The experienced Finn, who has enjoyed a long career in the World Rally Championship, competed this year in his home Finnish Rally Championship. Lappi claimed five wins during the season and sealed the national title.
Speaking at a press conference on Friday, Lappi confirmed that he will continue in the Finnish series next season.
“This probably isn’t any big surprise – we’re continuing,” Lappi said.
Lappi began his campaign last winter with an older Skoda Fabia Rally2 evo, but by the final winter round he was already driving the newer Fabia RS Rally2 model. Next year, he will once again have a fresh car at his disposal.
“The car left for Latvia yesterday, so this year’s car has been sold. A new one will arrive in January with all the latest updates,” Lappi explained.
“I hadn’t bought any update parts for this year’s car. It was basically an older version, but now we’ll have all the latest parts, so it should be faster. I won’t need to keep the throttle quite so flat myself,” the 34-year-old grinned.
Lappi has also quietly signed a deal with Skoda Motorsport, which is based in the Czech Republic. The Finn arrived at Friday’s event almost directly from testing.
“We’ve been doing development and durability testing in France for two days with next year’s components. This was the third or fourth test we’ve taken part in. I now have a testing and development agreement with the Skoda factory,” Lappi revealed.
Lappi stepped aside from the World Rally Championship at the end of the 2024 season. His name has occasionally surfaced in rumours linking him to a possible WRC return.
However, the Finn says he’s content with his current rhythm of life.
“I don’t have that same drive or desire to go back. I’ve really enjoyed this year immensely,” Lappi emphasised.
The 2026 Finnish Rally Championship season will begin in mid-January with the opening round in Mikkeli.
