Several possible winners in Junior at the Estonian rally

The Junior experienced a small revolution in 2022. For the first time since its year of creation in 2001, it was raced on a car equipped with 4-wheel drive. However, this did not translate into phenomenal enthusiasm since the number of candidates remained very low with only 6 or 7 cars at the start. Is it skepticism towards the Ford Fiesta Rally3, the side effects of the pandemic or the doubts raised by the effectiveness of the outlets of this JWRC which led to this disinterest? In terms of detecting new talents or access to WRC for young drivers, this formula did not play its role and the FIA ​​will have to draw the consequences. However, this has not stopped the Junior from being attractive so far with 3 different winners in 3 races and a very open situation in the championship. The penultimate meeting in Estonia promises another great fight between the contenders who animated the debates. Leader with 67 units, Jon Armstrong will have to battle with boys who are used to racing on wide and very fast dirt stages, as is the case in the Tartu region.

Jon Armstrong winner in Sweden and championship leader (Photo Nikos Katikis / DPPI)

The Finn Lauri Joona is only one point behind and his recent progress makes him a serious candidate for victory. His compatriot Sami Pajari is a little behind (56 pts), but he is undoubtedly the one who has the most interesting potential in the series. In any case, he has no other choice but to score a big score if he wants to keep his desire for a double intact after his coronation in 2021 on the Fiesta Rally4. The last driver to follow will be Robert Virves (49 pts) who will look to shine at home. The Estonian could make a comeback allowing him to maintain his title chances during the final meeting in Greece for the Acropolis (September 7-11) where a double distribution of points will be carried out.