WRC Finland 2026 completed its opening five special stages with Sebastien Ogier leading the overall standings after a closely fought battle between Toyota and Hyundai from Thursday evening into Friday morning.
The rally opened with SS1 Harju, where Adrien Fourmaux led a one-two for Hyundai Motorsport alongside Thierry Neuville. Fourmaux set the fastest time on the opening super special stage, finishing 1.1 seconds ahead of his team-mate.

The order changed on SS2 Laukaa as Ogier moved into the overall lead. The Toyota driver beat Elfyn Evans’ benchmark, while Fourmaux remained his closest challenger. Sami Pajari then responded on SS3 Saarikas by taking the stage win, beating Ogier by 1.6 seconds and climbing to third overall.

Ogier increased the pressure again on SS4 Sydanmaa by setting the fastest time. Pajari was only half a second slower, but attention shifted to Esapekka Lappi after he crashed near the start of the stage. His Hyundai rolled into a ditch, before further inspection confirmed rollcage damage that ended his home rally.

Hyundai’s difficulties continued on SS5 Hoho when Neuville ran wide and struck a rock, damaging the left-front of his car and losing almost two minutes. Ogier, meanwhile, recorded another stage victory and strengthened his advantage before the midday service.
Fourmaux emerged as Hyundai’s strongest remaining contender after five stages and held second overall, 5.3 seconds behind Ogier. Pajari sat third at eight seconds, followed by Oliver Solberg and Evans as Toyota maintained several cars near the front.
The opening five stages highlighted the extremely small margins between the main victory contenders, but Hyundai’s setbacks have already reshaped the fight. WRC Finland 2026 continues on Friday afternoon with five more stages before the crews return to Harju to conclude the day.

















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