Hyundai driver Esapekka Lappi . photo WRC
Hyundai driver Esapekka Lappi’s Rally Chile Bio Bío didn’t last further than the opening stage last season – but he’s aiming for a much stronger showing when he lands into South America for the WRC’s 11th round this week.
The Finn has endured an indifferent season, starting out with a sensational Rally Sweden victory, but since then he’s hit mechanical issues and the odd tree. Having skipped EKO Acropolis Rally Greece, he’s ready to be back chasing points for the team in Concepción – and his round 10 absence doesn’t mean he hasn’t seen action aboard the i20 N Rally1 HYBRID.
Lappi said: “We did some testing in Finland prior to the Acropolis so we have had some important seat time in the car fairly recently. I am feeling prepared for Chile.
“The surface [in Chile] is quite unique. There is a lot of loose gravel, but it can also be abrasive when the road section begins to be cleaned. A good set-up and perfect pace notes are crucial to fast times at this event. We need a lot of stability and traction from the car, and because of the crests, corners and banks, it can be hard to see where the road is going.”
Lappi admitted that having the correct set-up is only half the deal this week – the forest roads sandwiched between the Pacific coast and the Andes can deliver widely differing weather.
He added: “We have seen very different weather conditions here in 2019 and 2023, so we rely even more than usual on the weather team because of the time of year.
“I am excited to be back in the car and I am hoping to bring a lot of points home for the team.”
material sourced from WRC.COM
