very hot Malaysian weather, Eskelinen tells.

- Because all our worst rivals suffered offs and technical difficulties the gap for medals reduced so well that in Malaysia we have excellent chances to reach for our goals. Even the Championship title has gone out of our reach, we'll surely have a hellowa battle for the medals. Now we just have to analyze this weekend and start focusing on the finals, Finn continued.

Italian Alberto di Folco won first round and finished second fastest in second round. These results provided him PRO-AM title as there are still two rounds to go. Lamborghini Blancpain Super Trofeo Europe final rounds and World Final are to be driven in Kuala Lumpur Malaysia at fourth weekend of November 2014.

Lamborghini Blancpain Super Trofeo Nürburgring 2014: Qualifying, Pro-AM group, Top-4:
1. Mirko Bortolotti & Andres Josephsohn, 2:01:921
2. Alberto Di Folco, +1.199sec
3. Gerhard Tweraser & Ronald Hölling, +1.711sec
4. Mikko Eskelinen & Dimitri Enjalbert, +1.788sec

Lamborghini Blancpain Super Trofeo Nürburgring 2014: Results 1st race, Pro-AM group, Top-4:
1. Alberto Di Folco, 22 kierrosta
2. Mirko Bortolotti & Andres Josephsohn, +28,517sek
3. Sebastian Merchan & Andrea Ceccato, +43,575sek
4. Gerhard Tweraser & Ronald Hölling, +46,595sek
5. Eskelinen Mikko & Dimitri Enjalbert, +53,095sek

Lamborghini Blancpain Super Trofeo Nürburgring 2014: Results 2nd race, Pro-AM group, Top-3
1. Mirko Bortolotti & Andres Josephsohn, 22 laps
2. Alberto Di Folco, +1.112sec
3. Eskelinen Mikko & Dimitri Enjalbert, +16,235sec

23.11.2014 - Mikko Eskelinen and Dimitri Enjalbert two times on Podium at Lamborghini Blancpain Super Trofeo Malaysia events


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Flying Finn Mikko Eskelinen and french team mate Dimitri Enjalbert packed their season 2014 in two rounds of Lamborghini Blancpain Super Trofeo Malaysia and two rounds of Lamborghini Blancpain Super Trofeo World Finals which were driven in circuit of Sepang at Kuala Lumpur. Before the final rounds Eskelinen and Enjalbert were 12 points behind silver position and 10 points behind bronze position as there were still 30 Championship points to be given.

For whole intense racing weekend the temperatures were set for +33c and both Racetrax team drivers had their debut runs in Sepang Formula-1 circuit. Hot and humid conditions caused lots of troubles for the drivers and their cars and therefore it was vital to keep up the liquid balance. Also local and heavy thunderstorms caused lots of difficulties for the teams.

In Lamborghini Blancpain Super Trofeo Europe qualifying Eskelinen and Enjalbert were in good pace and set their speed for fifth position of PRO-AM class. Dimitri started race one and again made superb job by rising into third position. However when he came to switch drivers team discovered that the car had suffered brake failure and it was game over and no vital points were given for Eskelinen and Enjalbert.

Second race was driven four hours later and due first race retirement Racetrax team drivers started racing from back row at 15th position. After a fierce attack they managed to collect bronze podium position of PRO-AM class.

- Hot and humid conditions were very difficult for all teams as there were lots of technical retirements. We also tackled with brake problems and due boiled brakes we were forced to retire first start. Fortunately it all went well in second race and therefore, once again, we are able to pour shampagne on podium, Eskelinen tells.

- Surely the first race retirement was very dissapointing especially because on the retirement we were heading towards podium and good points to close the gap for medals. Now due that retirement the goals were ruled out by frustrating way. However Podium position from the second race gave some heal for wounds, Eskelinen continues.

Silver podium from World Final

Right on next day after Lamborghini Super Trofeo Europe series the qualifying for World Finals were driven. For the World Final teams in Europe, Asia and America series entered the race to drive for Lamborghini World Title. Eskelinen and Enjalbert drove against 40 fellow competitors in intense +35c heat. Furthermore as all teams had equal chances for success, Racetrax Team drivers were very confident for the finals.

In qualifying Dimitri and Mikko collect fourth position in PRO-AM class and were very focused for the races which were driven a day after qualifyings. After calmful night Dimitri had again a superb attack in the start of the first race. However this time his attack didn't went as planned as he suffered impacts from in front and in rear at the second corner of the race. Due technical problems he was forced to retire the event and again they had zero points after first race.

