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Season 2019: Lamborghini Super Trofeo Europe & Various Rallyes

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Time of event
Event name and location
Result
Report
25.-27.01.2019
Arctic Lapland Rally, Rovaniemi, Finland
Retired
Report
11.-12.05.2019
Lamborghini Super Trofeo Silverstone, England
2nd & 4th
Report
29.-30.06.2019
Lamborghini Super Trofeo Misano, Italy
2nd & 1st
Report
13.-14.07.2019
Lamborghini Super Trofeo Zaanvoort, Nedherlands
3rd & 6th
Report
26.-27.07.2019
Lamborghini Super Trofeo SPA-Francorchamps, Belgium
1st & ret.
Report
30.-31.08.2019
Lamborghini Super Trofeo Nurburgring, Germany
3rd & ret.
Report
24.-25.10.2019
Lamborghini Super Trofeo Jerez, Spain
3rd & ret
Report
26.-27.10.2019
Lamborghini Super Trofeo World Finals, Jerez (Spain)
Didn't start
Report

Lamborghini Super Trofeo Europe 2019 final standings 12/12 rounds, AM-group, top-5
1. Nicolas Gomar (FRA), 156 points
2. Robert Zwinger (SLK), 113 points
3. Mikko Eskelinen (FIN) & Jake Rattenbury (GBR), 101 points
4. Gilles Vannelet (FRA), 80 points
5. Raffaele Giannoni (ITA), 69 points



Highslide JSSeason 2019 videos:
Arctic Lapland Rally 2019 Tests: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OTIH3C1UaUY
Arctic Lapland Rally 2019 Tests Slowmotion: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4tu7xfUkvHI
Arctic Lapland Rally 2019 SS1: Aittajärvi: https://youtu.be/wSJSNCW8nFU
Arctic Lapland Rally 2019 SS2: Mäntyvaara #1: https://youtu.be/YvPm05nTgN8

Lamborghini Super Trofeo Europe Silverstone: MikkoCAM
Lamborghini Super Trofeo Europe Silverstone: TV-broadcast (C More Max)
Lamborghini Super Trofeo Europe Misano: MikkoCAM
Lamborghini Super Trofeo Misano: TV-broardcast (C More Max)
Lamborghini Super Trofeo Europe Zandvoort: MikkoCAM
Lamborghini Super Trofeo Europe SPA-Francorchamps: TV-broadcast (C More Max)
Lamborghini Super Trofeo Nurburgring: MikkoCam
Lamborghini Super Trofeo Nurburgring: TV-broadcast (C More Max)
Lamborghini Super Trofeo Jerez: TV-broadcast (C More Max)
Lamborghini Super Trofeo European series season 2019 compilation: TV-broadcast (C More Max)


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30.1.2019 - Mikko Eskelinen and Arto Kapanen retired two times in Arctic Lapland Rally - Frozen MAP-sensor and broken transmission forced the duo to retire

Season 2019 edition of traditional Arctic Lapland Rally was driven in very arctical, about -30 degrees and harsh conditions in surroundings of Rovaniemi, Arctic Circle. Due very cold weather the cars and the drivers faced freezing conditions to drive and therefore many competiror tackled with technical issues. One team was Mikko Eskelinen and his co-driver Arto Kapanen who retired the event because of technical problems.

After good pre-rally tests Eskelinen and Kapanen entered the event to challenge other racing drivers Valtteri Bottas and Mika Salo. Even they drove with old Mitsubishi Lancer WRC Step2 rally car they managed to get a good start for the rally as they could match their speed against Mika Salo, who drove with modern Skoda Fabia R5 car. Also Ford Fiesta RS WRC driver Valtteri Bottas was in their grasp. However in third stage of the rally a MAP-sensor froze up and engine misfired a lot. As there was still two stages to go before service, they decided to retire the event in safety reasons.

After retirement the service team replaced MAP-sensor with a new one and engine was in order again. However even due the retirement Mikko and Arto collect 15 minutes of penalty, they decided to continue the rally because it was fun to drive between high snow banks. However in the middle of the sixth stage it was game over again as transmission failed to work.

- We had carefully prepared the event as we headed the stages with high hopes. However we haven't competed with our old Mitsubishi Lancer WRC Step2 car in these very cold conditions and therefore we had no idea that MAP-sensor could freeze up. After our retirement our service crew noticed the problem and when they replaced that sensor, everything was working again, Eskelinen tells.

