WRC, Sportrik Media - Enni Mälkönen has emerged as one of the most compelling comeback stories in the World Rally Championship after returning to the top level of Rally1 competition with Hyundai. The Finnish co-driver’s journey back to the elite category comes after a difficult period that followed her WRC2 title success.
Mälkönen and driver Sami Pajari secured the WRC2 championship during the 2024 season finale in Japan, a result that appeared to position the pair for a natural step up to Rally1. Instead, their partnership ended ahead of the 2025 campaign, leaving Mälkönen facing an uncertain future despite her recent world title.
Rather than stepping away from the sport, the Finnish co-driver chose to rebuild her career through national competition. Over the course of the following season, she dominated the Finnish Rally Championship by winning seven of nine rounds and ultimately claiming the national title.
That performance opened the door to a return to the WRC’s top category when she joined Esapekka Lappi in a Rally1 program with Hyundai.
The partnership immediately demonstrated promising pace during the opening phase of the 2026 WRC season, including a competitive showing at Rally Sweden in Umeå, where the performance of the #4 Hyundai i20 N Rally1 attracted significant attention within the championship.
Away from the cockpit, Mälkönen is known for her reserved and composed personality. However, the Finnish concept of sisu—a combination of determination, resilience, and inner strength—has defined her career path and ultimately guided her return to the highest level of rallying.
Mälkönen and Lappi now play a role in Hyundai’s effort to challenge the current dominance of Toyota Gazoo Racing in the 2026 championship.
At the upcoming Safari Rally Kenya, the Finnish duo will join team-mates Thierry Neuville and co-driver Martijn Wydaeghe, as well as Adrien Fourmaux with co-driver Alexandre Coria, in Hyundai’s attempt to stop Toyota’s winning momentum.
Safari Rally Kenya remains one of the most demanding events on the WRC calendar, with extreme terrain, unpredictable weather, and endurance often determining the final outcome.
For Mälkönen, the rally will represent the next chapter in a comeback story that has taken her from the disappointment of losing a Rally1 opportunity to reclaiming her place among the world’s leading co-drivers in the 2026 World Rally Championship.
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