Ari Perkiomaki has revealed he may consider a switch to RallyX Nordic presented by Cooper Tires next season after his impressive run to the podium on home soil at Kouvola in Finland.
One of 22 wild-cards joining the RallyX Nordic regulars for the series’ maiden visit to Finland, Perkiomaki was the only local to make it through to the final at the wheel of his Ford Fiesta.
Once there, Perkiomaki recovered from an early off that dropped him to sixth position to claw his way back up to fourth position before utilising a final lap joker to come out ahead of Ola Froshaug and secure third.
In doing so securing the points he needed to clinch the Finnish Rallycross Championship title, an emotional Perkiomaki received a rapturous reception for earning a spot on the podium alongside Oliver Eriksson and Oliver Solberg.
Coming after an incident earlier in the day meant he very nearly didn’t make the semi-finals, Perkiomaki was thrilled to bounce back in such formidable style.
“Race day was pretty much up and down! We raced well in the first and second heats, but in the final heat I was hit which broke my track rod and forced me out.
“However, the mechanics got the car repaired and we managed to start semi-finals. From here it was all or nothing and I managed to do enough to reach the final, which meant I’d won the Finnish title too
“It was awesome to start to final with the big boys, even they are still youngsters,” he joked. “However, they are professionals too, so it was great to go and battle with those guys.”
Reflecting on the possibility of becoming a ‘RallyX Nordic regular’, Perkiomaki admits it could be an option for him on the back of this result.
“I don’t have any plans for the next season yet, but on Saturday I was listening to the RallyX Nordic briefing. I just need to look at what’s going to happen. I can’t do it alone, so we shall see.”
