Four-time World Rally champion Juha Kankkunen has confirmed he will make a one-off return with Stobart Ford in Finland, and is eyeing a battle with Kimi Raikkonen.
Making his first World Rally Championship start in almost eight years, Kankkunen will drive a Stobart VK M-Sport Ford Focus RS WRC in Jyvaskyla next week, teaming up with his former co-driver Juha Repo. The 51-year-old has set his sights on a top-10 finish.
"It's going to be great to drive again and I'm very excited to attend the jubilee event as a part of the Stobart M-Sport Ford Rally Team." said Kankkunen. "It is also a fantastic opportunity to enjoy a World Rally Car, especially after knowing they'll disappear from the series after this season.
"I haven't spent much time in the latest generation cars and I know there's been a lot of changes, but I don't foresee any undue surprises. My target is a place in the top 10 and to battle with Kimi Raikkonen. Juha [Repo] last competed in this rally in 2003 where he finished 11th so he also eager to finish inside the top 10."
Ford team boss Malcolm Wilson reckons Kankkunen will be one of the biggest draws on the event.
"He is an idol to thousands in the rallying world and it is fantastic news that he will be joining the team in Finland next week," said Wilson.