- On next day we restart the rally with Super Rally regulation and just drive for enjoyment. However after about 10 kilometres of the stage we started to hear loud noise from the transmission and we immediately knew that we had to retire. It was frustrating that we couldn't see our speed against Valtteri Bottas and Mika Salo. Maybe next time, Eskelinen shared his feelings.

Winner of Arctic Lapland Rally was Emil Lindholm, who made superb performance with new Volkswagen Polo GTi R5 rally car. After 10 special stages and approximately 241,11 special stage kilometres previous Finnish Rally Champions Teemu Asunmaa and Juha Salo lost the victory by 49,2 and 59,6 seconds. Valtteri Bottas was 5th fastest with Ford Fiesta RS WRC. Eskelinen gives a recognition for Bottas, who drove superb performance in his first-ever rally and did it with modern World Rally Car.

- Valtteri surprised everybody by showining a trouble-free and steady performance from the first stage on. He drove very maturally and improved his pace as the rally progressed. Also Mika Salo and his co-driver Peter Flythström was in similar racing mode as they finished the rally in 11th fastest. Lets' hope that both of these drivers continue their racing career in rally and I could have a re-run against these tarmac circuit drivers, Eskelinen tells.

- This was my only winter rally of the season as now I'm facing negoations for international circuit racing season. As a reigning Lamborghini Super Trofeo Asia Champion I'm having good opportunities on my desk and therefore my racing career will continue on tarmac surface, Eskelinen opens a bit his plans.

Final results Arctic Lapland Rally 2019, overal standings, top-5:
1. Emil Lindholm & Mikael Korhonen, Volkswagen Polo GTi R5, 1:58:54,0
2. Teemu Asunmaa & Jani Salo, Skoda Fabia R5, +49,2sec
3. Juha Salo & Topi Luhtinen, Skoda Fabia R5, +59,6sec
4. Henrik Pietarinen & Juha Lummaa, Skoda Fabia R5, +1:13,3sec
5. Valtteri Bottas & Timo Rautiainen, Ford Fiesta RS WRC, +1:59,2sec
---
ret. Mikko Eskelinen & Arto Kapanen, technical problems, ss2 & ss6




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23.3.2019 - Mikko Eskelinen enters Lamborghini Super Trofeo European Championship series - Goals are set for double titles

Since 2008 Flying Finn Mikko Eskelinen has determinately developed his international racing career and it has been rewarded with many podiums and titles. In his 12 years of racing he has won multiple Championship titles in european racing series as well as in Lamborghini Super Trofeo Asian series.

In season 2019 Mikko Eskelinen will measure his skills in 12 rounds of Lamborghini Super Trofeo Europe and in two rounds of Lamborghini Super Trofeo World Finals with british team mate Jake Rattenbury, who has won the World Championship title in season 2014. Season 2019 gets underway in the middle of May at british circuit of Silverstone. Eskelinen and Rattenbury competes with german Leipert Motorsport team 620 bhp Lamborghini Super Trofeo EVO.

For past seasons both drivers, Mikko Eskelinen and Jake Rattenbury have enjoyed the performance of Leipert Motorsport as Eskelinen won the Lamborghini Super Trofeo Asian Championship series 2018 and Rattenbury won Dubai 24 hours event which was driven in January 2019. Therefore their goals for the forthcoming season and its' 14 races is pretty simple: To win European Championship series as well to win World Finals.

- Season 2018 was the most successful season in my 11 years career as I and my team mate Juuso Puhakka collect 12/14 podiums and the Championship title in Lamborghini Super Trofeo Asian Championship series. Now in forthcoming season I'm aiming for similar result with Jake Rattenbury in Lamborghini Super Trofeo Europe. I strongly we'll be a very competitive pari in AM-category of the series as this is my fifth season as a Leipert Motorsport driver. Besides Asian Championship title I've collect silver medals in Europe and Asia as well as bronze medal in World Finals and thefore our goals are set for high, Eskelinen tells.

