Season 2016: Lamborghini Super Trofeo & Finnish Rally Championship series

GTM Motorsport Racing Season Calendar & Results

Season 2016: Lamborghini Super Trofeo & Finnish Rally Championship series

Date	Event name and location	Result	Report
28.-30.01.2016	Arctic Lapland Rally, Rovaniemi	3rd	Report
26.-27.02.2016	FRC Vaakuna Rally, Mikkeli	4th	Report
11.-12.03.2016	FRC Tahko Rally, Nilsiä	3rd	Report
22.-24.04.2016	Lamborghini Blancpain Super Trofeo, Monza	5th & 7th	Report
13.-15.05.2016	Lamborghini Blancpain Super Trofeo, Silverstone	ret & 2nd	Report
10.-11.06.2016	Enset Oy FRC-Rally, Sastamala-Huittinen	5th	Report
24.-26.06.2016	Lamborghini Blancpain Super Trofeo, Paul Ricard	7th & 6th	Report
29.-31.07.2016	Lamborghini Blancpain Super Trofeo, SPA Francochamps	11th & 6th	Report
19.-20.08.2016	FRC-Rally, Turku	Retirement	Report
23.-24.09.2016	FRC Pirelli Rally, Tampere	Retirement	Report
01.-02.12.2016	Lamborghini Blancpain Super Trofeo, Valencia	4th & 3rd	Report
03.-04.12.2016	Lamborghini Blancpain Super Trofeo, World Final Valencia	5th & 4th	Report

Final standings Lamborghini Super Trofeo 2016 World Finals
1. Adrian Amstutz, 30 points
2. Nouri Shanin, 24 points
3. Shota Abkhazava, 20 points
4. Mikko Eskelinen & Ben Gersekowski, 14 points
5. Teodor Myszkowski & Andrej Lewandowski, 14 points

Finnish Rally Championship final standings 6/6 rounds, FRC1-Super4:
1. Juha Salo, Peugeot 208 T16 R5, 139½ points
2. Ari Vihavainen, Mitsubishi Lancer WRC Step2, 82 points
3. Ole Christian Veiby, Skoda Fabia R5, 68 points
4. Joonas Soilu, Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution VIII, 59½ points
5. Mikko Eskelinen, Mitsubishi Lancer WRC Step2, 59½ points
6. Jussi Vainionpää, Citroen DS3 R5, 57 points

23.12.2015 - Mikko Eskelinen enters Finnish Rally Championship with a WRC

Brand new Lamborghini Blancpain Super Trofeo European Championship silver and World Championship bronze medalist, Flying Finn Mikko Eskelinen accepts a new challenge and enters Finnish Rally Championship series behind the steering wheel of a WRC car. Season 2016 gets underway at the end of January in traditional season opener in Arctic Lapland Rally which is to be driven in Arctic Circle, Finland.

In his long international racing career Eskelinen has won multiple Racing Championship titles and one Rally Suomi Cup Championship title. Now he enters challenging Arctic Special Stages with his long-term co-driver Arto Kapanen. The Duo measures their speed against other fellow and fast Finnish Rally Championship series drivers with Mitsubishi Lancer WRC Step 2 car which has been a Mitsubishi Manufacturer Rally Team car in World Rally Championship series. For example Jani Paasonen developed his career with this car with same co-driver Arto Kapanen who now makes a comeback to Works car.

In past seasons Eskelinen has competed with Group N, R4, R5 and S2000 cars. Now as he enters behind the steering wheel of World Rally Championship car he thinks now it's the best time to take this step when thinking about the season goals. The car is one of 17 rare units which has ever been build and when reviewing statistics, there are only five of these cars still in competition usage. Therefore Eskelinen drives with a rare WRC which still is very competitive in Finnish Rally Championship series as well as in Nelivetomies Rally which is to be driven inside WRC Rally Finland.

- In past seasons this car model has been very competitive as the drivers with this car has driven many fastest special stage times as well as victories. Therefore I strongly believe that this car suits well for me and my co-driver Arto Kapanen for season 2016 events. Big thanks for sponsors and parthers who made this investment possible and therefore wants to be developing my speed, Eskelinen tells.

- In season 2016 I also be continuing my career in international racing arenas. There are good offers on the table where to choose the best one. Even negoations are still underway, it would be great to secure the next season complete racing calendar before Arctic Lapland Rally. In Finland we have a very poor snow condition at the moment and that keeps us not entering the stages for practice sessions. However the conditions are same for everybody, Eskelinen continues.

30.1.2016 - Mikko Eskelinen and co-driver Arto Kapanen on podium at Arctic Lapland Rally - Best-ever result for Eskelinen in Finnish Rally Championship series

Flying Finn Mikko Eskelinen and his long-term co-driver Arto Kapanen tackled 3rd fastest pace in group of FRC1-Supercars at opening round of Finnish Rally Championship series which was driven in Northern Arctic Circle, Rovaniemi.

Eskelinen, who made his debut rally behind the steering wheel of Mitsubishi Lancer WRC, raced with his co-driver Arto Kapanen 10 special stages and approx. 233 special stage kilometers by steadily increasing their pace. After a cautious start they managed to level up their pace and were able to match their WRC-speed for R5-drivers, eight-times Finnish Rally Champion Juha Salo and rival Jussi Vainionpää.

In two days of intense competition the drivers measured their speed in traditional season opener. Once again the drivers encountered big drama at the final, 51kms special stage as leader Jarkko Nikara made too long jump and broke the rear suspension of his car so that he was forced to retire just few kilometers before chequered flag. Due the retirement of Nikara, Eskelinen and Kapanen were able to step up to podium in 51th Arctic Lapland Rally and therefore collect third highest FRC1-group Championship points as there are still five rounds to be driven.

For Eskelinen, who is reigning Lamborghini Blancpain Super Trofeo European Championship series silver medalist and World Final bronze medalist, Podium position was his best-ever result in Finnish Rally Championship series and definitely best rally in his 10-years of career.

