ERC 3
Famous name making a name for himself in ERC3
While Tymek Abramowski was claiming his maiden FIA ERC3 Championship victory in Sweden last weekend, Ville Vatanen was also impressing in the Rally3-based category.
Vatanen, who along with Abramowski and Adrian Rzeźnik is one of three 18-year-old’s competing in the ERC’s second tier this season, finished a slender 7.1sec behind Ford Fiesta Rally3-driving Abramowski in the Renault Clio Rally3 he shares with fellow Finn and co-driver Jarno Ottman.
“Amazing race and my first podium in ERC,” said Vatanen, who completed leg one of BAUHAUS Royal Rally of Scandinavia in fourth position, 18.9sec off the lead. “It’s very nice for the first full year with the four-wheel-drive car because I came here to learn and I did it. Maybe I had something in my right foot, but we find a good touch with my driving and the car feels good. I pushed a little bit more than in the morning and it worked.”
While Vatanen is making a name for himself after only two ERC appearances, his decision to take up rallying is no surprise given Ari Vatanen, the seven-time ERC event winner and 1981 FIA World Rally champion, is a distant relative.
Second place in ERC3 in Sweden was a fine effort
© ERC
“He’s a fifth generation relative the uncle of my dad,” Vatanen Jr explained. “We text sometimes with Ari and he calls me. Ari was born about 30 kilometres from where I live.”
Vatanen also enjoys support from the AKK Flying Finn Academy, a talent-fostering scheme developed by his national ASN.
“They develop three Finnish drivers and give all the support what a driver needs in the physical preparation and driving,” Vatanen explained. “It’s very important to be involved for me. I have been in the lower programme for a few years and have stepped up to the Academy this year and it’s amazing. I have all the support what I need.”
Vatanen will be among the contenders for ERC3 success on next week’s ORLEN OIL 81st Rally Poland. An outing on Secto Rally Finland, his country’s round of the FIA World Rally Championship in August, is also planned.
