This year's Rata-SM (Finnish Championships) in Formula Ford seems to be more active than in years. Although the "public" sources (Formula Ford Finland pages and KITI) do not reveal more than eight drivers officially enrolled, the actual figures seems to be already twelve.
The Duratec squad seems to include last year racers Nummi, Kivinen, Miikka Mäkelä, UK-returnee Antti Buri, Milla Mäkelä and probably also Pinja Forsman (if her information about racing with Team Söderman implies she takes the Duratec that is in that team). Antti seems to be taking on his "last chance" (?) to win a Finnish Championships medal, but is also planning to do a full season in the UK. Apparently the race calenders match pretty well, the only exception being Kemora. We also hope that Milton Lundström will be mixed into this soup, he did a good show last year and would bring color to the races for sure. However, at least for now rumors have it he left the garage and is "wasting" his winter vacation in Austria...;-) Oh well, we all know Milton, the magnetism to wrenches and hard greasy work is occasionally lacking...;-)
As for Zetecs, so far Markus Ollila and myself are listed. Ollila apparently drives the ex-Hirsimäki car. However, also the ex-Kivinen car is in contention with driver Kristian Laine (apparently he was seen testing at Alastaro already late last fall), and so is the ex-Vähämäki-ex-Kurki-Suonio Mygale run by ADRF. Two more drivers are expected, one of which driving the ex-Veera Virtanen car. However, all drivers may not do all races. Count that to six drivers,and we have a pretty good line-up!
Thus summing up, so far rumors indicate about twelve drivers, half in Duratecs and half in Zetecs. All cars will be eligible to compete for the Finnish Championships points. On the Board of Directors in the Formula Ford Finland Association, discussions are on-going regarding series sponsors for the season. Also a separate Zetec trophy series is planned (Zetec Malja, perhaps?). Some discussions about allowing both gasoline and ethanol in Zetecs is also taking place (ethanol fuel would attract much needed series sponsorship money, and might make it easier for drivers to get funding too - although of course being a bit of a hassle due to somewhat limited availability). And, to top it off, there is some initiative that we finally would get a cool Formula Ford Finland jacket, similar to the Ford racing blue coat available in the UK series. Prices for a jacket would be very favorable, early indication suggests below 100€ for a good quality garment.
Stay tuned, and also - if you are thinking about racing this series - don't hesitate to being in touch with racers, association officials and others involved. Now is the time to get your voice heard!