- In all these five years it has been great to see other Finnish racing drivers entering the series. A year ago my GTM Motorsport helpt Juuso Puhakka to show his talent and it was rewarded with first-ever Finnish title in Lamborghini Super Trofeo Asia series. For me personally it has been a priviledge to share my know-how and now it's nice to see how Puhakka continues his career as he has already picked silver medal in Lamborghini Super Trofeo Middle-East series, Eskelinen shares his thoughts.

Each Lamborghini Super Trofeo series racing weekends includes two one-hour free practice sessions, two 15 minutes qualifying sessions and two 50 minutes races with mandatory drivers change. Lamborghini Super Trofeo is driven in Europe, Asia, Middle-East and North-America. In October all of these series are put together as drivers compete in World Finals for the title of World Champion.

12.5.2019 - Mikko Eskelinen and Jake Rattenbury collect one podium from opening round of Lamborghini Super Trofeo Europe at circuit of Silverstone - Leipert Motorsport drivers lost the victory just by four seconds

First racing weekend of International Lamborghini Super Trofeo Europe was driven in traditional british Formula-1 circuit of Silverstone at the middle of May. In two 50 minutes events Flying Finn Mikko Eskelinen and his Welsh team mate Jake Rattenbury had a thrilling races for the victory. However in Saturdays' event they lost the victory by 4,125 seconds and on Sunday by 17,739 because of drive thru penalty.

In first race of the weekend reigning Champion of Lamborghini Super Trofeo Asia Mikko Eskelinen entered the event by 7th position in overall and Pole Position in AM-standings. During his stint he was in excellent pace. However at the end of his stint his speed was slowed down another class driver who shut the door in one slow corner and therefore two rival AM-drivers were able to pass him.

After drivers change Welsh Wizard Jake Rattenbury showed his talent and was able to reduce the gap. However he didn't have enough time to do passings and therefore french Nicolas Gomar collect the victory and italian Raffaele Giannoni took the second highest Championship points. Third position was still an excellent result for Eskelinen and Rattenbury.

- It was very intensive race as we had to drive very hard and avoid mistakes from the start to finish. I did everything I could to defend the Pole Position but then one PRO-class competitor forced me out from the circuit and in that moment Gomar and Giannoni passed me. Then I just tried to follow them, Eskelinen tells.

- After drivers change my team mate Jake Rattenbury also pushed wery hard but wasn't able to pass our rivals and we had to satisfy for third highest Championship points. The level of competitiveness is very high as in final lap Giannoni had to give everything he could to keep us behind. This race was an excellent demonstration that we're going to have a hellowa races in all next five racing weekends which are still in front of us, Eskelinen continues.

On next day at the second race of the season Jake Rattenbury started driving again from 7th position in overall and Pole Position in AM-group. The start was a chaotic and therefore Rattenbury dropped three positions as Gomar and Giannoni again was able to go in front of the Leipert Motorsport drivers. Furthermore as second Leipert Motorsport team car (PRO-group) jammed in front of Rattenbury, the changes for the group victory got harder. However Jake did excellent job and was able to step again into leadership of AM-group. However when entering the pitlane for driver change, he had a bit too much speed and therefore the jury gave drive-thru penalty for speeding in pitlane.

After drivers change and suffering drive thru penalty Eskelinen did what he could and was able to finish the event 17,739 seconds slower than the winner and just by 4 seconds slower than third position driver. Fourth highest Championship points were still big dissapointment for Eskelinen and Rattenbury.

- It was a chaotic start as Pole Position driver bend the rules of starting procedure as he tried to play penalty for his worst rivals. Therefore Jake missed the optimal start and three cars passed him, including the second Leipert Motorsport car. Jake could't drive his own speed because slower drivers excellently defended their positions and Rattenbury had to loose hit attacks. Then when he entered the pits for drivers change he had a bit much of speed and our dream for the first season 2019 victory was denied.

- Now that first of the six racing weekends are being driven, we've seen that there is absolutely no room for a single driving mistake. However we also saw that our speed is enough to drive for the victories in forthcoming events. We just have to learn from these mistakes and not to repeat them in next rounds, Eskelinen continues.

The second race of AM-group was again won by french Nicolas Gomar who was over 10 seconds faster than italian Raffaele Giannoni. Next two rounds are to be driven in italian circuit of Misano at the end of June.

