Lappi thought he lost everything in Finland

Esapekka Lappi shone on his land at Rally of Finland by winning his first WRC victory from his 4th start at the highest level of the category. The Finn was in a duel against his compatriot and teammate Jari-Matti Latvala until the latter retired in the second stage following a mechanical problem.

“I realized I had my chance of winning after the first stage when I was in the lead. I was frustrated that my goal was changing. Jari-Matti was riding too well for me and I didn't want to do anything stupid. I was a little disappointed when everything changed”, explained Esapekka Lappi.

Esapekka Lappi, however, almost lost the victory after damaging his wheel in the penultimate special.

“It wasn’t easy to drive as carefully as with an R5. The aero and the central differential are no longer as effective when you are no longer on the attack. I anticipated a turn a bit and hit a stone which immediately broke the rim. I wanted to kill myself at that moment because I didn't really know what was broken, but I knew something was wrong, added Esapekka Lappi. I was so nervous before the Power Stage, I had never felt anything like this before. I regained my senses immediately after leaving. »

Esapekka Lappi will return to the Rally Germany from August 18 to 20 but remains reserved about his ambitions.

“I've only done two days of testing on the asphalt and I don't know what to expect, confessed Esapekka Lappi. I will be very happy if I am at the finish because it is a very difficult rally, even more so if it rains. I have evolved on earth for a long time and this will be something new for me. »

Discover the analysis of the Rally of Finland carried out by our special correspondents in issue 2125 of AUTOhebdo, available from Monday evening in digital version on all platforms, and from Wednesday on newsstands.