Katajamaki takes Junior WRC win.

Kosti Katajamaki won his first ever round of the FIA Junior World Rally Championship today [Sunday] on the Rally of Turkey.

The Volkswagen Polo driver suffered a clutch problem for much of the day, but he was able to drive around it on the stages. He admitted that he wasn't pushing as hard through the final day, given that he held a two-minute lead over Guy Wilks.

"During the Monte Carlo Rally, I already knew that we would be capable of winning with the Polo Super 1600," commented Katajamaki. "Our strategy to drive cautiously, yet quickly, has worked out again. Now, being on the top step of the winners' podium is a magnificent feeling."

Wilks though missed out on second place after the gearbox on his Ford Puma jammed itself in third gear in the penultimate stage. The British driver was forced to drive through the remainder of SS17 and all of the final stage with the car in this condition.

Wilks said: "I'm very disappointed because I felt we deserved second place. I wasn't pushing hard but on an uphill section I went to change gear and nothing happened. Shortly after that, we got a puncture and it was a nervous run to the finish from there. I haven't really been able to enjoy this rally as I've had to concentrate too hard on saving the car instead of actually competing."

Salvador Canellas thus took second place, some consolation after his fellow Suzuki Ignis driver - and long time leader - Daniel Carlsson retired with suspension trouble. He was lying third at the time.

Ville-Pertti Teuronen also took points in his Suzuki, coming home fourth, while only three other Junior drivers finished, Luca Cecchettini [Fiat Punto] taking fifth, Abdo Feghali [Ford Puma] sixth and Dimitar Iliev [Peugeot 206] seventh.

The JWRC crews can now enjoy a three-month break before the third event of the seven-round series but once they reconvene in Greece for the Acropolis Rally there will be little respite from rough roads, coupled with searing heat.

Last year some competitors questioned the validity of running the two-wheel drive cars on such events but series co-ordinator Nini Russo insisted that young drivers who want to become future WRC stars need to learn how to drive with their heads in difficult conditions. The Golden Jubilee event has moved from its recent base at Itea to a new Rally HQ in Lamia on the opposite coast but the many familiar and demanding stages remain.

Overall JWRC after SS18:

1. Kosti KatajamakiVolkswagen Polo5hours 08mins 56.6secs2.Salvador CanellasSuzuki Ignis Super 1600+05mins 04.8secs3.Guy WilksFord Puma+08mins 28.5secs4.Ville-Pertti TeuronenSuzuki Ignis Super 1600+12mins 42.6secs5.Luca CecchettiniFiat Punto +28mins 19.0secs6.Abdo FeghaliFord Puma+41mins 21.4secs7.Dimitar IlievPeugeot 206+57mins 42.8secs

No other JWRC cars finished.