RALLY: Kankkunen to Spearhead Extensive Test for Subaru World Rally Team
30 April 1999
In a dedicated commitment to an extensive period of testing, Subaru World Rally Team driver, Juha Kankkunen, will concentrate his energies on the development of the Subaru Impreza WRC99s gravel specification in preparation for the forthcoming Rally Argentina and the Acropolis RallyAs a result of this extensive test and development programme, Juha Kankkunen will not represent the team in the impending Rally of France, the Tour de Corse
"Juha is without doubt the most experienced driver active in the World Championship today. As a tactical measure, we feel it more appropriate to capitalise on his experience to develop the Impreza for the next two gravel events and beyond. This means that a short-term loss of running only two nominated cars for Richard Burns and Bruno Thiry in France will translate to a long term gain when we head into the second half of the season and five consecutive gravel rallies," said Technical Director, David Lapworth.
Juha Kankkunen has taken this decision in tandem with the teams management, and some days into the test reports positive progress. "We dont need much to be at the front - maybe a few 10ths per kilometre, and we have already made steps in the last few days," said the Finn from Greece yesterday
Team manager, John Spiller summarised, "Juha will be back on competitive duties in Argentina, and as a result of this test period will draw out the improvements we are all working hard to achieve."
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