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Hakkinen set for further rally outings

Former Formula 1 world champion Mika Hakkinen enjoyed his off-road competition debut on the Arctic Rally, and has said that he will be tackling more events in the future

The Finn, driving a Mitsubishi Lancer, finished 29th overall on the event, despite losing eight minutes and dropping to 46th overall after a puncture on the second day.

"It was a very difficult and tiring rally," said Hakkinen. "The last special stage was very demanding as it was long and foggy and I didn't want to screw up so close to the finish line. It is a personal victory for me, and for Team Mitsubishi. We had to fight through bright sunshine right in my face, darkness and reindeers crossing the road; all things that I'm not used to seeing during a race!"

Hakkinen had originally described the rally as a one-off, but he now seems set to compete in more events. He said: "This will not be my last rally. It seems I enjoy driving more and more."

The event, the opening round in the Finnish national championship, was won by Janne Tuohino driving a Ford Focus WRC. His path to victory was aided by the retirement of Juuso Pykalisto, who led until he was forced to pull out of the event after colliding with a reindeer.

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