- For me and Arto the Arctic Lapland Rally podium was like a victory. Two years ago we finished the event in fourth position and a year ago we were forced to retire the event due technical difficulties. Therefore third highest Finnish Rally Championship points are much more we hoped for in this season opening round, Eskelinen tells.

- My debut behind the steering wheel of World Rally Car went according the plans as on Friday we got used to the car and then on Saturday we utilized the experienced and increased our speed. This result gives us excellent basis for the next round which is to be driven at the end of February in the region of Mikkeli. Big thanks for this result goes to my sponsors and partners as well as for my team manager Riku Seppä and his Dynamo team, Eskelinen continues.

Winner of Arctic Lapland Rally was reigning Finnish Rally Champion Juha Salo who has now won the event six times. Eskelinen was fifth fastest in overall classifications.

Final results 51st Arctic Lapland Rally, Rovaniemi: FRC-group, top-5:
1. Juha Salo & Marko Salminen, Peugeot 208 T16 R5
2. Jussi Vainionpää & Mika Juntunen, Citroën DS3 R5, +2:29,1sec
3. Mikko Eskelinen & Arto Kapanen, Mitsubishi Lancer WRC, +2:49,9sec
4. Mikko Lehessaari & Mikko Lukka, Skoda Fabia R5, +3:04,8sec
5. Sander Pärn & James Morgan, Ford Fiesta S2000, +3:18,4sec

28.2.2016 - Mikko Eskelinen and Arto Kapanen collect fourth highest Championship points from Mikkeli - Second position in standings!

Second round of Finnish Rally Championship series was driven in the region of Mikkeli. Mitsubishi Lancer WRC Step2 drivers Mikko Eskelinen and Arto Kapanen managed to collect fourth highest Championship points from group of Supercars and therefore they entered silver position in Supercars group Championship overall standings.

Intense two rally days, eight tricky special stages and 113 special stage kilometers went under full control of multiple Finnish Rally Champion Juha Salo and his fellow rival Jarkko Nikara as well as young Norwegian newcomer Ole Christian Veiby, who drives World Rally Championship events this year. However in sixth stage Nikara suffered a crash and was forced to retire the event. At the end of the rally Salo had driven the stages 2,3 seconds faster than Skoda R5 driver OC Veiby and 40,7 seconds faster than WRC-driver Ari Vihavainen.

Eskelinen and co-driver Arto Kapanen had a trouble-free run as they avoid all trouble and drama. Eventually their steady performance was rewarded with fourth highest Championship points in group of Supercars. Because fellow rival Jussi Vainionpää made a driving mistake and was forced to retire the event, Eskelinen and Kapanen stepped up to silver position in Championship standings.

- Fridays stages, which were driven in pitch black conditions, wasn't so good for us but then on Saturday we were able to push hard in our level. Also, with misfortune our fellow rivals encountered, we're now in silver position at Championship standings. This result was the best we could collect in this performance; Juha Salo, Ole Christian Veiby and Ari Vihavainen are completely in their own pace, Eskelinen tells.

- Season 2016 has had an excellent start as we've managed to drive both Finnish Rally Championship rounds to good Championship points. Big thanks for this success goes to my sponsors and partners as well as for my co-driver Arto Kapanen and Dynamo rally team which is run by Riku Seppä. Also my own mechanics Matti Hänninen and Harri Koskela have given lots of effort for these results and therefore I'm very happy for situation in our campaign, international Racing Champion continues.

Final results FRC Vaakuna ralli 2016, Mikkeli, FRC1-Super4 -group, top-5:
1. Juha Salo & Marko Salminen, Peugeot 208 T16 R5, 57:14,0
2. Ole Veiby & Jonas Andersson, Skoda Fabia R5, +2,3sec
3. Ari Vihavainen & Jani Vainikka, Mitsubishi Lancer WRC Step2, +40,7,sec
4. Mikko Eskelinen & Arto Kapanen, Mitsubishi Lancer WRC Step2, +2:30,2sec
5. Ville Ruokanen & Timo Pallari, Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X, +3:21,7sec

Finnish Rally Championship standings 2/6 rounds, FRC1-Super4 -group, top-8:
1. Juha Salo, Peugeot 208 T16 R5, 62½ points
2. Mikko Eskelinen, Mitsubishi Lancer WRC, 34½ points
3. Jussi Vainionpää, Citroen DS3 R5, 27 points
4. Ville Ruokanen, Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X, 25 points
5. Ole Christian Veiby, Skoda Fabia R5, 18 points
6. Mikko Lehessaari, Skoda Fabia R5, 18 points
7. Arto Juolahti, Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution IX, 17 points
8. Ari Vihavainen, Mitsubishi Lancer WRC, 15 points

12.3.2016 - Eskelinen and Kapanen collect another podium on FRC Nilsiä rally

Flying Finns Mikko Eskelinen and his co-driver Arto Kapanen celebrated Artos' 30th year co-driving anniversary in very dramatical third and final winter round of Finnish Rally Championship series which was driven in the region of Nilsiä. After very colorful events Mikko and Arto collect another podium position in group of Supercars with their Mitsubishi Lancer WRC Step2. In Championship series standings they are steadily in silver position as there are still three gravel rounds to be driven.

In seven most demanding special stages and 105 special stage kilometers Eskelinen and Kapanen had a careful start but were able to increase their speed from stage to another. Also, due misfortune of fellow competitors they celebrated their seasons' second podium position with excellent third highest Championship points.

There were lots of drama involved as in third stage reigning multiple Finnish Rally Champion and current Championship leader Juha Salo and one of the best rival Jussi Vainionpää made a driving mistakes and went off in same right-hand corner. Furthermore as Jarkko Nikara suffered a technical difficulties and retired the event young Norwegian Ole Christian Veiby was able to collect his debut victory in Finnish Rally Championship series. Ari Vihavainen, who droves with similar WRC as Eskelinen, was second fastest in Supercars group.

