The promising rally career of Donegal’s Eamonn Kelly broke new ground on Thursday when he and co-driver Conor Mohan lined up for the start of Rally Finland for the first time.
24-year-old Kelly from Frosses, who’s the current Junior British Rally Champion, will compete against some of the world’s best drivers over 22 special stages and 320 kilometres over the next three days.
He is driving a Hyundai i20 N Rally2.
Kelly’s place in the field comes about because of a collaboration between the British Rally Championship and Hyundai Motorsport Customer Racing.
Speaking to reporters before the start of Thursday’s rally, Kelly said making the start line in Finland was the realisation of a lifelong ambition.
“It is a boyhood dream to be able to go to one of the most iconic rallies in the world and compete, even more so in a Rally2 car.
“I’ve been lucky to compete in the Junior WRC this year but this one is pretty special. As well as being a dream it is also very beneficial for our progression, as Finland is as tough as it gets in terms of pace.”
Rally Finland is generally regarded as one of the fastest circuits on the World Rally Championship calendar.