TV-broadcasts in Finnish National C More TV-channel

For past five years Lamborghini Super Trofeo Europe and Asia series has been seen in Finnish C More TV-channels. Season 2019 is no difference as GTM Motorsport produces the shows from each European round as primary show is to be broadcast on Sundays just before Formula-1 live and six reruns on following days. Furthermore shows can be seen in YouTube and GTM Motorsport home page www.gtm.fi.

- One section of GTM Motorsport is to support international motorsport scene with a TV-production which it has done for past five years. GTM Motorsport continues its' successful partnership with MediaGuru Jack Bacon which is responsible for the content of the shows. Also the company makes PR-work from the Lamborghini Super Trofeo Series to Finnish national media and therefore GTM Motorsport maximises vicibility for its' sponsors and partners, Eskelinen tells.

Final results Lamborghini Super Trofeo Europe, Silverstone #1, AM-group, Top-5:
1. Nicolas Gomar (FRA), 23 laps
2. Raffaele Giannoni (ITA), +4,009sec
3. Mikko Eskelinen (FIN) & Jake Rattenbury (GBR), +4,215sec
4. JM Littman (GBR) & Grzegorz Moczulski (POL), +27,831sec
5. Oliver Freymuth (DEU), +28,251sec

Final results Lamborghini Super Trofeo Europe, Silverstone #2, AM-group, Top-5:
1. Nicolas Gomar (FRA), 24 laps
2. Raffaele Giannoni (ITA), +10,227sec
3. Thomas Padovadi (EST) & Steven Liquirish (GRB) +13,694sec
4. Mikko Eskelinen (FIN) & Jake Rattenbury (GBR), +17,739sec
5. Robert Swinger (SLO), +44,758sec




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30.6.2019 - Mikko Eskelinen and Jake Rattenbury collect nearly all possible points from Italian Misano - Due Victory and 2nd position the duo is in silver position in Lamborghini Super Trofeo Europe series after four rounds

Reigning Lamborghini Super Trofeo Asia series Champion, Flying Finn Mikko Eskelinen made nearly a perfect job with his british team mate Jake Rattenbury in 2nd weekend of Lamborghini Super Trofeo European Championship series which was driven at final weekend of June in italian circuit of Misano. In intense heat the duo accomplished 2nd highest AM-group Championship points in Saturdays' night race and in Sundays' race they celebrated their first-ever group victory. As they collect 27 of 32 possible points, they entered 2nd position in Championship standings and are now only five points behind leader Nicolas Gomar.

In Saturdays' night race Mikko and Jake entered with german Leiper Motorsport 620bhp Lamborghini Huracan Super Trofeo EVO car at 6th position in AM-group. Mikko had an excellent stint as he was able to pass two fellow rivals until a safety car was called in due a crash their competitor had suffered. When track was again clear to be driven, Mikko came to mandatory drivers change and gave the steering wheel to Jake who had even more superb stint as he passed three fellow AM-group cars and therefore finished the event in 2nd highest Championship points. 2nd position was best possible result as Eskelinen and Rattenbury were nearly about to retire from the event due technical problem with alternator which gave warnings thought the race. However they decided to run the car as long as it was moving and it definitely was worth of it.

- In qualifyings as well as in Saturdays' race we had big problems with alternator. Our car didn't run smoothly as this electrical problem constantly gave warnings to our dashboard. I was almost about to came out from the circuit to avoid engine failure, but fortunately our engineer decided to run us long as the car was mobing. Furthermore as we were able to beat our second best Championship rival Nicolas Gomar we're more than happy for the 2nd highest points, Eskelinen tells.

For Sundays intense heat the duo entered at 2nd AM- and 9th in overall starting grid. During the night Leipert Motorsport mechanics had solved the technical problem and therefore Jake took the AM-leadership in starting procedure. After drivers change Mikko pushed harder than ever and was able to keep the position until chequerred flag and for their first-ever AM-group victory. As another best Championship contender Raffaele Giannoni was forced to retire the event, Mikko and Jake collect 15 highly valuable points more and therefore they stept into 2nd position in AM-group standings.

- Between the races Leipert Motorsport solved the technical problem we had encoutered and therefore we could seriously drive four our first-ever AM-group victory. Jake opened the race with a smooth run and was able to get us group leadership which I defended to chequerred flag. Eventyally after 50 minutes if intense racing we won the Championship leader by 1,566 seconds gap and reduced his leadership by 3 Championship points. We're more than happy for this excellent result because me and Jake had never-ever competed here before. Now we're back in race for title of European Championships, Eskelinen continues.

