The disappointment was huge for Esapekka Lappi at Rally Finland a few weeks ago. The Finn had to retire early after rolling his car, and now speculation is growing that it could be his last appearance in a Rally1 car.
Lappi is competing part-time with Hyundai this season, sharing the third car with Hayden Paddon and Dani Sordo. His home event was a big target, but luck was not on his side.
Interestingly, the team's story was different. Hyundai WRC sporting director Andrew Wheatley told RallyJournal that no decision had been made on the driver line-up for the next round. Yet just two hours later, Hyundai confirmed Paddon for Paraguay.
According to RallyJournal's information, Hyundai has already decided its drivers for the remaining events. Lappi is expected to return at Rally Chile in about a month—an event he knows better than his teammates.
Lappi has competed in Chile three times (2019, 2023, 2024), with a best finish of sixth. After Chile, the championship moves to Sardinia, which should suit Sordo, who has 16 starts and two wins there.
The season finale is set for Saudi Arabia in November, though it could be cancelled due to security concerns. With this uncertainty, Lappi's future in the WRC remains open.
Baca Juga
Rally Six Cities Portugal muncul sebagai kandidat pengganti jika Rally Saudi batal. FIA akan putuskan pertengahan September. Simak analisisnya.
Kalle Rovanpera tegaskan balap sirkuit tetap prioritas, WRC bukan pilihan. Ia buka peluang tampil di Nurburgring dengan GT3.
Teemu Suninen jalani jadwal gila ERC dan WRC2 demi buktikan diri layak kembali ke kelas utama WRC 2027. Empat reli dalam lima pekan, dua kemenangan dan tiga podium.
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