Lappi’s former employer Hyundai is currently searching for a replacement for Ott Tänak, who will step away from the WRC after this season. Hyundai’s sporting director Andrew Wheatley has said the team have two options: bring in a more experienced driver or a younger prospect.
One possible scenario is that Hyundai could nominate two different drivers to share the third car. The team have used this approach before, rotating two or even three drivers in the same car – as in 2024, when Lappi, Dani Sordo and Andreas Mikkelsen split the programme.
Several drivers have been linked to Hyundai in the speculation. But more and more often, the name of the Finnish driver Lappi has begun to appear.
RallyJournal.com called Esapekka Lappi to ask about the situation.
Rumours suggest you are a strong candidate for Hyundai’s WRC team. What do you say to that?
“Well then. Right. Look at that. Should I be commenting on this somehow?”
If you would like to comment on it in some way, I would be very grateful.
“Well, there was a phone call about a week and a half ago. Things are very much in the early stages, let’s put it that way. But we have talked,” Lappi admitted.
So you haven’t said ‘no’ to Hyundai straight away?
“I haven’t. I thought I would listen to what they have to offer. It’s probably always worth listening.”
“And even though a couple of weeks ago I said that I don’t miss the WRC and I’m not trying to force my way back, that’s not really the case here – it’s the other way round. I’m not saying they’re trying to force me back, but I haven’t been trying to get back to the WRC. In that sense it’s certainly worth hearing what’s on the table before deciding whether to reject it or accept it.”
Lappi, 34, has previously said he does not want to be a full-time WRC driver anymore. He stands by this – he is only available as a part-time driver.
“That’s absolutely firm. And I have promised to drive in the Finnish Rally Championship as well. That wouldn’t necessarily rule it out, even if the WRC would in some ways take precedence over the national series,” Lappi said.
Strong rumours suggest Hyundai are planning to run two drivers in their third car next year – Dani Sordo and Lappi. That would mean at least seven rounds for Lappi.
“As I said, things are still quite early. Whatever happens, it will probably turn out all right – whatever the decision ends up being. We will see,” Lappi reflected.
Lappi, a two-time WRC rally winner, represented Hyundai’s factory team in 2023 and 2024. This year he clinched the Finnish Rally Championship title in a Škoda.