- In Fridays first two pitch black stages I was totally sleeping. However during the night pause I was able to collect my thoughts and then immediately was in better speed which also increased towards the end. Also, as my best rivals made mistakes and suffered technical difficulties me and Arto were able to collect one podium position more in our campaign. To be honest this result was the best we could have driven with this performance. Therefore third position is like a victory for us, realistic Eskelinen tells.

- This podium position is very special for us because due this result we're on course towards our seasons goals which is a medal from Finnish Rally Championship series. My co-driver Arto Kapanen drove his first-ever rally nearly 30 years ago and therefore third position in Supercars group is very special for all our team. For me it was a very big honor to celebrate his goal by pouring champagne with him, continued Eskelinen, who during his career has won several international racing titles.

Finnish Rally Championship series continues on July at the region of Sastamala. Before that round Eskelinen aims to finish negoations for his international racing season to be continued on summer.

- In this season I've with my co-driver Arto Kapanen stept into top group of Finnish Rally Championship supercar drivers. Now on my job table there are only very good selection of offers for international racing season which is to be start on April. A year ago at this time I had similar negotiations which eventually were rewarded by silver medal in Lamborghini Super Trofeo European Championship series and bronze medal in Lamborghini Super Trofeo World Finals. I know now that next few week are to be very intresting has the so called "silly season" is on the way. It has been very enjoyable that my name and my achievements are highly intrested by international racing teams, Eskelinen shared his thoughts.

Final results Tahko FRC-rally 2016, Nilsiä: FRC1-group: Super4, Top-5
1. Ole Christian Veiby & Stig Rune Skaermoen, Skoda Fabia R5, 59:10,7
2. Ari Vihavainen & Jani Vainikka, Mitsubishi Lancer WRC, +50,1sec
3. Mikko Eskelinen & Arto Kapanen, Mitsubishi Lancer WRC, +1:44,7sec
4. Joonas Soilu & Tuomo Hannonen, Subaru Impreza WRX STi, 2:10,8sec
5. Ville Ruokanen & Timo Pallari, Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution 10, +2:18,5sec

6.4.2016 - Mikko Eskelinen and Fredy Barth into Lamborghini Super Trofeo Europe with goals set for medals

Flying Finn Mikko Eskelinen, who is currently in second position at Finnish Rally Championship series Supercars group enters again to Lamborghini Super Trofeo with his swiss team mate Fredy Barth. Eskelinen and Barth competes with Leipert Motorsport Lamborghini Huracan in 14 rounds driven in the best circuits of Europe.

In season 2015 Eskelinen won silver medal in Lamborghini Super Trofeo European Championship PRO-AM series and bronze medal in PRO-AM World Finals. Now he takes again a bold step and enters the arenas with a good friend and fierce competitor Fredy Barth. Their goals are set for gold medals and simultanousny for creating new a page in Finnish Motorsport history: Eskelinen aims to be a competitor who has a medal in Finnish Racing Championship series, Finnish Rally Championship series as well as in Lamborghini Super Trofeo Europe.

Eskelinen is very happy to sign an agreement for the series as his season campaign now expands from rally to international racing.

- Season 2015 was very good for me as me and my team mate Kelvin Snoeks won silver medals in Lamborghini Super Trofeo Europe PRO AM and bronze medal in World Finals PRO-AM. After the season I got an excellent opportunity to drive for Finnish Rally Championship Supercar series with World Rally Car. As there are three winter rounds driven, me and my co-driver Arto Kapanen are in silver position. As I was so exited about this situation, I wasn't intrested about the offers I got from international racing series. However when Dutch Leipert Motorsport announced to me that they had made a agreement with my good friend Fredy Barth and since I was the one who they wanted to drive with it wasn't hard to make the decision to enter the series, Eskelinen shares his thoughts.

- Me and Kelvin were so close in season 2015 for the Lamborghini titles and therefore I think now me and Fredy Barth have even better chances for the victories. Also because all circuits are familiar for I have lots of motivation for the new racing season. Fredy Barth is a professional motorsport driver who has lots of experience and success from all kinds of cars and circuits, Eskelinen continues.

Lamborghini Super Trofeo Europe starts from Italian Monza Formula-1 circuit and continues to British Silverstone, French Paul Ricard, Belgium SPA-Francorchamps, German Nurburgring and Spanish Valencia. Also World Finals are to be driven in Valencia.

Racing weekend includes two 50 minutes events and drivers measure their skills with technically identical Lamborghini Huracan cars. In both events drivers must change seat during the race which both have own qualifyings.

24.4.2016 - 5th and 7th highest Championship points for Mikko Eskelinen and Freddy Barth from Lamborghini Super Trofeo season opening weekend at Monza

Leipert Motorsport drivers, Swiss Fast-Fredy Barth and Flying-Finn Mikko Eskelinen collected disappointing results from Lamborghini Super Trofeo season 2016 opening rounds which were driven in Italian Monza circuit. In first round the duo finished the event in 5th and in second round 7th PRO-AM positions. However the battle for podium in PRO-AM class is very intense as Barth and Eskelinen lost it by approx. 5 seconds in first event and approx. 3 seconds in second event.

For the first 50 minutes of competition and around 27 laps Barth start racing from 7th position. During his 30 minutes sting Barth was able to maintain second position in PRO-AM which Eskelinen was able to defend for the final lap before having a small driving mistake and three fellow PRO-AM competitors passed him. Therefore Podium ran away just 5 kilometers before 150 kilometer chequered flag and therefore 5th position was a disapointing result, even Eskelinen was driving one of the best performance he had ever driven in his long career.

During the night pause Mikko and Fredy collect their stamina and start driving from 28th grid. Flying-Finn was able to have a good start and again was driving a superb performance. However a crash and safety car entered the circuit just before driving chance which was done under safety car. Eskelinen and Barth missed the driving change just by one lap and in the rush they missed lots of highly valuable seconds in their pit stop.

After faultless performance Barth came to chequered flag in 12th position in overall classifications. However this result was enough for 7th highest PRO-AM championship points. Barth and three fellow competitors lost the podium just by 3,6 seconds.

