Hänninen has performed part of the TOYOTA GAZOO Racing WRC Challenge Program support team for the last few seasons and guided Yamamoto – who also competes in FIA WRC2 – to his maiden ERC points in 12th overall at the completion of a hugely demanding Delfi Rally Estonia.
“This was a nice rally with Yuki after two more difficult events,” said Hänninen, who became ERC champion in 2012. “We knew that this kind of road character and territory is more familiar but the conditions were really tricky and changing quite often. By finishing the rally, Yuki gained a lot of good experience in different conditions, and generally good mileage, especially if we come back to this rally in the future.
“There were some sections where the times were pretty good and even when it was more challenging, and the pace was dropping down a little bit, he was more in the window than on previous events. It was good to see he could be patient and drive at a speed which was well under control, but where he was still able to learn.
“At the same time, in this strong field, he could see the level that the fastest drivers are at, reminding him there’s still a long way to go and a lot of work to be done.”
Yamamoto, who contested selected FIA ERC4 events in 2023, said: “The previous couple of rallies went not so well for me, so I really wanted to finish this rally and with a good feeling. I think we managed it well: Sunday especially had really tricky conditions but still we got all the kilometres which is the most important thing. So I can be very happy.
“The ERC is really competitive and I can analyse the onboards of the top guys to improve. Overall, I think this has been really good learning and good preparation before Rally Finland.”
Yamamoto’s team-mate Hikaru Kogure had also been due to compete in Estonia but was prevented from doing so while he recovers from a collarbone sustained on Rally Italia Sardegna last month. He was able to complete reconnaissance and is set to return to action on the WRC-counting Secto Rally Finland from 1 - 4 August.