ERC
ERC competition really high, says new champion Suninen
Teemu Suninen took time out of his celebrations for winning the 2026 FIA European Rally Championship for Drivers* by answering some key questions for FIAERC.com.
This is what the 32-year-old Finn, who claimed ERC title glory driving a Pirelli-equipped Škoda Fabia RS Rally2 for The Racing Factory alongside co-driver Antti Haapala, had to say at the finish of JDS Machinery Rali Ceredigion yesterday (Sunday).
It was celebration time for Suninen in Ceredigion
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You’re the first Finn since Esapekka Lappi in 2014 to become European champion. What does that mean to you?
“It’s a big thing, especially now when it’s mostly on Tarmac. I’ve been enjoying a lot to drive ERC events. All the rallies are on challenging roads, different types of roads, it’s been good for me and hopefully we can use these learnings for next year. “
How important is your success this year in terms of being a shop window for next season?
“It’s really important. A year ago people were maybe doubting my Tarmac skills, but I’ve been driving most of the season on Tarmac and been able to drive well. When we were pushing [in Ceredigion] we were able to remind Kris Meeke a bit that we are here.”
Flying Finn became ERC champion with strong Welsh drive
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What has the competition in the ERC been like?
“It’s been really high. It’s really nice to have a good line-up from the championship drivers, plus all the locals. It was really an honour to have Kris Meeke here. He’s a legend. I have been following him since 2016 from the Ouninpohja stage when he was fastest with Citroën.”
To what extent have you developed as a driver this year?
“For sure I’ve been able to improve my Tarmac skills because all the rallies are challenging the drivers differently. I haven’t been driving the Škoda before on Tarmac, that’s one new skill and it’s been nice to drive this car because it’s nice on Tarmac.”
Haapala and Suninen have formed a formidable partnership
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It’s been a busy year for you in 2026, with a WRC2 programme alongside your ERC campaign. Has all the work and effort been worthwhile?
“It worked out pretty well, I must say. I was quite surprised to get this package for this year, because in the best case at the beginning of the year we were dreaming for two or three events. Now we have done 12 or 13 maybe.”
What’s been your best moment?
“Finishing second on Barum Czech Rally Zlín, not a particular stage, just the result itself.”
Second place in Zlín was an ERC highlight for Suninen
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Will you come back to defend your title?
“Yeah, why not? I would enjoy to do more ERC but still my target is WRC.”
*Subject to confirmation of the results by the FIA
