Rally Fanatics

Highs and Lows: The Thrilling Saga of Secto Rally Finland

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Rally Fanatics
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A Rollercoaster Start

Secto Rally Finland kicked off with a high-stakes shakedown in Ruuhimäki on Thursday, where Esapekka Lappi and Kalle Rovanperä went head-to-head, with Lappi emerging victorious. The early promise of a sealed race quickly gave way to the heart-pounding speed and gravity-defying jumps that Rally Finland is known for.

Unexpected Twists

Lappi’s lead was soon jeopardized by technical issues, and Kalle Rovanperä surged ahead, clocking average speeds of 127 km/h. However, Kalle’s rally was abruptly ended by an accident on the final day, marking a dramatic turn in the race.

Hyundai’s Rollercoaster

Team Hyundai faced a series of setbacks, with Ott Tänak’s race-ending accident being a major blow. Thierry Neuville, left to carry the team’s hopes, stepped up admirably but couldn’t secure the top spot.

Ogier’s Masterclass

Sébastien Ogier showcased his masterful driving, clinching victory with his 61st win, his first in Finland since 2021. The final standings saw Ogier in first, followed by Neuville and Adrien Fourmaux from M-Sport.

  1. Sébastien Ogier – TGR
  2. Thierry Neuville – Hyundai
  3. Adrien Fourmaux – M-Sport

Championship Standings

The championship race remains intense:

  1. Thierry Neuville – 168 points
  2. Sébastien Ogier – 141 points
  3. Ott Tänak – 137 points
  4. Elfyn Evans – 132 points

Manufacturer Standings

  1. Hyundai Shell Mobis WRT – 395 points
  2. Toyota Gazoo Racing Team – 375 points
  3. M-Sport Ford World Rally Team – 207 points

Looking Ahead

Rally Finland proved to be a fierce and unpredictable battleground. Next up is Rally Greece, where the stakes will be even higher. Stay tuned as the championship battle continues!

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