Rally Liepaja :: Emil Lindholm: I like snow and ice the most

LIEPĀJA, LATVIA
10/07/2020

One of the first to enter Rally Liepaja 2020 is Team MRF Tyres crew Emil Lindholm / Mikhael Korhonen. For the Finnish crew that has started seven FIA World Rally Championship events, 2020 will mark their first appearance at the FIA European Rally Champinship, driving Škoda Fabia R5 Evo car.

Emil Lindholm, FIA World Rally Championship ©Red Bull Content Pool

Question: First of all, how are you – safe and healthy during this time?

Answered by Rally Liepaja 2020 driver Emil Lindholm: “Yes, thanks. Obviously, it’s been a long four months without any rallies or whatsoever, but luckily, I’m good and really looking forward to these upcoming rallies.”

Is this going to be your first rally after the break?

“I’m going to Rome in three weeks’ time (ERC season opening rally). That’s basically the first rally for the summer season, and then Rally Liepāja after that.”

Are you planning to race in other European championship events as well?

“Yeah, I am doing four rallies in total. After Rome and Liepaja there will be two more. We will see which ones. I’m assuming one of them is Azores, but let’s see about the fourth one, because I’m still a bit unsure about that.”

Have you had a chance to do some testing already?

“Not a lot. Basically, one day of testing on tarmac couple weeks ago, but none on gravel yet.”

Do you feel more comfortable on gravel or tarmac?

“On snow and ice! But if I have to choose from these, then gravel. Tarmac is okay as well, but for me gravel is easier.”

You come from Finland. Usually Finnish roads are very fast. Do you think it will give you some advantages coming to Liepāja? Because it’s one of the fastest rallies on the calendar.

“Yes, definitely it’s a good thing for us, especially in fast rallies, when pacenotes in the high-speed corners needs to be perfect for our confidence. We have worked a lot on that. I think it’s a good thing for us.”

What are your expectations coming to Latvia?

“Well, we are a development program for MRF Tyres. We will be there to develop their tyres and I have to listen and follow their strategy. Of course, if you ask me, I would like to go faster, but we have to listen what MRF tells.”

So, results are not the most important thing. It’s the understanding of these tyres, right?

“Yes, developing tyres is our number one priority. Of course, we would like some good results as well, but tyre development is more important.”

Your father Sebastian Lindholm is very successful rally driver and so is his cousin Marcus Gronholm. What are the best advices you have received from them?

“The best advice… this is tricky! I think it could be as simple as ‘Don’t try to go flat everywhere!’. Although it’s profound to try to go flat everywhere, it might not end well. Of course, I understood that myself since it happened. Back in the day, it was good advice.”

Of course, racing will be top priority, but are you planning to do some sightseeing in Liepāja as well?

“I will be quite busy during that time with some school work, but we will come down to Latvia by car, so we will see other parts of the country as well and Liepāja is a nice city by the coast so maybe we will have mini-vacation as well.”

FIA European Rally Championship round Rally Liepāja is possible thanks to the support provided by the Latvian government, rally city Liepāja, as well as the Talsi region. Thanks to our sponsors Neste, Ramirent, and SC Grupa, our car rental partner Sixt, as well as supporters Canon Business Center – IB Serviss, Liepājas Olimpiskais Centrs, Pafbet, and Swecon. Informative support is provided by DELFI and media partners JCDecaux Latvija, Kurzemes Vārds, Sporta Avīze, Talsu Vēstis, and Zebra. The event would also not be possible without the involvement of all Rally Liepāja friends: Baltic Taxi, Flora, FN Serviss, Fristads, Jānis Pūce, Latvijas Pārtikas Ražotājs, Lofbergs, MB Grupa, Meža Dārzs, Red Bull, SignTech, Sportland, and Törley. Rally Liepāja is taking place with the support of Aizpute, Durbe, Grobiņa and Priekule regions. A special thank you goes out to the Latvian Automobile Federation.