Kuhanen rules F-Cup opener.

2011 F-Cup runner-up Toni Kuhanen started the new season started in style by winning the Raisio UA event.

Kuhanen led from start to finish with his Toyota Corolla seeming to enjoy particularly impressive pace on the special stages. By the rally's conclusion the gap between Kuhanen second placed man Matias Kauppinen was close to half a minute. Reigning champion Jere Rekola was third, complaining of poor grip throughout and ending the rally over 40 seconds shy of the victor.

In Seniors class 62-years-old Ilpo Saar (Volvo 240) took home the honours whilst the A Juniors category was won by Corolla driver Miikka Mielty.

The next rally takes place on February 18 in Kangasniemi.

Overall results: 
1. Toni Kuhanen – Jari Laukkanen Toyota Corolla GT 42:57,9
2. Matias Kauppinen – Jonne Halttunen Opel Astra GSi + 27,8
3. Jere Rekola – Tero Jäntti Mercedes- Benz 190 2,3-16v + 40,8
4. Timo Jaakonsaari – Risto Pasanen VW 19 Golf GTI 16V + 44,9
5. Jaska Nuorala – Antti Leinonen Volvo 240 + 56,1
6. Petri Kumpulainen – Juha Järnström Toyota Corolla GT + 1:08,1
7. Jari Koski – Jukka-Pekka Vistinmäki Toyota Corolla GT + 1:09,6
8. Krister Sjölund – Jari Åkerberg Toyota Starlet + 1:17,0
9. Martti Lähdesmäki – Ari Laksola Ford Escort RS 2000 + 1:26,3
10. Tuomo Wirman – Esa Vanhala Ford Escort RS 2000 + 1:29,8"

Watch F-Cup Rally highlights on Motors TV


Jorma Mikkola & James Weeks