Mälkönen was unexpectedly caught in a huge media storm at the end of last year, when it was announced that she would no longer be co-driving for Sami Pajari. Although the pair assured everyone there was no drama behind the decision, the media still made ruthless headlines out of the situation.
Pajari was promoted to drive for Toyota in the WRC’s top Rally1 category, and the Finn decided to choose the experienced Marko Salminen as his new co-driver. At that point, it seemed as though Mälkönen’s career as a co-driver might be over, at least for the time being.
“Plans changed quickly at the end of the year,” Mälkönen now tells DirtFish.
“But as a top athlete, I know that anything can happen, so it’s important to keep my eyes on my dreams and keep moving forward,” she adds.
And forward she went. At the same time, Esapekka Lappi found himself in a new situation. He had been left without a seat in the World Rally Championship and made a surprising decision. Lappi decided to return to the Finnish Rally Championship for a full season. However, he was without a co-driver, as his long-time partner Janne Ferm had announced his retirement from top-level rallying at the end of the previous year.
Lappi picked up the phone and called Mälkönen. The deal was quickly agreed, and Mälkönen became Lappi’s new co-driver.
“I was really happy when EP called me and presented this project,” Mälkönen says.
“Rallying is a passion in my heart, and sitting in a rally car always brings a smile to my face. And in Finland, we have the best rally stages in the world – a lot of high speed, which is what I enjoy the most,” she continues.
Esapekka Lappi has had a long career at the very top of the WRC. Mälkönen has enjoyed working alongside the experienced professional.
“It has been amazing to work with such an experienced and professional driver, and it brings a lot of added value to my own professional skills as well. EP and I are having a great time together,” she says.
Mälkönen has not given up on her dream of competing again in the WRC, but for now, her focus is on the Finnish championship alongside Lappi. The pair won the Savonlinna SM-rally held in early March.
“I will keep working hard towards my dreams, just as I have done so far. As they say, it’s not how you fall, it’s how you get up again,” Mälkönen sums up.
