Sébastien OGIER and Codriver Vincent LANDAIS Celebrate their Win at WRC Secto Rally Finland 2024. Photo Credit: Toyota Racing
The 2024 WRC Secto Rally Finland delivered a weekend of high drama, with seasoned drivers and young talents alike facing the unforgiving challenges of the Finnish gravel. Despite all that, Sébastien Ogier emerged victorious, taking the win with a total time of 2:25:41.9, but not without fierce competition and significant drama on the road.
A Tumultuous Start
The rally kicked off with an immediate shake-up as Ott Tänak, a favorite going into the event, rolled his HYUNDAI i20 N Rally1 HYBRID almost 2km into stage 3 of Day 2. While he and co-driver Martin JÄRVEOJA came out of the car OK, Martin was required to spend a night in hospital. This marked the end of their challenge, much to the disappointment of the fans who had hoped to see them fight for victory.
Local hero Esapekka Lappi also faced heartbreak on home soil, crashing in Stage 6. Despite the damage, Lappi and his team managed to keep him in the competition, but the incident knocked him out of contention for a top finish. Day 2 ends with Kalle Rovanperä leading that rally 8 seconds ahead of team mate Elfyn EVANS.
The Plot Thickens
The third day of the rally saw more top contenders face difficulties. Grégoire Munster, who had been performing well, rolled his car in the opening stage of Day 3, ending his hopes of a strong finish.
Elfyn Evans, who had been pushing hard to stay within striking distance of the championship leaders, was plagued by transmission problems that slowed his progress significantly. Despite his team’s best efforts to keep him in the race, Evans’s rally came to a crushing end when he crashed out on Stage 19, a blow to his championship aspirations.
A Twist in the Tale
The final day of the rally brought a dramatic twist that reshaped the outcome. TOYOTA GAZOO RACING WRT’s Kalle Rovanperä, who had been leading the rally and looked set for victory, rolled his car in the last sector of the penultimate stage. The crash not only cost him the win but also handed the advantage to Sébastien Ogier.
Ogier, despite competing on a part-time basis this season, showed his class and composure to take the win with a time loss of 2:25:41.9. This victory propelled him to second place in the championship standings with now 141 points. Given his strong position, Ogier is now expected to compete in all the remaining WRC events this season, turning what was meant to be a limited campaign into a full-on title challenge.
Thierry Neuville, the current championship leader, finished second with a time of 2:26:22.0, extending his lead in the standings to 168 points. While Neuville couldn’t match Ogier’s pace, his consistency continues to pay dividends as he strengthens his bid for the championship.
Adrien Fourmaux rounded out the podium, finishing third after a solid and trouble-free weekend. Although he wasn’t able to match the pace of the front-runners, Fourmaux’s consistent performance earned him a well-deserved spot on the podium.
Katsuta Shines on Super Sunday
Takamoto Katsuta, Ogier’s Toyota teammate, also had a standout on super Sunday after returning from his crash on stage 5. He won both Stage 19 and the Power Stage. Katsuta’s speed was a highlight in a rally where many others faltered, although he was not in contention for the overall win.
WRC2: A Battle of the Rising Stars
In the WRC2 category, Oliver SOLBERG delivered a masterclass in rallying, securing the win 39 seconds ahead of Jari-Matti LATVALA also TOYOTA GAZOO RACING WRT’s team principal. SOLBERG’s performance in Finland showcased his growing talent and marked him as a future star in the sport. With Now 111 points in the championship, followed by Sami PAJARI who was tried in a TOYOTA GR Yaris Rally1 HYBRID, finished 4th overall despite challenges on stage 2. Even though he is a seasoned rally 2 driver his performance this weekend marks him as a future star in the sport.
Looking Ahead: The Championship Intensifies
The 2024 WRC season is far from over, with Sébastien Ogier now fully engaged in the championship fight, the WRC season is set for a thrilling conclusion. Ott TÄNAK and Elfyn EVANS will be looking to bounce back from their disappointment in Finland, while Thierry Neuville will aim to maintain his championship lead, the championship battle is heating up.
Rally Finland once again proved why it is one of the most challenging and thrilling events in motorsport. With its high-speed gravel stages, unpredictable weather, and the ever-present risk of crashes, it delivered a spectacle that will be remembered for years to come. The 2024 SECTO Rally Finland was a reminder of the sport’s unpredictable nature, with crashes, mechanical failures, and dramatic twists at every turn. As the WRC season enters its final stages, the battle for the championship promises to be more intense than ever. Fans around the world can look forward to more excitement as the world’s best drivers push to their limits in pursuit of glory.
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