Lamborghini Super Trofeo Europe continues in next two weeks at Dutch circuit of Zandvoort.

Final results Lamborghini Super Trofeo Misano (Italy) sat 29.6.2019: AM-group, top-5
1. Raffaele Giannoni (ITA), 29 laps
2. Mikko Eskelinen (FIN) & Jake Rattenbury (GBR), +4,488sec
3. Nicolas Gomar (FRA), 10,564sec
4. Robert Zwinger (SLK), 15,356sec
5. Cyril Leimer (CHE), +18,596sec

Final results Lamborghini Super Trofeo Misano (Italy) sun 30.6.2019: AM-group, top-5

1. Mikko Eskelinen (FIN) & Jake Rattenbury (GBR), 29 laps
2. Nicolas Gomar (FRA), +1,566sec
3. Thomas Padovadi (EST) & Steven Liquirish (GRB), 7,682sec
4. Cyril Leimer (CHE), +11,847sec
5. Federico Paolino (ITA) & Massimo Mantovani (ITA), +32,255sec

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14.7.2019 - Mikko Eskelinen and Jake Rattenbury continues in silver position in Lamborghini Super Trofeo European series - Dutch Zandvoort showed again its' difficultness

3rd racing weekend of Lamborghini Super Trofeo European series was driven in the middle of July at Dutch circuit of Zantvoort, which is a previous - and also forthcoming Formula-1 circuit. In intense racing weekend the Flying Finn Mikko Eskelinen and his welsh team mate Jake Rattenbury were unable to reach their goals as they were forced to satisfy for one podium position and 6th highest Championship points. Even Championship leader, french Nicolas Gomar collect 10 points more than Leipert Motorsport drivers, Eskelinen and Rattenbury are still steadly in silver position in the series as there are still six rounds to go.

In 5th round of the season and 1st Zantvoort event, Mikko and Jake drove an excellent 50 minutes race which eventually was concluded to 3rd highest AM-group Championship points, just 1,5 seconds slower than winner and 0,4 seconds slower than second fastest. As their worst Championship rival was 4th fastest, Mikko and Jake were able to reduce his leadership by 2 points.

Sundays' second race day started with rainy conditions and therefore there were lots of action during the race as altogether two times the safety car was called in. Jake started well and made a good stint. Just before drivers change a shower came up and drivers were forced to make a decision to change wet tyres. Leipert Motorsport decided to change but Mikko misunderstund the command and returned to circuit with slick tyres. Then on next lap he entered pits again to change tyres and it was game over for the victory.

Few moments later a fellow competitor hit a wall and safety car was called in. Five minutes later the race was restarted again and in first braking point Mikko made a mistake on and he went out in a spectacular way. Fortunately he didn't hit a wall and eventually he finished the event on 6th fastest in AM-group which was a big dissapointment especially because Championship leader Nicolas Gomar won the event and is now leading the series by 15 points.

- It was very frustrating because on Saturday we lost the victory just by 1,5 seconds and on Sunday we make stupid mistakes in pit as well as in my driving turn. I had a miscommunication failure with my engineer as I understood his commands to go competing again. However his messages were intented to mechanics for tyre change and therefore I had to come again to change the tyres, Eskelinen tells.

- Then I lost two positions when a safety car was called in and after the race continued, I missed braking point and went off the circuit deep into gravel and lost about 15 seconds on that moment. These mistakes cost us 10 highly valuable Championship points and therefore for the rest of the season we cannot make any mistake if we want to win the title, Eskelinen continues.

Lamborghini Super Trofeo Europe series continues in next two weeks in final weekend of July at traditional belgium racing circuit of SPA-Francorchamps.

