Esapekka Lappi and Janne Ferm of the Hyundai Shell Mobis World Rally Team competed in the World Rally Championship Sweden in Umea, Sweden on February 18, 2024. Lappi emerged as the winner in the FIA World Rally Championship, showcasing his exceptional skills in ice and snow driving with his Hyundai i20 N Rally1 Hybrid. This victory at Rally Sweden, alongside his co-driver Janne Ferm, marks Lappi’s second WRC win, an impressive accomplishment considering the long gap since his first victory in Rally Finland in 2017. Lappi’s success also contributes to Hyundai’s tally of 29 triumphs in the world championship. Toyota and M-Sport Ford also secured podium finishes in this event.
Lappi expressed his joy at the victory, acknowledging the wait for his second WRC trophy. He thanked Cyril Abiteboul, the president and team principal of Hyundai Motorsport, for keeping him in the team despite a difficult second half last year. Lappi acknowledged the contrast between that period and the present moment, expressing his gratitude to the team and his family.
Starting the final leg of Rally Sweden with a comfortable lead of 1m06.3s, Lappi maintained his composure and navigated the stages without any major incidents, ensuring his victory remained intact. Although his winning margin was reduced to 29.6s, Lappi’s main focus was claiming the victory. He is set to participate in a partial campaign for the Hyundai Shell Mobis team in 2024.
Elfyn Evans, representing Toyota Gazoo Racing WRT, secured the second position overall but encountered a setback when he struck a snowbank, resulting in the loss of valuable points. Nevertheless, Evans topped the Super Sunday classification and earned seven world championship points, adding to the 13 points he earned on Saturday. With a total of 24 points from the event, Evans currently trails Thierry Neuville by three points in the race for the 2024 WRC title.
Adrien Fourmaux, driving for M-Sport Ford Puma, held on to claim the third position despite his collision with a snowbank. This achievement marks Fourmaux’s first WRC podium finish, and he expressed his joy and determination after a challenging two years.
Thierry Neuville, the winner of Rallye Monte-Carlo last month, finished in fourth place despite facing fuel pressure issues and setup gripes. Although his Hyundai sustained significant cosmetic damage during the Wolf Power Stage landing, Neuville’s efforts helped Hyundai draw level with Toyota at the top of the FIA World Rally Championship for Manufacturers after two rounds.
In the WRC2 category, Oliver Solberg secured victory on home soil in Sweden for the second consecutive year, finishing fifth overall. He was followed by Sami Pajari, Georg Linnamae, Roope Korhonen, and Mikko Heikkila. Lorenzo Bertelli rounded out the top 10, representing Toyota GR Yaris Rally 1.
Kalle Rovanpera, the reigning world champion, claimed five points by setting the fastest time in the rally-deciding Wolf Power Stage. Ott Tanak, who also encountered a crash on Friday, earned six points through the Super Sunday classification and his Wolf Power Stage result.
Takamoto Katsuta, who led the rally in its early stages, managed to salvage three points after spinning at high speed near the finish of SS17. Gregoire Munster, a Rally1 rookie representing M-Sport Ford World Rally Team, achieved his goal of completing the rally despite facing numerous challenges during his learning-first mission.
The next stop for the World Rally Championship is Safari Rally Kenya in Africa, scheduled from March 27-31.
Final results of WRC Rally Sweden:
1. Esapekka Lappi/Janne Ferm (Hyundai i20 N Rally1) – 2h33m04.9s
2. Elfyn Evans/Scott Martin (Toyota GR Yaris Rally1) – +29.6s
3. Adrien Fourmaux/Alexandre Coria (Ford Puma Rally1) – +47.9s
4. Thierry Neuville/Martijn Wydaghe (Hyundai i20 N Rally1) – +1m46.3s
5. Oliver Solberg/Elliott Edmondson (Skoda Fabia RS – WRC2 winner) – +5m04.2s
6. Sami Pajari/Enni Malkonen (Toyota GR Yaris Rally2 – WRC2) – +6m23.9s
7. Georg Linnamae/James Morgan (Toyota GR Yaris Rally2 – WRC2) – +6m26.4s
8. Roope Korhonen/Anssi Viinikka (Toyota GR Yaris Rally2 – WRC2) – +6m48.1s
9. Mikko Heikkila/Kristian Temonen (Toyota GR Yaris Rally2 – WRC2) – +7m25.7s
10. Lorenzo Bertelli/Simone Scattolin (Toyota GR Yaris Rally1) – +7m37.7s
For more information, visit WRC.com, the official home of the FIA World Rally Championship. To experience the ultimate WRC coverage, subscribe to Rally.TV for live and on-demand access to all stages of every rally, anytime and anywhere.
According to the Source racer.com
2024 ©
In the year 2024, a significant event occurred in the world of sports. This event captured the attention of fans and enthusiasts alike, as it showcased the pinnacle of athletic achievement. The impact of this event reverberated throughout the sporting community, leaving a lasting impression on all who witnessed it.
The event took place on a grand stage, attracting a global audience. Athletes from various nations and backgrounds competed fiercely, displaying their exceptional skills and determination. The level of competition was unparalleled, creating an atmosphere of excitement and anticipation.
As the event unfolded, spectators were treated to remarkable displays of athleticism and sportsmanship. Records were shattered, and new heroes emerged, captivating the hearts and minds of millions. The intensity of the competition was palpable, as athletes pushed their bodies to the limit in pursuit of victory.
The event not only showcased the physical prowess of the athletes but also highlighted the power of unity and teamwork. Despite the fierce competition, a sense of camaraderie and respect prevailed among the participants. This spirit of sportsmanship resonated with viewers, reminding them of the true essence of sports.
In the aftermath of the event, discussions and debates ensued, as fans and experts analyzed every aspect of the competition. The event sparked a renewed interest in the sport, attracting new fans and inspiring a new generation of athletes. Its impact extended far beyond the confines of the sporting arena, leaving a lasting legacy in the annals of sports history.
In conclusion, the year 2024 witnessed a monumental event in the world of sports. This event captivated audiences worldwide, showcasing the pinnacle of athletic achievement and inspiring millions. Its impact reverberated throughout the sporting community, leaving an indelible mark on the history of sports.
