Esapekka Lappi’s Resurgence: A Triumph in the Making at Rally Sweden

As Rally Sweden enters its final day, all eyes are on Hyundai’s Esapekka Lappi, who finds himself in a commanding position, poised to secure his first victory since 2017. The 33-year-old Finn has emerged as the frontrunner, holding a substantial lead of more than a minute over his competitors.

Lappi’s fortunes took a decisive turn when his closest rival, Takamoto Katsuta of Toyota, encountered misfortune on Saturday’s second stage, crashing into a snowbank and becoming ensnared. This setback propelled Lappi into a comfortable lead, providing him with a significant advantage as he navigates the remaining stages of the rally.

Under the revised scoring system implemented for the 2024 season, Lappi stands to gain 18 valuable points if he successfully negotiates the challenges posed by the treacherous terrain and completes the remaining three stages on Sunday. Despite his favorable position, Lappi remains cautious, recognizing the unpredictable nature of rally racing and the potential for unforeseen obstacles to arise.

During Saturday’s proceedings, Lappi adopted a prudent approach, opting to conserve his tire studs and avoid unnecessary risks, thereby safeguarding his lead. His measured strategy paid dividends, as he crossed the finish line with a commanding lead of one minute and 6.3 seconds over his nearest competitor, Adrien Fourmaux of M-Sport Ford, with Toyota’s Elfyn Evans trailing in third place.

Reflecting on his performance thus far, Lappi acknowledged the significance of his lead but remained grounded, emphasizing the need to maintain focus and composure in the face of the challenges that lie ahead. With three stages remaining, including two lengthy ones known for their unpredictability, Lappi is acutely aware that the outcome of the rally is far from certain.

Meanwhile, Hyundai’s Thierry Neuville, the current championship leader and winner of the season-opening Monte Carlo rally, finds himself in fourth place, trailing Lappi by a margin of two minutes and 22 seconds. Despite the gap, Neuville remains within striking distance, poised to capitalize on any opportunity that may arise in the final stages of the rally.

The closing day of Rally Sweden promises to deliver exhilarating action, with twelve points up for grabs, including five in the highly anticipated Power Stage. As Lappi and his rivals prepare to tackle the remaining challenges, the stage is set for a thrilling conclusion to an eventful rally filled with twists and turns.

With victory within his grasp, Esapekka Lappi stands on the brink of a triumphant return to the winner’s circle, poised to etch his name in rally history once again. As the drama unfolds on the icy roads of Sweden, fans around the world eagerly await the crowning of a new champion, 24hscore ready to witness the thrill of victory and the agony of defeat in one of motorsport’s most exhilarating spectacles.