Eskelinen was very disappointed because their good performance wasn't enough to reach their goals which were Podium positions.

- We had very good preparations for the event and satisfying qualifyings. Therefore we were very hopeful for the both events as we also steadly avoid all drama. However due heavy traffic we lost lots of seconds in our Pit Stop and I was a bit soft on my stints. Even we lost only 0,3 seconds per a kilometre to race winner, we still need to develope many areas in our performances, Eskelinen tells.

- Even I put all my skills in stake and was able to push my best-ever lap times I've ever driven here in Monza, we still lost the podium two times just by few seconds gap. So yes I'm very disappointed. This year the level in PRO-AM is very high and even Barth gave a hellowa show of his skills we weren't able to reach for our goals. Still we believe that with a better qualifying result we can collect Podium positions in forthcoming events, Eskelinen continues.

Lamborghini Blancpain Super Trofeo Monza PRO-AM first round was won by fellow Finn Patrick Kujala and his Swiss team mate Adrian Amstutz. Fastest in second round were Italian Nicolas Armindo and Tunisian Henry Hassid. Next two rounds are to be driven in British Silverstone circuit at the middle of May.

Final results Lamborghini Super Trofeo Europe, 23.4.2016, Monza #1, Pro-Am Top-6:
1. Adrian Amstutz & Patrick Kujala, 27 laps
2. Lorenzo Veglia & Andrea Fontana, +9,949sec
3. Simone Pellegrinelli, +15,434sec
4. Gianluca Giraudi, +18,590sec
5. Mikko Eskelinen & Fredy Barth, +20,412sec
6. Andrea Ceccato & Kenneth Kröpfi, +28,255sec

Final results Lamborghini Super Trofeo Europe, 24.4.2016, Monza #2, Pro-Am Top-4:
1. Nicolas Armindo & Henry Hassid, 24 laps
2. Lorenzo Veglia & Andrea Fontana, +6,278sec
3. Andrea Ceccato & Kenneth Kröpfi, +9,374sec
4. Simone Pellegrinelli, +10,215sec
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7. Mikko Eskelinen & Fredy Barth, +12,969sec
retired. Adrian Amstutz & Patrick Kujala, gearbox problems

15.5.2016 - Finns into double victory at Lamborghini Super Trofeo Silverstone - Kujala fastest in PRO-AM, Eskelinen with Fredy Barth second fastest

Flying Finns with their team mates collected superb success in second weekend of Lamborghini Blancpain Super Trofeo Europe series which was driven in the British circuit of Silverstone. In fourth round of the series Mikko Eskelinen with his Swiss team mate Fredy Barth was 2nd fastest in PRO-AM group as fellow Finn Patrick Kujala and his Swiss team mate Adrian Amstutz collect victory. In overall classifications Kujala was sixth and Eskelinen with Fredy Barth were 9th fastest. Due two Silverstone victories Kujala and Amstutz leads PRO-AM series and Eskelinen with Fredy Barth are in seventh position as there are still eight events to be driven.

For two British 50 minutes events Leipert Motorsport drivers Mikko Eskelinen and Fredy Barth entered as a challengers due disappointing results in first weekend which was driven in April at Monza. Before the British weekend got underway, Eskelinen and Barth spent one test day in Silverstone circuit and were able to improve their car speed. In qualifyings they managed to collect 18th and 16th starting positions which gave them good possibilities to drive for PRO-AM podium positions.

However Eskelinen and Barth were forced to retire the first race due technical problem as their rear wheel ball bearings failed to work in their Lamborghini Huracan. In second 50 minutes race and its' 23 laps Leipert Motorsport drivers were able to avoid all drama and finished the event in 2nd position at PRO-AM group. PRO-AM winner of both events was fellow Finn Patrick Kujala and team mate Adrian Amstutz who have gained 11 points lead in Championship standings. Eskelinen and Barth are in seventh position due one retirement and two out-of-podium positions.

- For us this podium position was mentally very important. Earlier in Monza we also drove very good but finished the events in 5th and 7th position. After yesterdays' retirement this podium keeps our season goals alive. For past weeks we've done lots and lots of hard work to improve our speed and now we collect the prize of it, Eskelinen tells.

- In first Silverstone round we also were in top speed but due technical problem we were forced to retire the event. Today everything was perfect for us and therefore we were able to give a good show of our performance which definitely will continue in next rounds of the series. However we still have lots of work to be done if we aim to reach series leader Patrick Kujala and his team mate Adrian Amstutz, Eskelinen continues.

Next two rounds of Lamborghini Blancpain Super Trofeo Europe are to be driven in 3rd weekend of June at the French circuit of Paul Ricard. Before those events Eskelinen continues is campaign in Finnish Rally Championship series where he also tackles for podiums and medal positions.

- In Finnish Rally Championship the series has gone a much better than I expect and hoped for because me and my co-driver Arto Kapanen are in third position at Supercars group. I'm very delighted for the season success so far and therefore I hope a lot that it will continue in forthcoming events, Eskelinen tells.

- Big thanks for this Lamborghini Super Trofeo podium goes to my team mate Fredy Barth and my German team Leipert Motorsport: I'm very happy to work with these professional motorsport fellows, Eskelinen shares his thoughts.

Final results Lamborghini Blancpain Super Trofeo Silverstone #1, 14.5.2016: Overall classifications, Top-5:
1. Dennis Lind, 24 laps
2. Vito Postiglione, +5.178sec
3. Martin Kodric, +25.359sec
4. Nicola Larini, +28.723sec
5. Patrick Kujala & Adrian Amstutz, +30.416sec
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retired. Mikko Eskelinen & Fredy Barth, technical problem

Final results Lamborghini Blancpain Super Trofeo Silverstone #2, 15.5.2016: PRO-AM -group, Top-5:
1. Patrick Kujala & Adrian Amstutz, 23 laps
2. Mikko Eskelinen & Fredy Barth, +21,953sec
3. Dimitri Deverikos & Sergio Campana, +25,325sec
4. Simone Pellegrinelli, +36,732sec
5. Nicolas Armindo & Hanry Hassad, +36,933sec

12.6.2016 - Mikko Eskelinen collect 5th highest Championship points from 4th round of Finnish Rally Championship series

In season 2016 Flying Finn Mikko Eskelinen drives Finnish Rally Championship with Mitsubishi Lancer WRC Step2 and international Lamborghini Blancpain Super Trofeo with Leipert Motorsport Lamborghini Huracan. Now in fourth round of the Finnish Rally Championship series he and co-driver Arto Kapanen collect 5th highest Championship points after having a hellowa and dramatical battle in final two stages.

