Esapekka Lappi has announced his shock decision to step away from professional rallying for the time being. The announcement was made at a press conference with Skoda Motorsport Finland on Monday, marking the end of a chapter in the Finnish driver's career.
Lappi, who has competed in the Finnish Rally Championship with Skoda and in the WRC as a part-time Hyundai driver this year, will contest his final rally for now this weekend in Porvoo, the season finale of the Finnish Rally Championship. "I won't say never again, because I've said that many times. But for the time being, I'm going to stop," he said.
However, Lappi stressed that he is not hanging up his driving gloves for good. He may still contest individual rallies. "But for now, I'm taking a break until I say otherwise. At present, the plan is not to continue in the Finnish Rally Championship or any other series," he explained.
The decision was far from easy. Lappi was emotional and admitted to trembling as he made the announcement. "It's such an important decision that I'm trembling a little after saying it out loud to you," he admitted. "This is still an incredibly dear sport to me and it has given me an enormous amount. On the other hand, it has taken a great deal away from my family, but it has also helped secure our family's financial future."
Lappi won't disappear from rallying altogether. He will continue to mentor Lauri Halonen, who is part of Skoda Motorsport Finland's development programme. However, he is concerned about how he will replace the feeling he gets from driving a rally car. "Rallying gives you a rush of adrenaline and endorphins when you're driving on the limit and succeed. It's a bit like a drug. Where will I get that now that I'm not driving? I'm not going to buy any drugs – that's not an option – but I need to come up with something," he said.
"What scares me most is wondering where I'll get those same feelings from."
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