Final results Lamborghini Super Trofeo Europe, Zandvoort #1, saturday 13.7.2019, AM-group, top-5:
1. Robert Zwinger (SLK), 29 laps
2. Bakker & Harkema, +1,102sec
3. Mikko Eskelinen (FIN) & Jake Rattenbury (GBR), +1,574sec
4. Nicolas Gomar (FRA), +14,798sec
5. Thomas Padovadi (EST) & Steven Liquirish (GRB), +1 lap

Final results Lamborghini Super Trofeo Europe, Zandvoort #2, sunday 14.7.2019, AM-group, top-3:
1. Nicolas Gomar (FRA), 26 laps
2. Mathis Bakker (NDL) & Paul Horkema (NDL), +0,245sec
3. Antonios Wossos (GRE), +21,277sec
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6. Mikko Eskelinen (FIN) & Jake Rattenbury (GBR), 1 lap

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27.7.2019 - Mikko Eskelinen and Jake Rattenbury collect super victory in SPA-Francorchamps - and experieced dissapointing retirement due heavy crash their fellow competitor caused

4th racing weekend of international Lamborghini Super Trofeo European series was driven in intense +40 heat at traditional Belgium racing circuit of SPA-Francorchamps. Reigning Lamborghini Super Trofeo Asia Champion, Flying Finn Mikko Eskelinen and his fellow team mate, Welsh Wizard Jake Rattenbury entered the event in second position in AM-group of the series.

German Leipert Motorsport drivers opened the weekend in a promising way as they were fastest AM-group team in both practice session and in both qualifyings. Therefore they collect two bonus points and therefore their goals were set for the victory of both forthcoming two 50 minutes events.

In Saturdays 7th round of the season Mikko and Jake made also perfect job as they secured highest Championshio points. Rattenbury entered the event from 8th position and due superb start he passed three fellow competitors and continued racing on 5th position in overall classifications - and as a leader of AM-group. After drivers change Mikko was able to keep the position which Jake had driven and therefore the duo celebrated their second victory of the season. Furthermore as Championship leader french Nicolas Gomar and his team mate Gilles Vannelet were third fastest, Mikko and Jake collect three points more.

The victory was more than important for Eskelinen and Rattenbury because now their hopes for the Championship title came alive again as their plan for the event was fullfilled with 100% performance.

- Before the event we knew that we had to put all of our know-how in the table as very intense summer heat gave us all a big extra challenge. During the weekend we've been fastest AM-group team and therefore the victory was more than expected. Two bonus points and highest Championship points from 7th race of the series is a superb thing, Eskelinen tells.

- In the race Jake made a absolutely best-ever start and continued racing in 5th position in overall classifications. For the whole stint he was able to drive in his own level and therefore he was able to collect about 15 seconds gap which provided me a good position to continue driving towards chequerred flag. Even racing is a team work, Jake really was the key for the success, Eskelinen continued.

Dissapointing Saturday

After very happy Friday Mikko entered the 620bhp car in 9th starting position for the 8th round of the season and also had a good start as he was leading AM-group for first four laps. Then a fellow PRO-group driver heavily hit him in fast-paced right hand corner and damaged the car so bad that Mikko and Jake were forced to retire the event.

Mikko was very frustrated and unhappy person when he entered the pit and faced his rival who had caused the collision.

- I had a clean start and was leading AM-group in a good way when a fellow polish PRO-group driver tried to pass me but hit heavily hard to back of my car. I spun and then he hit my car again which damaged my car so badly that I had to retire the event, Eskelinen tells.

- For the first 15 minutes I was very unhappy person because this collision ruined our hopes for the AM-title. Therefore I have a pretty straight feedback for the polish driver when I met him in the pits. Zero points for us and because Nicolas Gomar won, he's now leading the series by 22 points. This situation would have been easier to accept if I had done the mistake which forced us to retire the event. However now the situation is what it is, Eskelinen damns.

Penultimate round of the Lamborghini Super Trofeo European series is to be driven in traditional German circuit of Nurburgring in final weekend of August.

Final results Lamborghini Super Trofeo Europe SPA-Francorchamps, 7/12 round, AM-group, top-5:
1. Mikko Eskelinen (FIN) & Jake Rattenbury (GBR), 21 laps
2. Robert Zwinger (SLK), +2,591sec
3. Nicolas Gomar (FRA) & Gilles Vannelet (FRA), +5,109sec
4. Thomas Padovadi (EST) & Steven Liquirish (GRB), +34,536sec
5. Oliver Freymuth (DEU), +59,235sec