After three winterish rounds Eskelinen was in very surprising silver position in overall standings. In opening stage of the fourth and first gravel rally round of the season reigning Lamborghini Super Trofeo European Championship silver and World Championship bronze medalist nearly ruined his rally as in first high speed corners of the stage he had a big surprise moment which caused him to drive the car straight into ditch. Luckily the car sustained only minor damages but due heavy impact the steering of the car suffered changes. Therefore Eskelinen had to drive four stages with damaged car and he wasn't able to show his best performance.

The damage he encountered to the car in first stage were fixed in a service area after fourth stage and the duo were able to re-start their attack towards top positions after dropping into 9th position.

Eventually, after nine furious special stages and 119 special stage kilometers Eskelinen and Kapanen were able to push into 5th position, just 0,8 seconds faster than 6th fastest. However rally winner, Skoda Fabia R5 driver norwegian Ole Christian Veiby dropped Eskelinen into bronze medal position in series standings as there are still two gravel rounds to be driven.

- Our strategy was to push hard from first stage on. However due my own driving mistake our rally slowed down by problems our car encountered in steering. Due heavy impact the car suffered we were forced to slow down as also the windscreen cracked from the impact, Eskelinen tells.

- After four stages in service our car handling was fixed and we start our attack towards better positions. We really tried hard and collect the reward at the end of the final stage where we noticed to gain four positions and lots of highly valuable Championship points to keep bronze medal hopes alive, season 2010 'Suomi' Cup rally Champion continues.

Norwegian Ole Christian Veiby won the rally by superior performance. Due his second victory he's now a real threat for reigning Finnish Rally Champion and current series leader Juha Salo. Third fastest was Joonas Soilu who also pushed hard at the final stage. Eventually he was just 0,1 seconds faster than Mikko's team mate Ari Vihavainen, who was fourth fastest.

Fifth and penultimate round of Finnish Rally Championship series is to be driven at the middle of August. Before that round Eskelinen aims for podium positions in Lamborghini Blancpain Super Trofeo French Paul Ricard and Belgium SPA rounds.

Final results Enset Oy FRC-rally 2016, Sastamala-Huittinen, FRC1-group, top-9
1. Ole Christian Veiby & Stig Rune Skaermoen, Skoda Fabia R5, 59:06,4
2. Juha Salo & Marko Salminen, Peugeot 208 T16 R5, +54,1sec
3. Joonas Soilu & Tuomo Hannonen, Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution VIII, +1:11,4sec
4. Ari Vihavainen & Jani Vainikka, Mitsubishi Lancer WRC, +1:11,5sec
5. Mikko Eskelinen & Arto Kapanen, Mitsubishi Lancer WRC, +2:03,1sec
6. Jussi Vainionpää & Mika Juntunen, +2:03,9sec
7. Jarkko Hosike & Mikko Kaikkonen, +2:06,4sec
8. Kim Niemi & Timo Pitkonen, Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution VI, +2:10,0sec
9. Takamoto Katsuta & Daniel Barritt, Ford Fiesta, +2:33,9sec

26.6.2016 - Mikko Eskelinen and Fredy Barth unable to reach their goals in Lamborghini Super Trofeo Paul Ricard - Leipert Motorsport drivers in 6th position at overall classifications

3rd weekend of Lamborghini Super Trofeo was driven in very hot conditions at Circuit of Paul Ricard which is located at South-France. In 5th and 6th round of the series Flying Finn Mikko Eskelinen and Swiss Fast-Fredy Barth drove in excellent pace but still they were rewarded only 7th and 6th highest PRO-AM points.

A year ago Eskelinen collected two silver PRO-AM podium positions but now his improved pace with Fredy Barth was enough to reach only for residue points positions. Therefore Eskelinen was very disappointed for the weekend and gave serious feedback for series organizators; Series regulations are based to FIA regulations but there's a line which says that "Lamborghini can decide drivers categorizations by themselves." Eskelinen, and several other drivers, aren't happy for the categorizations as, for example, several professional drivers are driving by themselves in PRO-AM class and fastest AM-driver is driving by himself in PRO-AM group which is a group where one driver is professional and one amateur. Therefore Eskelinen and Barth cannot accept that a single driver can compete in PRO-AM class.

Same show continued in second race as Leipert Motorsport drivers were in excellent pace but weren't able to reach professional drivers. Eventually after 50 minutes of racing they were 7th fastest in PRO-AM, only 26,6 seconds slower than newcomer PRO-AM driver Rik Breukers who had won four amateur races in four first starts of the season.

- The level of competition in Lamborghini Super Trofeo is competitive than ever before. Even we've been in very good pace, it is still not enough for us to reach for our goals. Therefore 7th and 6th positions from this weekend is very big disappointment for us even we were 15th fastest in overall classifications in group of over 44 drivers, deeply disappointed Eskelinen tells.

- Ofcourse it's very good that there is lots of competition but as we PRO-AM drivers have to drive against eight professional driver teams I really cannot be happy for that. For example Rik Brekers has driven single seater Formula cars and have won 24 hour events he's still an amateur driver according to Lamborghini organizators. Regulations clearly define that a driver who has single seater experience is immediately PRO-driver. Breukers was fastest in PRO-AM and fifth fastest in overall classifications so figure it out yourself, disappointed Eskelinen tells.

