WRC, Sportrik Media - Esapekka Lappi insists his return to the World Rally Championship in 2026 is an opportunity rather than a necessity, after delivering a standout performance at Rally Sweden with Hyundai Motorsport.
Having previously believed his full-time WRC career was over, Lappi rejoined the championship with a markedly different mindset. No longer chasing contracts or long-term security, the Finn described his approach as focused purely on delivering his best without the weight of future expectations.
“I’m not driving for my future anymore. I just come here to try to do my best and enjoy and do the job that I’m hired for.”
“And then for the future, I don’t care.”
That mental freedom translated into a strong showing in Sweden, despite limited testing mileage with Hankook tyres and the updated ‘Evo’ specification Hyundai i20 N Rally1. While adapting to the package, Lappi emerged as Hyundai’s fastest driver across much of the event, outperforming both Adrien Fourmaux and reigning world champion Thierry Neuville.
“To be the fastest driver of the team, I think we couldn’t expect that. Nobody probably did.”
“I was hoping that I could fight against them, but to be ahead of them basically all the time was more than I was thinking.”
However, Lappi acknowledged that Hyundai struggled to match the outright pace of Toyota Gazoo Racing, which set the benchmark throughout the rally.
“First I was thinking it’s only me, but then it was not. It was the whole team who were struggling with the pace. So that’s a bit frustrating, but I need to be pleased with what we did.”
Hyundai sporting director Andrew Wheatley praised Lappi’s execution and contribution, highlighting his clean run and technical feedback under demanding winter conditions.
“He did exactly what was required, understood exactly what was needed, not a scratch on the car, gave some good feedback to the team, and helped with the cold weather preparations.”
According to Wheatley, Lappi is operating precisely where he wants to be — competing selectively without the pressure of a full championship campaign.
“He doesn’t want to be fighting every weekend for a championship. He wants to come and enjoy his driving, feel like he can make a positive contribution to the team, and then go home and come back in a few weeks’ time.”
Lappi confirmed that stepping away from full-time competition allowed him to reassess priorities, balance family life, and recharge both mentally and physically.
“It was good to be one year away, recharge, do something else, and think about what’s important to myself and the family and balance these things.”
“I don’t think this is some big comeback. This is just a program of a few rallies and we try to enjoy it.”
With a limited 2026 schedule rather than a title campaign, Lappi’s pressure-free approach appears to be yielding competitive results — offering Hyundai valuable support in selected rounds while maintaining personal balance beyond the championship spotlight.
Baca Juga
Esapekka Lappi kembali ke WRC 2026 tanpa tekanan dan tampil impresif di Rally Sweden bersama Hyundai Motorsport.
Oliver Solberg finis keempat di Rally Sweden 2026 dan tertinggal dari Elfyn Evans, mengakui kesalahan serta dampaknya pada klasemen WRC.
Elfyn Evans di Rally Sweden 2026 menghadapi suhu minus 30°C lewat strategi ban stud, duel teknis Toyota dan Hyundai, serta dampaknya pada klasemen WRC.
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