P1racenews AI automatic summary:
How being a target for young drivers spurred Mikkelsen back to WRC
Andreas Mikkelsen has been striving to return to the World Rally Championship since 2019 and has now achieved his goal by signing a deal with Hyundai. After winning two WRC2 titles and a European Rally Championship, Mikkelsen felt at times that he would never reach the top level again. He came close to a return this year, but Hyundai chose Esapekka Lappi instead. Mikkelsen is thrilled to be back competing with the “big boys” and believes he was very close to a return after last season. His journey has come full circle, as he last drove in the WRC’s top flight for Hyundai in 2019 and finished fourth in the championship that year. After losing his drive at Hyundai, Mikkelsen had a difficult time in the COVID-affected 2020 season, but he fought back with a WRC2 program with Skoda. Although there were moments of doubt, Mikkelsen never gave up and aimed to be first on the list if an opportunity arose.