Final results Lamborghini Super Trofeo Europe SPA-Francorchamps, 8/12 round, AM-group, top-5:
1. Nicolas Gomar (FRA) & Gilles Vannelet (FRA), 21 laps
2. Robert Zwinger (SLK), +0,322sec
3. Antonios Wossos (GRE), +28,256sec
4. Thomas Padovadi (EST) & Steven Liquirish (GRB), +32,632sec
5. Oliver Freymuth (DEU), +57,255sec
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retired. Mikko Eskelinen (FIN) & Jake Rattenbury (GBR), crash


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1.9.2019 - Mikko Eskelinen and Jake Rattenbury lost the Lamborghini Super Trofeo European Championship title in Nurburgring - One podium of two dropped Leipert Motorsport drivers into bronze position in overall standings

5th racing weekend of international Lamborghini Super Trofeo European series was driven in final weekend of August at traditional German GP-circuit of Nurburgring. Flying Finn Mikko Eskelinen and his Welsh team mate Jake Rattenbury were unable to reach their goals and therefore lost the title of becoming European Champions.

In 9th race of the season they collect bronze podium position and in 10th race they were forced to retire the event due technical problem. As their worst rivals managed to collect almost highest Championship points, Mikko and Jake dropped to third position in overall standings as there are still two final rounds to be driven.

Mikko had prepared the event by having a speedy motorsport day in Finnish Alastaro Circuit with young Flying Finn Academy driver Luka Nurmi as the duo, for example gave motorsport experiences to their sponsors and partners.

- I was given an opportunity to share my motorsport experience with young and highly talented racing driver Luka Nurmi, who in current season has succesfully been competing in Porsche Sprint Challenge NEZ and RallyCross RX Academy series. It was superb to see how Luka took my advices immediately into usage on the circuit and therefore I can say that he truly is a talent we truly will hear a lot in the future, Eskelinen tells.

Both races in Nurgburgring were driven in hot summer weather conditions. In qualifyings Jake Rattenbury collect one bonus point as he took the pole in AM-group. Everything looked well as Mikko was 2nd fastest in his own qualiifying. Then few hours later Jake defended his leadership for the whole his stint and delivered the car to Mikko in a leading position. However shortly after drivers change Mikko was caught in traffic and therefore slovakian Robert Zwinger and french AM-group series leader Nicolas Gomar catched the Finn - and passed him. Thefefore third position for reighning Lamborghini Super Trofeo Asia Champion was a big dissapointment.

- We knew that with only two victories we could be able to fight for the title and theferore third highest Championship points were not the ones we had hoped for. Jake did again perfect job but I was stuck behind a slow PRO-group driver and therefore we lost the advantage which Jake had collect us. Then two our worst rivals passed me and we had to satisfy for bronze podium position, Eskelinen told.

On next day german Leipert Motorsport drivers suffered more setbacks as Mikko started driving from 2nd position in AM-group. He excelently defended the position until a half way of his stint before running into troubles as he went a bit too fast in one right hand corner and lost the rear of the car. After spinning out from the circuit he managed to return back in 22nd position. Eventually Mikko and Jake were forced to retire few laps later when a technical problem in fuel injection system stopt the car.

- I truly tried to maintain my 2nd position and nearly was able to do so. However I went a bit too fast in one corner and went wide just a bit so that I lost the control and the car spun into gravel. I managed to keep the engine running and return the circuit. However few laps later I noticed that the engine didn't run as it should have and I came to pits. Team mechanics managed to localize the problem into fuel system and it was game over. Therefore even I would have driven without that mistake, our race would have still been over because of this problem, Eskelinen shared his frustrating words.

Forthcoming European Champion, french Nicolas Gomar secured his title by having another superb racing weekend. Also slovakian Robert Zwinger had a perfect weekend and therefore he dropped Mikko and Jake into 3rd position in overall standings.

Final weekend of Lamborghini Super Trofeo season 2019 is to be driven in Spanish circuit of Jerez in 4th week of October.

