Esapekka Lappi goes to the Finnish World Cup Rally, which starts on Thursday evening, with great expectations.
Esapekka Lapi is allowed to expect a strong performance. Vesa Pöppönen / AOP
The minimum goal is to reach the podium, but the Pieksämäki player does not rule out a fight for victory either. Last year Lappi was fourth on Finnish gravel roads, but team manager Jari-Matti Latvala revealed in Yle’s new rally documentary that there was 40 kilos of extra weight on board and the engine was also underpowered compared to the factory drivers.
– Yes, that is true. Didn’t it go quite well compared to that? After all, it might be a low time, Lappi told Iltalehte.
– I would always like to win. I don’t know if we are specifically going to seek profit. However, the podium is realistic with a basic performance. I’ve always been strong here and the ride has been enough. The Estonian rally already showed that. Easy to say in hindsight, but I would have hit (Ott) Even today there. Reflecting on that, the podium is a very realistic goal, continued Lappi, who dropped out of the podium battle at July’s Estonian World Rally Championship due to a flat tire.
In Estonia, Lapland’s goal was to finish safely after a couple of more difficult races. On the gravel tracks in central Finland, the plan is to drive the pad on the floor, so to speak.
– The feelings are very good. A successful test and notation below, and the bell is still in place. The best rally is ahead. I can’t even bear to wait, Lappi chatted.
– Now the goal is to drive to the finish line with less certainty. This has always been a strong race for me, so there is no pressure in that sense. I believe that the situation will be the same this year, and I’m trying to draw strength from that.
In advance, Lapland’s starting point should be optimal, but the recent wet weather has leveled the scores.
– There could be more of that loose gravel, if you think about it from our point of view. The road surface is wet almost everywhere, and it certainly won’t dry when rain is promised at night. Maybe that starting point is not so useful. However, there is no need to go beyond that. Let’s do what we can, whatever the circumstances, Lappi stated.
The Finnish World Rally Championship runs until Sunday. The program has a total of 22 fast skies and a good 320 EK kilometers.