Teemu Suninen, the 2026 European Rally champion, deserves a spot back in the World Rally Championship, according to Kris Meeke. The two rivals engaged in a thrilling battle at Rali Ceredigion in Wales last weekend, with Meeke eventually taking victory by 38.6 seconds. But for Meeke, the fight proved that Suninen has what it takes to compete at the highest level of rallying.
Meeke, now 47 and no longer treating rallying as a full-time career, thoroughly enjoyed the duel. "Teemu is world championship level," Meeke told DirtFish. "For me, he should be in the world championship. He just needs to find the right opportunity."
The contest was as close as it was fascinating. On the unfamiliar Welsh asphalt, the gap between them was often just a few seconds. Meeke highlighted the contrasts: Suninen in a Skoda on Pirelli tires, Meeke in a Toyota on Michelins. "It takes two to tango," Meeke said with a grin.
For Suninen, sharing the road with Meeke was an honor. The 32-year-old admitted he has followed Meeke's career since 2016, when the Irishman was blisteringly fast in a Citroen at Ouninpohja. "He's a legend," Suninen said. Yet, the Finn faced a dilemma: attack for victory or manage his pace to secure the European title. "We had to be clever," he admitted.
The decision proved wise. Second place at Ceredigion was enough for Suninen to clinch the ERC title with one round to spare. It caps a season of remarkable consistency, especially on Tarmac—an area where he felt he had something to prove. He won in Poland and finished second in Rome, Zlin, and Wales.
"I think a year ago people were doubting my Tarmac skills," Suninen said. "Now I've been driving most of the season on Tarmac and I've been able to drive well. I'm surprised we got this kind of package this year. We dreamed of two or three events, but we've done 12 or 13. It's been a really good school."
With the European title secured, the big question is what comes next for Suninen. Meeke believes he only needs the right opportunity to make a WRC comeback. Given his performances this season, few would bet against him.
Read Also
Esapekka Lappi returns to Hyundai Rally1 in Chile with a simple target: enjoy the drive and support the team, after a challenging season.
Dani Sordo named development driver for RMC Motorsport's new WRC car. The Spanish team also plans to sell its machinery to privateers.
Toyota is on the verge of clinching the WRC manufacturers' title in Chile. Juha Kankkunen gives clear instructions to Evans and Pajari amid a tight drivers' fight.
Continue with Google
Discussion (0)
Join the Discussion!
Sign in easily to start commenting, replying, and interacting with other readers.
Latest Comments
No comments yet. Be the first!