Mikkelsen takes positives from Canarias misfortune

Andreas Mikkelsen says he will use missing out on victory on Rally Islas Canarias El Corte Inglés in a dramatic final-stage showdown with Jan Kopecký earlier this month as a positive.

The ŠKODA UK Motorsport driver, the defending Intercontinental Rally Challenge champion, was one stage away from winning the asphalt event when a sudden loss of a power, caused by a rare mechanical failure, dropped him to second overall behind his Czech rival.

Despite missing out on victory, Mikkelsen heads the IRC drivers’ standings after two events.

“We have a first place and a second place so it’s a very good start for us in the IRC this year, because it’s a lot of points,” said the 22-year-old from Norway. “This time last year to have these points I used seven rallies or something so it’s a much better start for me this year.”

Mikkelsen returns to IRC action on round three, the Donnelly Group Circuit of Ireland Rally, which takes place from 6/7 April.