Winner of the races was Danish Dennis Lind who controls PRO-group as he wants. Another Flying Finn Patrick Kujala and his Swiss team mate Adrian Amstutz collect one PRO-AM victory and silver position in the events. Their leadership in PRO-AM is now only one point due Breukers entering PRO-AM instead AM-group.

In overall classifications Eskelinen and Barth are in 5th position as the season is now on its' half way course. Next two rounds are to be driven in final weekend of July at Belgium circuit of SPA-Francorchamps.

Final results Lamborghini Super Trofeo Europe, Paul Ricard #1, June 25th 2016 : PRO-AM -group, top-3:
1. Patrick Kujala & Adrian Amstutz, 23 laps
2. Rik Breuksers, +11,253sec
3. Simone Pellegrinelli, +11,623sec
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7. Mikko Eskelinen & Fredy Barth, +28,452sec

Final results Lamborghini Super Trofeo Europe, Paul Ricard #2, June 26th 2016 : PRO-AM -group, top-3:
1. Rik Breukers, 23 laps
2. Nicolas Armindo & Henry Hassid, +8,353sec
3. Patrick Kujala & Adrian Amstutz, +9,245sec
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6. Mikko Eskelinen & Fredy Barth, +26,623sec

30.7.2016 - Mikko Eskelinen and Fredy Barth collect 6th and 11th positions from Lamborghini Super Trofeo SPA-Francorchamps events

After a successful Lamborghini Blancpain Super Trofeo season 2015 Flying Finn Mikko Eskelinen and his Swiss team mate Fredy Barth hasn't been able to reach into same podium results. In 7th and 8th rounds of the season, which were driven in Belgium Circuit of SPA-Francorchamps, German Leipert Motorsport drivers were able to reach into 6th and 11th PRO-AM positions.

Altogether record-breaking number of entrants, 50, Eskelinen and Barth collected starting positions 12th and 27th. In first Belgium round Barth had a superb start but, due two fellow competitors crash, yellow flags were put online and safety car was patched to circuit. During safety car Fredy made a harmless mistake and passed fellow competitor just when the yellow flags were starting to wave and jury gave a pit lane drive-thru penalty for the team.

After 27 minutes of racing Eskelinen sat behind the steering wheel and he after, one kilometer pit lane drive-thru penalty he drove a good stint. However due the penalty he finished the event in 11th position of PRO-AM group and wasn't able to collect any Championship points.

On second round, which was driven on next day, Eskelinen and Barth entered the arena from 27th grid. Mikko was able to have a good start but, once again, fellow competitors had a heavy crash and safety car was dispatched to circuit for next 30 minutes. Eskelinen delivered the car to Barth in 20th position in overall classifications.

When marshals were able to clear the track from Lamborghini wreckage Barth drove a very good stint and was able to pass nine fellow competitors. Even he finished the event in 11th position in overall classifications, it was enough to reach only into 6th position in PRO-AM group. Leipert Motorsport drivers were, once again, disappointed because their goals were set for podium.

- First of all I'm not happy at all for Lamborghini drivers categoration as there are many PRO-level drivers driving alone in our PRO-AM group. We simply cannot match our speed for their performance. Lamborghini should follow FIA drivers categoration but they don't and that's why I'm very upset, Eskelinen tells.

- We lost the first SPA-Francorchamps race by jury decision and the second race was spoiled by another heavy crash and safety car. I drove competitive speed only for a half of a kilometre and then we all drove behind the safety car for the drivers change point. Fredy was, once again, on his own level and passed nine competitors but because the level of competitiveness in PRO-AM group is very high we didn't reach our goals which was podium, Eskelinen continued.

In Lamborghini Blancpain Super Trofeo Championship standings Eskelinen and Barth entered to sixth position which is not even close for their season goals. Next event for Mikko is 5th Finnish Rally Championship series and he's currently in bronze medal position in group of Supercars with his Mitsubishi Lancer WRC Step2 rally car.

Winner of Lamborghini Blancpain Super Trofeo Europe SPA-Francorchamps rounds was another Flying Finn Patrick Kujala and his Swizz team member Adrian Amstutz. The duo was victorious in both events and are now leading PRO-AM series by 11 points marginal as there are still four rounds to go. Next two rounds is to be driven in the middle of September at the circuit of German Nurburgring.

Final results Lamborghini Super Trofeo Europe, Spa-Francorchamps 1st event, July 29th 2016, PRO-AM -group, top-3:
1. Patrick Kujala & Adrian Amstutz, 19 laps
2. Rick Breukers, +29,612sec
3. Simone Pellerinelli, +45,903sec
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11. Mikko Eskelinen & Fredy Barth, +74,833sec

Final results Lamborghini Super Trofeo Europe, Spa-Francorchamps 2nd event, July 30th 2016, PRO-AM -group, top-3:
1. Patrick Kujala & Adrian Amstutz, 15 laps
2. Lorenzo Veglia & Andrea Fontana, +11,045sec
3. Nicolas Armindo & Henry Hassid, +11,210sec
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6. Mikko Eskelinen & Fredy Barth, +36.025sec

22.8.2016 - Mikko Eskelinen retired due engine failure in FRC Turku Rally - Battle for Finnish Rally Championship medals gets closure in final round of the series

In Fifth round of the Finnish Rally Championship series, which was driven in the region of Turku, South-East Finland, Flying Finn Mikko Eskelinen and his co-driver Arto Kapanen suffered a disappointing retirement as the engine of their Mitsubishi Lancer WRC Step2 rally car failed to run in start line of the 7th stage. Because of technical failure leading into retirement the fellows were rewarded with zero points and therefore the battle for Finnish Rally Championship series silver- and bronze medals just got more and more exiting as there is still one round to go.

In nine very, very fast paced special stages and approximately 93 special stage kilometers reigning Lamborghini Super Trofeo European Silver medalist and World Finals Bronze medalist entered the rally to collect more highly valuable Championship points. In first two stages he and co-driver Arto Kapanen were in same pace as other top drivers. However in third stage, which was driven in pitch black conditions, Mikko drove a bit too cautiously and dropped into 11th position in overall classifications.

