SKODA drivers will be quick, says Sandell

Patrik Sandell reckons fellow ŠKODA Fabia Super 2000 drivers Juho Hänninen and Andreas Mikkelsen will prove to be his toughest opponents on Sata Rallye Açores.

Unlike Sandell, both Hänninen and Mikkelsen have previous experience of the island event, round six of the Intercontinental Rally Challenge. However, like Sandell, they also have a preference for driving on gravel and are expected to be among the pacesetters when action gets underway on Thursday afternoon.

“Andreas is fifth on the road, just one place ahead of me, and this will be the almost ideal road position for the first day of the rally,” said Sandell, who is tackling his third IRC event in his ŠKODA Sweden-backed Fabia. “I wouldn’t be surprised if myself and Mikkelsen are at the top on Thursday night but Juho is very strong as well. Either way they will be the strongest guys to race against.”

Sandell, 29, is a former Junior world champion. After two appearances in the IRC the Swede is joint 18th in the drivers’ standings with four points.