Finland: The return of the legendary Ouninpohja

To complete the loop of three special stages which makes up the program for the 2nd stage, the organizers have reintroduced the legendary Ouninpohja special stage. On this big 8 which winds through meadows and forests, the bravest will try to beat the record by covering the 33 km in less than 15'06''.

Published on 03/08/2024 à 10:15

⁰ View comments)

Finland: The return of the legendary Ouninpohja

Will Kris Meeke's record in Ouninpohja be broken? (Photo: Romain Thuillier/DPPI)

In Finland, special stages often have unpronounceable names. Try: Päijälä (SS12/15) or Laajavuori (SS18/20). That of Ouninpohja is ultimately quite simple and for several years it has been one of the most famous sections of the WRC.

It runs not far from the town of Jämsä which is located 60 km south of Jyväskylä the host town. Through the editions, the ES has had several itineraries, but this year it returns in its almost original version for the first time in 7 years. With its 32,98 km, it is the longest sector of the event (SS13/16), the one that everyone is waiting for.

This return in 2024 was only made possible by the creation of a virtual chicane. During 200 m the crews will have to drive at 60 km/h otherwise they will receive penalties. Kris Meeke's record of 15'06''3 at an average of 132,5 km/h during his victory in 2016 in a Citroën DS3 should not fall. The extreme speed of this ES which cost him his place in the program is one of Ouninpohja's characteristics. That’s not just what makes it so popular. It is also famous for its monstrous bumps which follow one another. According to different sources, there are more than 70, some of which are approached with the foot on the accelerator pedal long seconds before takeoff. In 2003, Markko Märtin, for example, made a 57 m long jump at 171 km/h, marks which could easily be beaten, because the cars are more powerful and they have progressed in particular in terms of suspensions.

Despite its ugly artificial chicane, all the ingredients of Ouninpohja come together for a great show. The famous yellow house with its very special jump are still there, the successive slide is in place and the famous crossroads to the right of Kakaristo will certainly be packed with people, the public having started to settle in very early on Saturday morning.

The only unknown concerns the rain which plays hide and seek with the event and which could spoil the party. What will also be interesting is to compare the times between the drivers who have already competed in this event in its entirety (Ogier, Neuville…) and those who only knew it in sections.