The 2023 WRC2 championship has been crowned. Andreas Mikkelsen secured the championship this past weekend.
Champions Again
Andreas Mikkelsen is now a 2 time WRC2 champion. Winning the WRC2 championship in 2021 and nearly winning it last season. Mikkelsen has been one of the top drivers in the WRC2 class for the past couple of seasons. Winning the WRC2 championship this season is a bit of a shock for Mikkelsen. As the Norwegian not only started his season at the fifth round of the season at Vodafone Rally De Portugal. There were also many questions about funding for Mikkelsen this season. There was also the possibility of Mikkelsen returning to the sports top level this season. As Mikkelsen was apparently the one chosen to replace Craig Breen after Breen passed away in April. However, the contract never came for Mikkelsen and Teemu Suninen got the spot instead.
The First Of Many
Andreas Mikkelsen’s WRC2 Championship this season just wasn’t for him. It was also for Sköda. As the manufacturer debuted a new Sköda Fabia R5 this season. Mikkelsen will go down in history as the first driver to win a championship in the car. Mikkelsen will likely be the first of many to win a championship in the car.
Mikkelsen’s 2023 WRC2 Season
Andreas Mikkelsen has only competed in 6 events so far this season. Despite starting late Mikkelsen got off to a hot start. Placing third at Vodafone Rally De Portugal, his first event of the season. Mikkelsen took the win on his second event of the season at Rally Italia Sardegna. Skipping Safari Rally Kenya, Mikkelsen returned at Rally Estonia. Winning the event for his second consecutive win at an event he attended. Things changed at Secto Rally Finland however. As the Norwegian finished 4th after some struggles at the event. However, everything was back on track at EKO Acropolis Rally Greece. As Mikkelsen put on a monster drive to win the event after getting three punctures on the first day.
Mikkelsen skipped Rally Chile BioBio, which allowed his championship rivals Yohan Rossel and Gus Greensmith to take the championship lead. Neither driver capitalized on that opportunity. Mikkelsen went into the Central European Rally with a 4-point lead over Rossel and 8 over Greensmith. With Rossel crashing out on the second day his season was over. Leaving only Greensmith in Mikkelsen’s way. However, it wasn’t all sunshine and rainbows for Mikkelsen. As he struggled throughout the event. Ending the second day 20th in class. His chances looked bleak. However, with a Powerstage win Mikkelsen secured the championship.