21.7.2009

International football heroes say Neste Oil Rally Finland is the ´premier´ event

Past and present international Premier League stars Jussi Jääskeläinen and Sami Hyypiä have backed the forthcoming Neste Oil Rally Finland (31 July - 2 August) and highlighted that the reason Rallying is so popular in Finland is due to its long heritage and tradition, much like that of football in England.

Jääskeläinen, who plays for Bolton Wanderers, and Hyypiä, who played at Liverpool for ten years before his recent move to Bayer Leverkusen in Germany, have both experienced the passionate support of football fans in England and liken this to the support Rallying receives in their native Finland.

- Many of my friends at home go to Neste Oil Rally Finland regularly and always say the experience is really good, commented Hyypiä.

- I went to local rallies when I was younger, and had to ski across fields to get there, and the experience has stayed with me. I do not get the chance to go as much as I would like due to the football season but I will look forward to seeing Neste Oil Rally Finland in person when I eventually hang up my boots.

Having a proven track record of producing great drivers, alongside an early introduction to the sport, helps fuel the popularity of Neste Oil Rally in Finland according to the two stars who between them have amassed 150 caps for their country.

- Rally is such a popular sport in Finland because it is steeped in tradition. We have a great history of producing a number of worthy champions over the years and there are many promising young drivers who look set to continue Finland´s great achievements in rally driving, adds Jääskeläinen.

With the race for the WRC driver´s championship continuing in Finland, both stars will certainly be keeping one eye on the action in between pre season training.

- Well, [Sebastien] Loeb is a fantastic driver and so great to watch, but I suppose I had better say I will be supporting all the Finnish drivers out there! Mikko [Hirvonen] is doing well currently which is superb and I hope that Finland continues to produce great drivers in the future!, said Sami Hyypiä.

- Having the support for the WRC from two of the Premier League´s most famous names is fantastic for Neste Oil Rally Finland. I am sure their support, along with the thousands of fans in Finland and the millions worldwide, will no doubt spur the drivers on in the ´heartland´ of Rallying, said ISC CEO Simon Long.

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	Home > News > International football heroes say Neste Oil Rally Finland is the ´premier´ event 21.7.2009 International football heroes say Neste Oil Rally Finland is the ´premier´ event Past and present international Premier League stars Jussi Jääskeläinen and Sami Hyypiä have backed the forthcoming Neste Oil Rally Finland (31 July - 2 August) and highlighted that the reason Rallying is so popular in Finland is due to its long heritage and tradition, much like that of football in England. Jääskeläinen, who plays for Bolton Wanderers, and Hyypiä, who played at Liverpool for ten years before his recent move to Bayer Leverkusen in Germany, have both experienced the passionate support of football fans in England and liken this to the support Rallying receives in their native Finland. - Many of my friends at home go to Neste Oil Rally Finland regularly and always say the experience is really good, commented Hyypiä. - I went to local rallies when I was younger, and had to ski across fields to get there, and the experience has stayed with me. I do not get the chance to go as much as I would like due to the football season but I will look forward to seeing Neste Oil Rally Finland in person when I eventually hang up my boots. Having a proven track record of producing great drivers, alongside an early introduction to the sport, helps fuel the popularity of Neste Oil Rally in Finland according to the two stars who between them have amassed 150 caps for their country. - Rally is such a popular sport in Finland because it is steeped in tradition. We have a great history of producing a number of worthy champions over the years and there are many promising young drivers who look set to continue Finland´s great achievements in rally driving, adds Jääskeläinen. With the race for the WRC driver´s championship continuing in Finland, both stars will certainly be keeping one eye on the action in between pre season training. - Well, [Sebastien] Loeb is a fantastic driver and so great to watch, but I suppose I had better say I will be supporting all the Finnish drivers out there! Mikko [Hirvonen] is doing well currently which is superb and I hope that Finland continues to produce great drivers in the future!, said Sami Hyypiä. - Having the support for the WRC from two of the Premier League´s most famous names is fantastic for Neste Oil Rally Finland. I am sure their support, along with the thousands of fans in Finland and the millions worldwide, will no doubt spur the drivers on in the ´heartland´ of Rallying, said ISC CEO Simon Long.
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