After a night pause Mikko and co-driver Arto returned to top speed for next three stages. However their superb attack came to an end at the start line of seventh stage as the engine of their Mitsubishi Lancer WRC Step2 broke up and the duo were forced to follow the rally as spectators. Despite the retirement they are still in bronze medal position as there are still nine special stages and approximately 120 special stage kilometres to be driven.

- Before the event we had driven an excellent tests and therefore we were able to match for the speed of our fellow competitors. However in pitch black conditions I didn't push as much as I had hoped for and therefore surprise winner Joonas Soilu and series leader Juha Salo was able to drive into leadership. After night pause we were able to reduce the gap but then sadly the engine stopped running and we were forced to retire the event, Eskelinen tells.

- The damage started from broken water pump and ended to very high engine temperatures. It means that my team has to rebuild the engine before the final round. Ofcourse the retirement is very frustrating but I couldn't do nothing for this technical failure. The only thing I can do is to forget this thing and start focusing for the final rounds as there are dimmer medal positions still available. We'll swallow our tears and come back even stronger, Eskelinen promises.

Winner of FRC Turku Rally was Joonas Soilu with his two-times Finnish Rally Champion co-driver Tuomo Hannonen. In final round of the series there are 37½ Championship points available. It means that the fate of all medals are still unclear. Final round of the series is to be driven in fourth weekend of September.

Final results FRC Turku Rally 2016: Super4 FRC1-group, top-3:
1. Joonas Soilu & Tuomo Hannonen, Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution VIII, 39:44,0
2. Juha Salo & Marko Salminen, Peugeot 208 T16 R5, +4,1sec
3. Kim Niemi & Timo Pitkonen, Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution V, +11,9sec
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retired. Mikko Eskelinen & Arto Kapanen, Mitsubishi Lancer WRC Step2, ek7 engine failure

25.9.2016 - Mikko Eskelinen suffered a huge disappointment from the final round of Finnish Rally Championship series - Technical problem dropped out from medals

Sixth and final round of Finnish Rally Championship series was driven in region of Tampere, central Finland. Mitsubishi Lancer WRC Step2 driver Mikko Eskelinen and co-driver Arto Kapanen suffered a huge disappointment as their car failed to start to seventh stage. Therefore the duo was forced to retire the event and drop out from Championship medals.

Eskelinen and Kapanen entered the rally with best-ever starting position (2) in Finnish Rally Championship series. For first six stages of nine special stages and 120 special stage kilometers Mikko and Arto were in good pace and about to reach their season goals which were Finnish Rally Championship medal in group of Supercars. However in the start of seventh stage the engine of their Mitsubishi Lancer WRC Step2 misfired and didn't restart. On next day mechanics discovered that the reason was failed sensor.

- We entered the rally just after 10 times Finnish Rally Champion Juha Salo and observed how our fellow competitors progressed the event. After sixth stage we were strongly going towards our goals until faith decided otherwise and gave us a mysterious technical worries. The engine just went out in a blink of an eye and didn't restart, no matter how hard we tried. Then few minutes later we heard that our worst rival had also encountered problems and then next few hours I experienced very unreal feelings, Eskelinen tells.

- I really cannot describe the amount of disappointment we experienced because for past ten months me, my co-driver and Dynamo rally team have made lots and lots of hard work to ensure us to reach our goals. Then in final two rallyes we encountered technical problems and zero points. I know that it would have been much easier to handle this disappointment if the cause would have been between the steering wheel and the seat but when the problem is electrical we felt so helpless at that moment, Eskelinen continued.

Season 2016 continues in December for four Lamborghini Super Trofeo starts

In current season Eskelinen has driven six Finnish Rally Championship series and eight Lamborghini Super Trofeo events. Even now his Mitsubishi Lancer WRC Step2 car gets ready for season 2017 Eskelinen swallows the huge dissapointment and starts focusing for four final events of the season as Lamborghini Super Trofeo finals are to be driven in Valencia, Spain. First Eskelinen and his Swiss team mate Fredy Barth finishes Lamborghini Super Trofeo European Championship series and then drives in Lamborghini Super Trofeo World Finals.

- Season 2016 has been very challenging in both Finnish Rally Championship and Lamborghini Super Trofeo series. In both series we've been fighting for Podium positions but then denied those goals. In a figure of speaking I can say that I have had a lollipop closely to my mouth but then it has been taken away. It's very frustrating, Eskelinen tells.

- However in December I still have a possibility to have bandage for my wounds as Lamborghini Super Trofeo season 2016 ends in Spanish Circuit of Valencia. First we drive two final European Championship rounds and then me and Fredy Barth fight for World Finals. As we wait for those rounds to be driven I now have to give big thans for Dynamo rally team as well as for my long-term co-driver Arto Kapanen. We all did superb job and wasn't able to do nothing for technical failures, Eskelinen continued.

Ten times Finnish Rally Champion Juha Salo won Pirelli Rally and also celebrated his 11th title. Ari Vihavainen collect silver medal in group of Supercars and bronze medal went to Norwegian Ole Christian Veiby who didn't drive in Pirelli Rally.

Final Results FRC Pirelli Rally 2016, Tampere
1. Juha Salo & Marko Salminen, Peugeot 208 T16 R5, 1:03,36,3
2. Ari Vihavainen & Jani Vainikka, Mitsubishi Lancer WRC Step2, +7,8sec
3. Hiroki Arai & Glenn Macneall, Ford Fiesta R5, +9,6sec
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retired. Mikko Eskelinen & Arto Kapanen, Mitsubishi Lancer WRC Step2, ss7 technical

4.12.2016 - One podium of four for Eskelinen in iberian Lamborghini Super Trofeo finals

Flying Finn Mikko Eskelinen competed with aussie Ben Gersekowski in Lamborghini Super Trofeo Valencia European Championship Finals and World Finals at the begining of December 2016 as German Leipert Motorsport drivers. For the European Championship finals they collected 3rd and 9th grids in qualifyings and headed with high hopes for Iberian four kilometers circuit as amateur group drivers.

