Esapekka Lappi has announced that this Saturday's rally in Porvoo will be his final event as a professional rally driver. The news came as a surprise to many, given Lappi's continued competitiveness at the highest level. However, the Pieksamaki native feels the time is right to close a colorful career.
Lappi, who competes in the Finnish Rally Championship this year with a Skoda Rally2 car, has already secured this season's title. Nevertheless, he is determined to give his best in front of the fans in Porvoo. "Porvoo will be my final rally. I'm not saying I'll never rally again, but this is how things stand for now," he said.
Throughout this season, Lappi has not been as dominant as last year. He has four wins to his name, but he was also beaten by promising Estonian Jaspar Vaher in Jyvaskyla and crashed heavily in Imatra. Still, Lappi insists he has enjoyed every moment. "It has been quite an eventful season. There has been a bit of uncertainty, but some good performances to balance that out. I've thoroughly enjoyed the driving, and it was really cool to let rip in Kitee. It has been tremendous fun working with Skoda and everyone else in the Finnish Rally Championship for two years," he reflected.
In addition to his national championship campaign, Lappi also competed in the WRC this year as a part-time driver for Hyundai. He showed speed on several events but not always finishing at the top. Now, he will focus on his final rally in Porvoo before hanging up his helmet.
The Porvoo event will feature ten challenging special stages. Lappi is determined to sign off in style. "I want to enjoy every corner and give my best for the team and the fans," he added. Although the title is already secured, he still wants to leave a lasting impression.
For rally fans, Lappi's departure certainly leaves a big void. He is known as a fast, charismatic driver who always added color to every competition. However, Lappi is not closing the door completely. "I'm not saying I'll never rally again, but this is how things stand for now," he concluded.
The rally in Porvoo will be an emotional moment for Lappi and the entire team. After two years of collaboration, he will say goodbye on a track full of memories. Whatever the result, one thing is certain: Esapekka Lappi will be remembered as one of the best Finnish drivers of his generation.
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