Alén working towards return

Son of World Rally legend Markku, Anton Alén says that he wants a return to rallying next year.

“I’m really desperate to drive again and this year has been one of the most difficult times I have ever experienced,”

Anton was previously one of Abarth’s works drivers in the IRC last year, but was dropped from their line-up this year when the Italian squad withdrew from the IRC to concentrate on their ERC programme, which culminated in Luca Rosseti winning the series.

He still says, however, that he is working towards a return to rallying, after having to sit out this year.

“I’ve been working solidly on different ways to come back, but unfortunately it’s so financially tough for everyone at the moment. My motivation is stronger than ever though and I’m determined to give it 100%. I know some of the IRC and WRC events already and there are some interesting new rallies coming in as well.”

During his Abarth career, he competed in the IRC, and he also won the 2007 edition of Rally Russia. Outside of his time with the Italian team, he competed on some P-WRC events in a Subaru Impreza WRX STI, winning on Wales Rally GB and his home event, Rally Finland.