Kaikkonen makes triumphant comeback in GT car racing

Finnish expat Velli-Matti Kaikkonen of Häfele-Tuason Racing celebrated his return to grand touring with a win in the fourth leg of the Philippine Grand Touring (GT) Car Championship recently at the Clark International Speedway in Pampanga.

Kaikkonen, one of the top GT300 title contenders who last saw action in 2012, flaunted his top form as he ruled the morning’s GT sprint race.

He is supported by Bridgestone, Standard Insurance, Acer, OMP, C!Magazine, Oakley, Aguila Auto Glass, Toptul, Go Pro, Karate Kid, Bellevue Manila, Rota, Speedlab, Brembo, Yamaha, V-Kool and Lifeline Ambulance, Hafele and Kaikkonen’s individual sponsors, Ruka! and Sivuluisu.com.

Topping the time trials made him an early favorite as he clocked a fast laptime of 2:08.419, putting him a full two seconds ahead of other drivers in the tough talented field.

Earning the pole position, Kaikkonen quickly controlled the top spot and dictated the tempo throughout to claim the GT300 title.

Winning the morning’s nine-lap sprint race in 19:29.817, he finished the race with a 14-second gap ahead of runner-up and current points leader Dondon Portugal.

It was a fitting follow-up to his impressive show in the second leg at the Batangas Racing Circuit where he copped GT300 runner-up honors in both the sprint and the GT main race.

Aiming to surpass the previous feat, Kaikkonen was looking forward to a sweep. The car set-up was at its best and the Finnish expat was at his top form going into the afternoon main race.

However, unexpected problems spoiled great expectations for a big victory. Kaikkonen found himself in an unfortunate situation struggling to balance himself on the car seat with three broken bolts. While the seat kept rocking during the race, he had to keep one hand hanging on the grip holder and the other hand alternating at the wheel and the gear shift. Despite the obstacle, Kaikkonen still managed to check in third overall in the main race.

“That’s racing. It’s quite disappointing that a loose seat will spoil it all but unexpected problems do happen. We’ve proven though that we do have great chances of sweeping the races and hopefully next time, no stone will be left unturned to avert such costly incidents,” said Kaikkonen.