After an exciting weekend last time out in Estonia, where WRC2 driver Oliver Solberg stunned in Rally1 machinery, this weekend’s Rally Finland is set to be another breathtaking event. Just one point separates Ott Tanak and Elfyn Evans for the lead of the driver’s championship as Tanak moved into P1 following a tougher Rally Estonia for Evans.
It’s a thrilling event where drivers see average speeds of over 120kph and historically the quick gravel running of Jyväskylä has been a winning formula for current leader Tanak. He won the event in 2018, 2019 and 2022 and this year will open each stage as the championship leader – though this spells less of a disadvantage on the smoother gravel of Finland than it did for Evans last time out on the dustier, rockier Estonian stages. That said, Evans will be glad to benefit from not having to do the road clearing here as he’ll run second.
Tanak is not at a home advantage as he was last time out though, but Toyota’s five drivers are – their headquarters are based just three kilometres outside of the service park across the Jyväsjärvi lake. It’s also a home race for one of their drivers, Kalle Rovanpera, who sits P4 in the standings following Estonia but is yet to stand on the top step at home.
With Solberg back in WRC2 this weekend, Sebastian Ogier features in Toyota’s lineup for the sixth time this year after skipping the last event. Despite not running the full season, Ogier has claimed victory at three events so far and has history in Finland as the event’s most recent winner.
The Stages
The event itself covers 307 kilometres over 20 stages characterised by smooth gravel but with high average speeds, jumps and crests that thrill drivers and spectators alike.
It demands accuracy of pace notes, and for them to be delivered at pace too as the flowing, high speed twists, turns, jumps and blind corners come at the pairings fast once they’re on stage.
Though the stages are mostly familiar to them, there will see some slight updates to the itinerary for the 2025 edition. This includes running SS3 and SS7, Saarikas, in a reverse configuration to the 2024 route as well as two new stages, SS11 & SS15 – Parkkola and SS14 and SS18 – Leustu, which will be run on Saturday.
Fan-favourite stages like Ouninpohja will remain, making an appearance for SS19 and SS20, the Wolf Power Stage and final spectacle of the event, perhaps providing an opportunity for the current championship leaders in Tanak and Toyota to further distance themselves from the rest of the pack.
Hankook’s offerings
Hankook’s gravel tyre, the Dynapro R213, will play an important part in this rally. It’s been created to be resistant to external impact with impressive wear and extreme performance in a range of conditions, including on rough, high speed gravel.
The tread is asymmetrical to offer improved stability in handling and grip not only on straights but importantly through corners.
The very features of this event put significant pressure on the tyres and the drivers themselves, so expect to see plenty of drivers making mistakes, as well as plenty of punctures!
Action starts with SS1 – Harju on Thursday evening, which will see the rally cars hit the streets of Jyväskylä on a 2.58km course. From there the rest of the 20 stages unfold over Friday, Saturday and Sunday – so who will find the bravery, confidence and momentum to claim victory by the time they return to Ouninpohja?