Final results Lamborghini Super Trofeo Europe, Nurburgring #1, Saturday 31.8.2019, AM-group, top-5:
1. Robert Zwinger (SLK), 24 laps
2. Nicolas Gomar (FRA) & Gilles Vannelet (FRA), +8,729sec
3. Mikko Eskelinen (FIN) & Jake Rattenbury (GBR), +15,973sec
4. Thomas Padovadi (EST) & Steven Liquirish (GRB), +20,331sec
5. Antonio Wossos (GRE), +31,593sec

Final results Lamborghini Super Trofeo Europe, Nurburgring #2, Sunday 1.9.2019, AM-group, top-5:
1. Nicolas Gomar (FRA) & Gilles Vannelet (FRA), 24 laps
2. Robert Zwinger (SLK), +16,559sec
3. Antonio Wossos (GRE), +49,227sec
4. Holger Harmsen (DEU), +1 lap
5. Oliver Freymuth (DEU) +1 lap
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retired. Mikko Eskelinen (FIN) & Jake Rattenbury (GBR), technical problem

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22.10.2019 - Mikko Eskelinen & Jake Rattenbury 3rd fastest in Lamborghini Super Trofeo Europe - Heavy crash in Jerez ruled Eskelinen out from World Finals

Since season 2014 Flying Finn Mikko Eskelinen has been competing in Lamborghini Super Trofeo series and in season 2019 edition, once again, he collect a medal position as now in season finale, which was driven in Spanish circuit of Jerez, Mikko and his fellow british team mate Jake Rattenbury collect bronze medals from the European Championship series.

Exactly a year ago Eskelinen celebrated his first-ever Asian Championship title with fellow Finn Juuso Puhakka, who was 2nd fastest in Asian Championship series this year. Even both Finns drove like a lion, they were forced to have a dissapointing end as Puhakka, together with his japanise team mate Takashi Kasai, lost the Championship title just by 0,247 seconds and Eskelinen suffered a brake failure and encountered a heavy crash in final lap of the penultimate race of the season. However, despite a miserable retirement, Mikko and Jake collect a bronze podium because their rivals were lapped before chequerred flag was waved.

Previously Eskelinen had driven in Jerez at season 2012 when he collect the title of Spanish GT Champion. Now he entered season 2019 finale with hopes of collecting silver medal in European series and leaving the circuit as World Finals Champion. However his weekend came to a sudden end as in the crash the car was so badly damaged that Leipert Motorsport mechanics were unable to repair the car for the World Finals. Therefore Eskelinen and Rattenbury were forced to accept bronze medals in AM-group of the Lamborghini Super Trofeo European Championship series.

- During my 12 years of motorsport career this was the most bizarre thing I have encountered as right immediately after crashing out from the circuit due brake failure I was given an ambulance ride to paddock and then few minutes later I celebrated on podium and poured Champagne, Eskelinen tells.

- On final lap I was on attack mode with a speed of approximately 220km/h. Then next thing I remember was that I realized I had no brakes and I will hit the wall. The impact was so hard that I found the mirror on my lap. It was pretty unreal feeling that about 15 minutes later I was celebrating podium position even I didn't finish the event, Eskelinen continues.

Even the medal from Lamborghini Super Trofeo series was 3rd in-a-row for Eskelinen and 5th overall, he still was a bit dissapointment as he and Jake Rattenbury were unable to drive for the European Championship title in final round. Flying Finn was also forced to skip World Finals due injury he suffered in crash. German Leipert Motorsport had prepared a spare car for the race but in morning warm up Eskelinen discovered for not being able to drive with maximum performance.

- My racing season 2019 was ended into a big dissapointment as the car hit the barrier so hard that the impact had bend the chassis of the car. In that impact I also hurt myself and therefore I wasn't able to drive in World Finals, Eskelinen tells.

- Because we were unable to reach our goals which were set for the Championship title, it only means that I have to try again in next year. I really love to compete in internation GT-series and also help young Fellow Finns to go forward in their career. A year ago I and very talented Juuso Puhakka collect the title of Lamborghini Super Trofeo Asia PRO-AM Champions and now as Juuso is on his way towards GT3 Championship series I'm ready to help other Finns as in forthcoming weeks my GTM Motorsport and Leipert Motorsport will organize a Shoot Out event in Circuit of Barcelona. Two Finns, Luka Nurmi and Elias Niskanen will be able to show their talent and make plans for next seasons, Eskelinen continues.

In Lamborghini Super Trofeo World Finals the PRO-title was won by danish Frederik Schandorff and Jonathan Cecotto. AM-group was won by Steven Aghahkani, age of 16. Jake Rattenbury collect bronze medals from World Finals.
 
     
Mikko Eskelisen kotisivut on suunnitellut ja toteuttanut MediaGuru Jack Bacon - Digitaalisen median tuotantostudio - www.mediaguru.fi