12.7.2008 - Kristian Sohlberg retired due gearbox problems in SM O.K. Auto rally
Fifth round for Finnish Rally Championship wasn't successfull for Flying Finnish rally driver Kristian Sohlberg and his co-driver Peter Flythström as for the duo the rally was finished before it got even well started.
From the first special stage kilometres of the first stage Sohlberg struggled with gearbox problems. At the middle point of the long stage Sohlberg was forced to retire the event. At the very first acceleration he lost fifth gear from his Red Devil coloured group-n Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution IX rally car. Few kilometres later the damage continued to fourth gear and in approx 12kms he lost all other gears aswell.
Sohlberg started the rally with high expectations. In pre-rally tests he was able to setup his car suspension into a new level and due very good result in previous Championship rally Sohlberg was ready to challenge group-N top drivers. However the gearbox of his rally car disagreed of rallying eight special stages and 96,36 special stage kilometres. Therefore Sohlberg scored zero points from fifth round of the Finnish Rally Championship. Kristian wasn't happy at all.
– For the driver who seeks success the retirement on first special stage is very frustrating. Especially I'm very dissapointed for the reason that we had done major preparations and test work for the rally. However you must remember that motorsport is sum of multiple things and technics is one of them. Me and my co-driver couldn't do anything for the problem, Sohlberg reported.
– Now the only thing I can do is swallow my dissapointment and head for WRC Finland. However after four years I'll be not rallying in the event as I'm working for another role this time. It'll be interesting to see the other side of the coin. I'll be a commenentator for Finnish Rally Radio, Sohlberg continues.
Winner of the SM O.K. Auto rally was Citroen manufacturer rally driver Daniel Sordo with his C4 WRC. In group-N Juha Salo returned into highest position on podium. Due his victory he's now leading the Championship series as there are still two rounds to be rallied. Finnish Rally Championship serie continues on September.
Final results SM O.K. Auto ralli, group-N:
1. Juha Salo & Mika Stenberg, Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution IX, 46.17;1
2. Jari Ketomaa & Miika Teiskonen, Subaru Impreza WRX STI 2008, +10,5sec
3. Kosti Katajamäki & Lasse Hirvijärvi, Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution IX, +52,3sec
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ret. Kristian Sohlberg & Peter Flythström, Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution IX, gearbox |
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