Four-time World Rally Champion Juha Kankkunen realised a personal ambition at the 2019 Goodwood Festival of Speed: he got behind the wheel of an asphalt-spec BMW M1, hitherto the only Group B car he had never driven either during his frontline motor sport career or in retirement. “It’s a lot of fun,” the Finnish legend said. “It only has around 500bhp, but it is like a go-kart; it is very quick to react; the steering in particular. I think the closest comparison would be the Ferrari 308GTB GpB car, but the BMW is perhaps even nicer. I have been here several times, either with Ford or with Bentley, but I am at this year’s Festival with no pressure. I just wanted to drive this car! I really enjoyed myself, but I won’t be driving it in the rain today. It is on very hard compound – and very old – tyres. I don’t want to risk damaging such a historic car!”
Kankkunen won 23 rounds of the WRC in addition to the Dakar Rally during his glittering career, in addition to breaking speed records on ice…
(ENDS)
Press Office:
Telephone: +44 (0)1243 755000
E-mail: nick.garton@goodwood.com
About Mastercard
Mastercard (NYSE: MA), www.mastercard.com,is a technology company in the global payments industry. We operate the world’s fastest payments processing network, connecting consumers, financial institutions, merchants, governments and businesses in more than 210 countries and territories. Mastercard’s products and solutions make everyday commerce activities – such as shopping, traveling, running a business and managing finances – easier, more secure and more efficient for everyone. Follow us on Twitter @MastercardUKBiz, join the discussion on the Cashless Pioneers Blog and subscribe for the latest news on the Engagement Bureau.
Or Emma Fahy at the Mastercard Press Office:
Email: emma.fahy@mastercard.com
Telephone: +44 (0)7580 790 297
Goodwood Motor Sport on social media:
YouTube: http://youtube.com/goodwoodtv
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/goodwoodrrc
Twitter: http://twitter.com/goodwoodrrc