While many motorsport series are approaching their mid-summer break, it’s the opposite for MML Sports, as it prepares for four rallies in the next three weeks. And it will be buoyed by the performance of Jasper van der Heuvel, who despite finishing 17th on last weekend’s GEKO Ypres Rally, frequently split the huge field of Super 2000 cars in his R4 Mitsubishi Lancer EvoX, using the MML Sports R4 kit.
Following Jari Ketomaa’s debut in the MML Sports R4 on last month’s Talsi Rally, van der Heuvel was the next driver to compete in a car equipped with the MML Sports kit of parts to bring it up to full R4 specification. And he didn’t disappoint: On stages where he had a clean run, his times were within the top 15 frequently, peaking at sixth fastest on stage 13 – an impressive feat considering an entry of 30 Super 2000 cars.
MML Sports will be looking for even more success this coming weekend, when Latvian stalwart Ivars Vasaraudzis returns to action in the Mitsubishi Lancer WRCar, on Rally Latgale, the fifth round of the national series. The two-day event may only feature seven stages but it will be the final, 31Km test that will leave an impression and hopefully, see Vasaraudzis claim another victory in the MML Sports-run World Rally Car.
The following weekend, 8-10 July, will see two events for the company; Bert de Jong will be competing in the Exotic Green Rally, based in Etten-Laur in Holland and at the wheel of his MML Sports-prepared Mitsubishi Lancer WRC. Over the same weekend, Jaroslav Melicharek will also be in action, this time on the Lubenick Rally in Slovakia, also at the wheel of his Lancer WRC.
The following weekend is Rally Estonia, where the company plans to next run Ketomaa in its own R4 Mitsubishi Lancer EvolutionX. Many competitors from the FIA World Rally Championship are planning to use the event as a warm-up for Rally Finland, since the stage conditions are very similar. MML Sports hopes that there will be a representative field of Super2000 cars on the event to gauge the pace of its R4 car on equal terms.
Commenting, MML Sports Managing Director John Easton said; “It’s been a relatively quiet few weeks for us but that’s about to change.
“I’m delighted that Jasper was able to put in such competitive times in his R4 EvoX, using our kit of parts. It’s a shame that the penalties cost him a better result but it would appear that the R4 kit seems to work well, particularly encouraging on Ypres Rally, which is notoriously difficult. ‘
“I’m also looking forward to seeing Ivars back in the Lancer WRC – he has an excellent track record in the car and hopefully, he’ll pick up where he left off and be right at the sharp end. Similarly, Jaroslav has enjoyed some excellent results this year so far and we’re hoping he can add to that next weekend.”