Evans, Lappi, Korhonen, Joona: a great lineup at the Arctic Lapland Rally

While all eyes are on the South of France and the Rally Monte Carlo, the next stage of the World Rally Championship is already being prepared. From February 12th to 15th, the participants of the WRC They are meeting for another legendary event, the Rally Sweden, run on Scandinavian snow. Nothing like the snow we might see at Monte Carlo: this will be heavy and its steep slopes along the special stages could turn into real traps, something that will not be denied Adrien fourmaux, a victim of this very characteristic last year. To best prepare for the rally, some have therefore chosen the Arctic Lapland Rally in Finland next week, from January 30th to 31st, with 12 special stages on the program. The event even hosted the WRC during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2021, proof that it is a perfect testing ground for preparing for the next international event.

Big names on the list of entrants

Released on Tuesday, January 20th, the list of entrants reveals the presence of Elfyn Evans aboard the Toyota GR Yaris Rally1. While he will be the only driver competing with such a car, his counterpart Esapekka Lappi will also be present, driving a Škoda Fabia RS Rally2. It's worth noting that Lappi is the reigning Finnish Rally Champion and that the Arctic Lapland Rally is already the second round of the season. Other WRC2 drivers will be at the start, including Roope Korhonen and Lauri Joona, who will both begin their WRC2 season in Sweden. They are expected to be featured in the gravel rounds of the championship, which make up the majority of the calendar this year. The second half of the season will be contested entirely on gravel, starting in Greece (June 25-28). Also of note is the presence of Niclas Grönholm, son of the two-time World Rally Champion, who will also be competing in WRC2.

ALSO READ > The entry list for the Rally Sweden is available.