SS17: Hanninen win Sata Rallye Açores
Sandell claims first IRC stage win
Patrik Sandell has claimed his first stage victory in the Intercontinental Rally Challenge by going fastest of all on the final stage of Sata Rallye Açores at the wheel of his ŠKODA Sweden Fabia Super 2000.
The Swede was 0.6s faster than Juho Hänninen through the test to secure fifth place in the final standings. “Before the rally I expected much more but I have done quite a good rally here,” said Sandell.
While Sandell celebrated his first stage victory, second place for Hänninen proved to be more than enough for the factory ŠKODA driver to win Sata Rallye Açores, his third victory of the IRC season and the eighth of his IRC career. “It’s been a good weekend and a great result for ŠKODA with three cars on the podium,” said the Finn.
Andreas Mikkelsen completed the stage with the fifth fastest time to secure second place in the overall standings in his ŠKODA UK Fabia.
Overall positions after SS17