Duo Lappi & Ferm wrote the history at “formula 1 in the forest” – rally Finland – where they starred on the first position. It was Lappi’s first appearance on World Championship’s (WRC2) top position. The triumph of contest special Fabia R5 is even more bombastic, because Tidemand and Axelsson joined their Finnish factory colleagues on winners’ podium, after they sprinted through the fast race for second position.
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[one_third_last]Last weekend Esapekka Lappi with Janne Ferm jumped for the victory in their homeland. Literally – finish rally is, especially because of legendary Ouninpohja stage with its 70 jumps, a test of courage, furious speed and technical precision. On ca 320 kilometres of fastest rally, clocking an average of more than 127 km/h, both Finns proved mettle and strong nerves. Tremendous 25 points from Finland catapulted Lappi to the top of drivers ladder.
“It is obviously awesome to lead the WRC 2 standings. Above all, however, I am delighted to win my home rally. It is really special to win this WRC classic in front of so many fans. We drove perfectly, had perfect pace notes and a perfect car. I would like to thank the entire ŠKODA team,” exulted Lappi.[/one_third_last]
Even Pontus Tidemand and Emil Axelsson didn’t stay on ground as they flew for the second position.
“Top speed all the way, lots of jumps, thousands of fans at every stage – the Rally Finland is a real highlight in the rallying calendar. Luckily for us, the Fabia R5 is the perfect car,” confirmed Tidemand. “Second place was the best result we could have hoped for here. Congratulations to Esapekka and Janne.”
That being said it’s second one-two in a row for the ŠKODA Fabia R5 in the FIA World Rally Championship (WRC 2) following rally Poland double-triumph after just one month.
Results
Lappi / Ferm (FIN/FIN) – ŠKODA Fabia R5: 2:40.15,0 hod.
Tidemand / Axelsson (S/S) – ŠKODA Fabia R5: +1.41,0 min.
Protasov / Čerepin (UA/UA) – Ford Fiesta S200: +4.58,3 min.
Pedder / Moscatt (AUS/AUS) – Ford Fiesta: +6.45,6 min.
Grondal / Eilertsen (NOR/NOR) – Ford Fiesta: +8.17,8 min.
