The route for the Rally Finland, set to take place in early August, includes classic stages like Ouninpohja and Myhinpää, but it also introduces some new additions.
Saturday promises to be the most anticipated day of the Finnish rally, featuring the iconic Ouninpohja twice.
“Everyone seems to agree that Saturday and the big road of Ouninpohja are the coolest parts of the route,” said Emil Lindholm, a WRC2 driver with Hyundai, speaking to RallyJournal.com.
“I’ve been through it a couple of times in 2017 with Tomi (Tuominen) in a front-wheel-drive Fiesta, but it’ll be quite different in a Rally2 car. It’s definitely the most traditional stage of the race,” Lindholm continued.
This year’s Power Stage is set near Jyväskylä in Laajavuori. Although not highly regarded by rally fans, Lindholm found positives in it.
“On the other hand, those slightly different stages also create differences,” he noted.
“It could be a positive thing as a Power Stage. I wouldn’t just slam it because it’s different,” Lindholm added.
Roope Korhonen is also satisfied with the route. This season, he competes in the WRC2 class with Toyota.
“The route sparked good feelings,” he said.
“Last year, I drove in Rally Finland for the first time, and it was then my first WRC2 race. It was a great experience. Now we get to drive again, and there are many of the same stages, so that’s always good. Laukaa is well represented, so it’s not a bad equation at all,” said Korhonen, originally from Laukaa, Finland.
Ouninpohja also evokes feelings in Korhonen.
“I’ve partially driven it in some smaller rally. It’s a really great and fast stage. Then there’s also the small road section, which we drove last year. It suited me well then,” Korhonen said.
“For someone from Central Finland, the Finnish WRC has always been the highlight of the year. Since childhood, I’ve dreamed of competing there.”
“For me, Rally Finland is the highlight of the entire year as a single rally event. Being from Central Finland, I’ve dreamed since childhood of one day competing there myself.”
Lauri Joona is also excited to drive the full version of Ouninpohja for the first time.
“I’ve been looking forward to Ouninpohja for a long time, as I’ve never driven there before. Now it’s really great to get there in a Rally2 car,” said Skoda driver Joona.
“Päijälä is still the best stage for me and the most beautiful one. The route overall is compact. Friday might have a bit more transit, but otherwise, the stages come at a good pace, and some new ones have been found. I’d also like to highlight Ruuhimäki as the shakedown. It’s a really nice stage, too,” Joona reflected.
“For a Finn, Rally Finland is always the highlight of the year. All the preparation is doubled for it.”
Teemu Suninen, who has competed in Rally Finland several times in the top class and fought for top positions, will participate in the rally in the WRC2 class this year.
“It’s a superb route,” said Suninen.
“It includes many legendary stages that will attract a lot of spectators. The route will surely evoke feelings in both drivers and fans,” Suninen observed.
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