Esapekka Lappi will return to the cockpit of a Hyundai Rally1 car at Rally Chile this weekend with one clear objective: to enjoy every corner. For the Finn, this opportunity feels special—it could be his final appearance in the top class.
Chile hasn't been kind to Lappi in the past. In 2023, he rolled his car on the opening stage. A year later, his rally ended in retirement from eighth place just before the Power Stage. But those memories are behind him. After a year away from Rally1, he prefers to focus on what he loves about the event.
“I really like the roads, and it will be great to get back in a Rally1 car. I have enjoyed the stages there in the past, so I’m looking forward to returning,” said Lappi. He also acknowledged the weather challenges and the narrow roads on Friday. “You need to be precise and fully committed because even a small mistake can cost a lot.”
His season with Hyundai has been inconsistent. In Sweden, he was the team’s strongest driver on pace. But in Estonia, he struggled to find rhythm, and in Finland, a crash on the third stage damaged the roll cage. Now, his priority is not just the result but rediscovering the joy of driving.
“In terms of pace, the target is to be somewhere between Estonia and Finland, as well as having lots of fun. We want to keep improving throughout the weekend and support the team with a good result. Enjoyment is important because without it, the results don’t come,” emphasized the two-time WRC event winner.
Baca Juga
Dani Sordo jadi development driver mobil WRC baru RMC Motorsport yang siap uji coba. Tim Spanyol ini juga akan menjual mobil ke tim privat lain.
Toyota tinggal selangkah lagi merebut gelar pabrikan WRC 2025 di Chile. Juha Kankkunen beri instruksi jelas ke Evans dan Pajari di tengah persaingan pembalap yang ketat.
Adrien Fourmaux mengaku telah berkomunikasi dengan Toyota, M-Sport, Stellantis, dan Hyundai untuk mencari kursi WRC 2027. Peluang bertahan di Rally1 semakin tipis.
Lanjutkan dengan Google
Diskusi & Komentar (0)
Mari Bergabung dalam Diskusi!
Masuk dengan mudah untuk mulai memberikan komentar, membalas, dan berinteraksi dengan pembaca lainnya.
Komentar Terbaru
Belum ada komentar. Jadilah yang pertama!