Larsen dominates Numedalsrally with commanding victory as MRF Tyres closes winter phase on a high
In Finland, the 46. SM Auto Sorsa Riihimäki Ralli presented complex conditions due to limited snow coverage and exposed gravel sections. Niclas Grönholm and Samu Vaaleri, competing in the Škoda Fabia RS Rally2 prepared by GRX Red Devil, showed front-running pace and were running fourth overall when an excursion into a snowbank on SS3 blocked the air filter with compacted snow.
The issue required roadside intervention and resulted in a loss of approximately 14 minutes, eliminating any realistic chance of a podium finish that had been clearly within reach. Despite the setback, Grönholm continued to attack and underlined his speed by setting a fastest stage time later in the rally. He consistently recorded top-five times across the remaining stages, confirming the competitiveness of both car and tyre package.
“I’d be lying if I said I was happy with the results of the three opening rounds of the season, but what’s done is done. During the break, I’m planning on hitting the gym to improve my mental and physical strength, then we’ll be ready to go to Imatra. We’re the only team using the MRF tyres, which means we’re the only team with this data. The rubber has behaved well during the first three rounds. I look forward to seeing what they can do on gravel” said Gronholm.
Despite the winter setbacks, Grönholm and Vaaleri remain within nine points of third place in the championship standings, keeping the title fight open ahead of the surface change.
The winter chapter now closes for both national series. In Norway, the next round will be the Rally Sørland on April 25th. In Finland, the championship resumes with the SM Imatra Ralli on May 22nd–23rd, marking the transition to gravel conditions.