Five hours later teams had their season final start and again Racetrax team drivers were forced, due first race retirement, to start the race on back row. After 22 laps and 50 minutes racing Eskelinen and Enjalbert were able to push into silver podium position of PRO-AM class. In overall classifications they were 11th fastest and both drivers were very surprised about the result which couldn't be possible in any way.

- In the first start of the World Final my team mate Dimitri Enjalbert had a superb attack but due a small driving mistake he missed the braking point of second corner and hit his fellow competitor. At the same time another competitor hit Dimitri and therefore the car suffered too much technical difficulties and it was once again Game Over. Definitely this retirement was very strong because again I couldn't drive not even a single lap in the race, Eskelinen tells.

- During the pause between the races Racetrax team mechanics were able to fix the car and we were able to start the race from 35th position in overall standings. I started racing and was able to do one of the best stint I had done this season and was able to pass approximately 10 fellow competitors. Then after drivers change Dimitri drove like a maniac and pushed us on to podium. It was quite a surprise to celebrate season finale on silver podium position of PRO-AM class. It definitely was a sweet end for the difficult season, Eskelinen continues.

In 12 rounds of Lamborghini Blancpain Super Trofeo Europe Mikko Eskelinen and Dimitri Enjalbert accomplished six of twelve possible podium positions. Eskelinen has started negotiations for season 2015 series.

- This year the Championship titles were driven in three different groups. Because, due new Huracan car, in season 2015 there will be three more groups as this old Gallardo remains a car in the series. As now during season 2015 I noticed that my speed is enough for podiums I definitely want to continue driving this same series in season 2015, BUT only if I can drive with this new Huracan car which is ofcourse newer and faster than current Gallardo car, Eskelinen tells.

Next race for Eskelinen is traditional season opener, Arctic Lapland Rally, which in 2015 edition will be 50th time for the legendary snow rally. Finn doesn't have any hurry to make decisions of his career continuance.

- Several team has shared intrest for me and now for the next months I'll be waiting what kind offers the Winter comes to me. There are no hurry to make decisions because season 2015 edition of Lamborghini Blancpain Super Trofeo starts on April. Until that moment it's good to keep up the speed in Finnish Rally Championship series, Eskelinen shares his plans.

Final Results Lamborghini Blancpain Super Trofeo World Final, Malesia, PRO-AM -group, 1st start:
1. Gerhard Tweraser & Tomas Pivoda, 22 laps
2. Mikhail Grachev, +17,211sec
3. Alberto di Folco, +41,245sec
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retired. Mikko Eskelinen & Dimitri Enjalbert, crash at 1st lap

Final Results Lamborghini Blancpain Super Trofeo World Final, Malesia, PRO-AM -group, 2nd start:
1. Bernard Pailler & Paul Loup Chatin, 22 laps
2. Mikko Eskelinen & Dimitri Enjalbert, +48,234sec
3. Daniel Hiqmar & Fairuz Fauzy, +51,245sec

Final Results Lamborghini Blancpain Super Trofeo Europe, Malaysia 1st round, PRO-AM -group, Top-3:
1. Gerhard Tweraser & Tomas Pivoda, 52:02.202
2. Mikhail Grachev, +5.365sec
3. Sebastian Merchan & Andrea Ceccato, +1 laps
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retired. Mikko Eskelinen & Dimitri Enjalbert, brake problem on 12th lap

Final Results Lamborghini Blancpain Super Trofeo Europe, Malaysia 2nd round, PRO-AM -group, Top-3:
1. Gerhard Tweraser & Tomas Pivoda, 52:02.202
2. Sebastian Merchan & Andrea Ceccato, +1 lap
3. Mikko Eskelinen & Dimitri Enjalbert, +1 lap

Final results Lamborghini Blancpain Super Trofeo Europe, Malaysia qualifying, PRO-AM -group:
1. Mirko Bortolotti & David Perel, 2:09.500
2. Danial Hiqmar & Fairuz Fauzy, +1.191sec
3. Alberto Di Folco, +1,564sec
4. Sebastian Merchan & Andrea Ceccato, +1.738sec
5. Mikko Eskelinen & Dimitri Enjalbert, +1.818sec
6. Mikhail Grachev, +3.911sec

 
Mikko Eskelisen kotisivut on suunnitellut ja toteuttanut MediaGuru Jack Bacon - Digitaalisen median tuotantostudio - www.mediaguru.fi