news-engine

← sport

Official confirmation on Esapekka Lappi’s WRC programme at Hyundai - RallyJournal.com

RallyJournal.com · Toni Heinonen · 2026-08-18T13:04:21+00:00 · nguồn gốc

RallyJournal.com previously reported that Lappi’s programme includes the WRC round in Chile in September. Hyundai’s WRC team confirmed on Tuesday that Lappi will compete in the gravel event in Chile. Lappi and co-driver Enni Mälkönen competed in Hyundai’s third car at Rally Finland at the turn of July and August, but their rally came to an early end after a crash. Following Lappi’s retirement, there was speculation over whether the Finn would be seen in competitive action again in Hyundai’s Rally1 car this season. Lappi has shared Hyundai’s third car this year with New Zealander Hayden Paddon and Spanish veteran Dani Sordo. He has also competed in the Finnish Rally Championship, sealing the title in Kitee last weekend. The WRC round in Chile could prove to be Lappi’s final outing as a Hyundai WRC driver. As things stand, Sordo is set to take the wheel at Rally Sardinia in early October, with the Spaniard particularly at home on slower gravel events. The season-ending Rally Saudi Arabia, meanwhile, remains in doubt because of the escalating situation in the Middle East. The next round takes place in Paraguay next week, where Paddon will drive Hyundai’s third car alongside team-mates Thierry Neuville and Adrien Fourmaux. The WRC round in Chile takes place from 10–13 September. The entry list for the WRC round in Chile will be published later on Tuesday.