Eskelinen and Gersekowski shared a seat because their team members were unable to participate the event. Therefore Mikko and Ben combined their skills in 620 horsepower Lamborghini Huracan in intense two 50 minutes European Championship finals and two World Finals.

Second podium of the season - Lots of drama involved

In 11th and penultimate round of the season Eskelinen and Gersekowski pushed hard and after colorful events they collect 4th highest Championship points. Few hours later in 12th and final round of the season Leipert Motorsport duo were able to climb from 11th position to podium and therefore they managed to finish the very challenging season results as expected.

However their dream of podium was almost about to end in first corner of the final race due heavy crash their fellow competitors experienced. With good fortune Eskelinen was able to avoid the big crash where six of top drivers encountered. After six months of non-podium positions Eskelinen and Gersekowski were very happy boys.

- In penultimate round of the season we also were in good battle for podium position but, due brake problems, we dropped from second position to fourth in final laps. Without this technical problem we would have been able to reach our goals. The car handled like a snake when braking and I couldn't drive it at all, Eskelinen tells.

- In final European Championship event we started racing from 11th grid and, with a big luck, we were able to avoid all collisions. After my 25 minutes stint I delivered the car in fourth position to my team mate Ben Gersekowski. He pushed hard and were able to secure his first-ever Lamborghini Super Trofeo and my season 2016 second podium position. It was a superb finish of the very difficult and demanding season, season 2015 Lamborghini Super Trofeo European silver and World Finals bronze medalist continued.

Collision dropped out of World Finals medals

On the next day after Podium finish Mikko and Ben entered Lamborghini Super Trofeo World Finals against top Asian, American and European drivers in group of amateur championships. In first round of two Leipert Motorsport drivers were able to avoid drama and raised from 11th position to 5th in a tough and challenging race. The duo were in excellent fight for podium position but a small mistake led to a fast-paced spin and dropping out from podium positions. Winner of first race was swizz Adrian Amstutz who secured Lamborghini Super Trofeo Europe PRO-AM title a day before. Eskelinen and Gersekowski lost podium position just by 10,530 seconds.

- In qualifyings I drove this 4 kilometres circuit just 1,156 seconds slower than pole position driver and it gave me 11th position to start the event. However after a very dramatic events we were able to push into 5th positions which gives us good basis for the final event, Eskelinen tells.

In second and the final round of the World Finals, as well as the whole season 2016, drivers faced fierce and heavy rain which led to a decision that the start would happen behind safety car. After 10 minutes of driving the safety car came out from the circuit and Gersekowski was able to push towards leadership of the race. He made a superb job and came to drivers change as leader of the race.

After drivers change Eskelinen tried hard to defend the leadership and was nearly about to made it thru. However in intense pressure, which Georgian Shota Abkhazava gave, Mikko made a small driving mistake and missed back straight braking point just by few meters. It was enough for Eskelinen to run straight into service road and lose the leadership. A lap later in same corner Chinese Jia Ting Liang hit the rear side of Eskelinen who spun and dropped to 4th position. For chequered flag Mikko entered 19 seconds slower than third. Fifth and fourth positions in World Finals lead into shared fourth position in overall standings.

- In second round Ben started well and took leadership in his driving turn. Then I tried to defend it as long as I could. However a small driving mistake under huge preassure against dear and fellow competitor dropped us out from the podium. Then a lap later Chinese driver made a mistake which caused me to spun. Definitely I should have been more aggressive, Eskelinen tells.

- In current season the level of competitiveness in Lamborghini Super Trofeo Europe has been incredible tough. There is absolutely no room for a mistake and now we made two. Those were enough to drop us out from the podium. On the other hand it was very enjoyful to drive a good race after a long and very difficult season. I'm very happy for my team mate, nigerian Nouri Shanin who won title of Lamborghini Super Trofeo Europe Amateurs and silver medal in Lamborghini Super Trofeo World Finals Amateurs. Furthermore my aussie team mate Ben Gersekowski and our german Leipert Motorsport team has earned a big thanks for this superb weekend, Eskelinen continues.

Lamborghini Super Trofeo World Finals were won by swizz Adrian Amstutz who took also title of Lamborghini Super Trofeo Europe PRO-AM with another Flying Finn Patrick Kujala.

Final Results Lamborghini Super Trofeo 2016 Europe, Valencia 2.12.2016, AM-group, 1st event: Top-5:
1. Kikko Galbiati, 31 laps
2. Nouri Shanin, +8,465sec
3. Teodor Myszkowski & Andrej Lewandwski, +9,675sec
4. Mikko Eskelinen & Ben Gersekowski, +14,431sec
5. Henry Hassid +21,178sec

Final Results Lamborghini Super Trofeo 2016 Europe, Valencia 2.12.2016, AM-group, 2nd event: Top-5:
1. Nouri Shanin, 28 laps
2. Amir Krenzia, +3,312sec
3. Mikko Eskelinen & Ben Gersekowski, +14,923sec
4. Jaap Bartels, +31,206sec
5. Jurgen Krebs, +31,737sec

Final Results Lamborghini Super Trofeo 2016 World Finals, Valencia 3.12.2016, AM-group, 1st event: Top-5:
1. Adrian Amstutz, 31 laps
2. Nouri Shanin, +12,789sec
3. Shota Abkhazava, +30,133sec
4. Teodor Myszkowski & Andrej Lewandowski, +37,948sec
5. Mikko Eskelinen & Ben Gersekowski, +40,638sec

Final Results Lamborghini Super Trofeo 2016 World Finals, Valencia 3.12.2016, AM-group, 2nd event: Top-5:
1. Adrian Amstutz, 26 laps
2. Nouri Shanin, +13,391sec
3. Shota Abkhazava, +14,259sec
4. Mikko Eskelinen & Ben Gersekowski, +33,333sec
5. Teodor Myszkowski & Andrej Lewandowski, +35,808sec

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