The FIA World Rally Championship’s most exhilarating event kicks off this Thursday in Finland, where high speeds and tight competition set the stage for an unforgettable rally.
With only a few points separating the leading drivers, the 2024 title race is heating up. Thierry Neuville, the 2019 champion Ott Tänak, and Elfyn Evans are at the forefront, with Neuville holding an eight-point lead over Tänak and Evans trailing by five points.
Centered in Jyväskylä, Finland, this rally is renowned for its fast gravel roads, thrilling jumps, and challenging blind corners. The course demands precision and bravery as drivers navigate through forests and around lakes.
Neuville is determined to overcome past frustrations and defend his lead. “Podium finishes here boost my confidence, though each year brings new challenges,” he said. “Our goal is to maintain our championship lead while enjoying the rally.”
Tänak, a three-time winner in Finland, joins Neuville and Esapekka Lappi in Hyundai’s i20 N Rally1 team, while Evans, a previous victor in 2021 and 2023, leads Toyota GAZOO Racing’s all-star lineup. This includes reigning world champion Kalle Rovanperä and eight-time champion Sébastien Ogier, who returns to Finland after a brief hiatus.
Toyota will also field GR Yaris Rally1 cars for Takamoto Katsuta and debutant Sami Pajari, with M-Sport Ford’s Adrien Fourmaux and Grégoire Munster aiming for strong finishes.
The rally kicks off with a spectacular street stage in Jyväskylä on Thursday night, featuring 20 tests, including the iconic Ouninpohja, covering 305.69 km before the grand finish on Sunday afternoon.
Source: WRC
This Article use tools from Chatgpt
