The stars of the World Rally Championship gathered for an autograph session before Thursday evening’s start festivities. Among the fans seeking autographs was the WRC’s own social media team, who had a surprise in store for the Finnish Hyundai driver.
Lappi was left speechless when a person working for WRC’s social media handed him a childhood photo of himself to sign.
“Where did you get this?” Lappi asked, smiling in surprise.
Lappi’s co-driver, Janne Ferm, couldn’t help but laugh in his own distinctive style when he saw the picture of a young, blonde-haired Esapekka.
Lappi was curious as to how they had managed to find the picture.
“I know this only exists at my mum and dad’s.”
“We have spies everywhere,” came the response.
Watch the video below to see the amusing moment. The article continues below the video.
“It’s good to be back”
Lappi now faces his fifth, and likely final, rally of the season driving Hyundai’s third car. His last rally in Finland in early August ended in disappointment when he crashed into a tree and had to retire from the lead battle on the first day.
“It’s good to be back. I was missing the driving a little bit. So, nice to be here,” Lappi said.
The big question is whether Lappi will remain in the top class of the WRC next season. Hyundai has yet to officially confirm whether they will go with one permanent driver for their third car or continue rotating drivers.
According to Lappi, his future remains uncertain. He still has the desire to drive, but he no longer wishes to return as a full-time driver.
“If I could choose, I could do a similar program as this year. Maybe a couple of events more, because the three-month break after Kenya was too much. If we could do a similar program with better planning, better testing without long breaks, I think that could be very nice,” Lappi shared.
“We have been talking about it, but nothing is decided. Even if they still keep doing the shared third car, it doesn’t mean automatically that I would be there. But still, I’m not afraid. I know, if this stops, my life would be fine.”
Rally Chile begins on Friday with six special stages.
