They won both 2016 and 2015 and before they were committed to other championships. In 2011 when they did PWRC as semi-works team they did and win Finland too. Therefore this is the first time they skip Finland. I guess they want to enjoy some holidays before Germany and Barum which are the most important events for them.
However, this is the most dangerous way of ruling a team or a company. Get rested and think you´re the best, often means you are declining on a scale.
"Reis vas pät pat kaar vas kut"
Tommi Mäkinen, back in the years...
Holy crap, another boring rally planned... the spectacle in Sardegna and in Rome is like day and night. Last time I tried to watch ERC Rome, I managed to stay awake ca 4 minutes more than for Rally...
No drivers named for Lancia, so not clear if there will be a "works" team or just cars available for privateers.
Rally2 (ex-R5) News