Teemu Suninen has been among the wider group of leading rally drivers for more than a decade. However, it was only this year that he secured the title he had long desired, earning himself a great deal of attention. Alongside co-driver Antti Haapala, he claimed the FIA European Rally Championship title at the wheel of a Škoda Fabia RS Rally2 run by The Racing Factory.
Suninen’s main motivation for this season was to improve his driving on asphalt. In the interview, however, he admits that he had his sights set on the title from the very beginning. As the season unfolded, Suninen fulfilled his ambitions to the fullest.
He did so in a season in which Škoda is celebrating 125 years in motorsport. Suninen has therefore added to the remarkable collection of rally successes achieved by the Mladá Boleslav-based manufacturer. This year has also brought further titles, including the Czech domestic championship and world titles in the WRC2, WRC2 Challenger and Masters Cup categories.
You had a fantastic season in the ERC. What were your goals at the start of it?
My original plan was to contest two or three rounds of the World Championship and show my potential. But after things went well for me in WRC2 in Sweden in February, I received an offer to contest the full ERC season. I took that opportunity because it is a very competitive championship and I wanted to improve on asphalt and show my potential there, while the ERC is primarily an asphalt championship. Of course, we wanted to win the championship, but I knew it would not be easy. The competition is fierce and many of the rallies were new to me, so I had a lot to learn.
How have you settled into your new team and the championship?
I settled in quickly because we all had the same goal and were keen to work together. The ERC is also a very open championship, with a large number of cars. I hope it stays that way and continues to be a great platform for drivers to make the step up to the WRC.
How do you assess this year’s competition in the championship?
The starting field was very strong in each rally. I hope we’ll get to see these drivers in the World Rally Championship as well.
Which moments from this year do you remember most fondly?
I have to admit that finishing second at Barum Czech Rally Zlín is one of my best memories. It is a truly unique event. I have to say that I have never experienced anything like it in my career. It is a major challenge for a driver, which is great in itself. And the rally culture in the Czech Republic is simply fantastic.
How did the Fabia RS Rally2 handle on asphalt?
I felt comfortable in it straight away, and it was an honour to drive a Škoda. The ERC features many different types of asphalt surface, and we were always able to find a suitable set-up for each one, allowing me to drive the car naturally.
What do you like about the car?
It was easy to get used to. It is really easy to drive. Škoda has many years of development experience with a range of drivers, so it has prepared a car that suits just about anyone and delivers excellent performance.
How difficult is it to drive a Rally2 car at the limit?
These cars are relatively easy to drive, but it is not at all easy to be among the fastest drivers in the ERC. That is why you need a car that is easy to drive, responds to your inputs and gives you the confidence to push it to the limit. The Fabia RS Rally2 certainly is that kind of car.
Does your title bring any benefits for next season?
I believe it does. I believe I have demonstrated my speed on asphalt, which is something I needed to add to my driver profile.
What would you say to fans looking ahead to the 2027 season and the changes to its regulations?
I think the 2027 season will bring some very interesting changes. I am looking forward to seeing how the new regulations have changed the cars and the competitive field as a whole. I believe this change will make rallying even more entertaining for fans.
