Lappi: “The Toyota is easier to drive on asphalt than on dirt”

Not yet integrated as a holder at Toyota Gazoo Racing in Corsica, Esapekka Lappi will discover his Yaris in competition on asphalt WRC this weekend on the occasion of Rally from Germany. After winning his home event on gravel in Finland, the young protégé of Tommi Mäkinen knows that the round across the Rhine will not be the easiest challenge.

“Having won in Finland will not change my approach in Germany: I will go from my best rally this year to one which is definitely outside my comfort zone. » admits the former European champion ERC.

However, the event will not be a discovery for Lappi, winner here in 2016 in WRC-2, with the Skoda Fabia R5. The “Flying Finn” will also benefit from the work carried out by Toyota in testing, particularly with regard to suspensions and shock absorbers, to acclimatize as best as possible to its mount.

A new Lappi surprise?

Very worked on the aerodynamic level, the Toyota Yaris could surprise on German roads this weekend. Esapekka Lappi is confident about the capabilities of the Japanese car, which will however need to be driven with a certain amount of steering.

« This will be my first asphalt rally in a WRC, but I find that the Yaris is even easier to drive on asphalt than on dirt., because it really behaves like a racing car.

The aerodynamics and potential of the car are so important that the tires are the limiting factor: there is more power than grip, so you have to drive very cleanly and without being abrupt to keep the tires alive.

If we can stay out of the problems in Germany, I think we have a chance to finish in the top five and score some points. It's my goal. »