Esapekka Lappi Highlights Key Challenge on Rally Sweden Return

WRC, Sportrik Media – Esapekka Lappi has identified tyre adaptation as the biggest challenge as he returns to the top class of the FIA World Rally Championship with Hyundai Motorsport at Rally Sweden 2026.

Lappi is contesting selected WRC rounds this season in Hyundai’s third Rally1 entry, beginning his programme at the winter rally he won two years ago. While he maintained competitive rhythm last year by winning the Finnish Rally Championship alongside co-driver Enni Mälkönen, the step back into Rally1 machinery represents a significant escalation in both technical demands and competitive intensity.

During Thursday’s shakedown, Lappi shared third-fastest time despite an early moment that saw him brush a snowbank after a wheel locked under braking.

“Under braking, a wheel locked. In testing we didn’t have that much snow on the road, so I didn’t anticipate it sliding like that, like a sledge. Fortunately, nothing happened,” Lappi told RallyJournal.com.

“Of course it would have been frustrating if it had happened on a proper stage, but in the shakedown it doesn’t really matter. At least now I understand that maybe I started the first run a bit too hard. You have to anticipate a lot because there’s a big contrast in grip depending on whether the wheel is on the line or in loose snow.”

One of Lappi’s primary uncertainties this weekend is adapting to Hankook tyres, which became the WRC’s official supplier last season. His experience with the South Korean manufacturer’s rubber is limited to two days of testing.

“There’s no problem with the car – it comes naturally somehow. But maybe the tyre is something where I need a bit more understanding.”

“Maybe it’s better to start slightly more cautiously rather than throwing absolutely everything at the first or second stage and seeing what happens.”

Lappi’s role this year is to support Hyundai’s full-time drivers Thierry Neuville and Adrien Fourmaux, securing manufacturers’ points when required. No fixed strategy has yet been defined for his Rally Sweden campaign.

“During tomorrow morning’s loop it will probably start to take shape what it might be. But I’m allowed to drive at my own pace. So far there haven’t been any limiting factors.”

“Let’s start with getting through the rally cleanly. And I don’t feel that I would be last on pace – the rhythm is quite OK. If we get through cleanly, we’ll be in the top five, that’s for sure.”

Rally Sweden will therefore serve as a critical benchmark for Lappi’s reintegration into Rally1 competition, with tyre understanding, surface adaptation and clean execution likely to determine how competitive his return proves to be within Hyundai’s broader manufacturers’ campaign.