Last season, Lappi had a very mixed performance. In the summer, he was in great form, and in Sardinia, the Finn could have even won, but a team order at that time thwarted the plans.
In Estonia, the Finn finished impressively in third place, but Rally Finland started an unfortunate streak. Lappi crashed out in Finland, as well as in Chile and Central Europe.
After a challenging last season, a second career victory in Sweden tasted particularly sweet and naturally boosted his confidence.
“Now I was able to reset last year well and prepared for this rally well, also charging my batteries well. Of course, such a thing brings a lot of confidence. It also gave that we were allowed to drive for the win, without having to hold back at all.
“I don’t know, if Thierry (Neuville) had been behind, whether we would have still had to give this away, as now the win doesn’t have such a big picture impact. It’s more about reputation and honor. This suited me very well,” Lappi pondered.
Lappi and Hyundai had already decided well in advance last year that the Finn would drive the team’s third car only in selected WRC rallies for the 2024 season. It could have been possible that Lappi wouldn’t have driven at all as Hyundai’s factory driver due to the subdued end to the previous season.
“I probably don’t even know how close it has been,” Lappi admitted.
“Certainly, other factors weighed in the background. For example, what we have been able to develop the car together. That aspect certainly tipped the scales. We were competitive in the first half of the season and managed to beat Neuville here and there. Certainly, that also had a big impact, that a continuation program came,” Lappi recapped last season’s events.
Lappi’s victory in Sweden was a significant demonstration to team principal Cyril Abiteboul.
“Of course. It’s clear!” Lappi confirmed.
Lappi was in great shape in Sweden. There was speed, but also restraint. Part-time seems to fit the Finn well now.
“At least now it feels like it was the right decision for this year,” Lappi outlined.
