Suninen Strengthens ERC Title Lead with P2 at Barum

Teemu Suninen proved his class once again in the European Rally Championship. Competing for the first time on the asphalt roads around Zlin, the Finn delivered a stellar performance to finish second at Barum Czech Rally Zlin, further tightening his grip on the championship lead.

Driving a Skoda, Suninen had no answer to home hero Adam Brezik, but second place was yet another impressive display of his pace and versatility. Over the past months, Suninen has been contesting a huge number of rallies on different surfaces and in different cars—all with the clear goal of returning to the WRC.

“I’m proud of us. We scored good points. This is a really difficult rally. I can’t even put into words how difficult it is. A big thank you to the team, who gave us a great car,” Suninen enthused.

Baca JugaSuninen Kokoh di Puncak ERC Usai Jadi Runner-up Barum

Victory tasted particularly sweet for Brezik, as it marked his first win at the Barum Rally. On home soil, he edged Suninen by just over eight seconds. “I can’t really find the words. I’m really happy. A big thank you to my father and all our partners. Thanks also to the fans who make this rally unique,” Brezik said.

The battle for third was equally fierce. Andrea Mabellini secured the final podium spot, finishing just 1.3 seconds ahead of Poland’s Mikolaj Marczyk. Jakub Matulka took fifth, ahead of Simone Tempestini and Filip Mares in a tightly fought contest.

With this result, Suninen’s lead at the top of the ERC standings grows even stronger. The championship continues in Wales in early September, with the season finale set for Portugal at the end of October. The pressure is now on his rivals to close the gap.