The first day of Secto Rally Finland has come to an end. Ott Tänak leads the WRC1 class after the day.
Shakedown
Kalle Rovanperä topped the shakedown stage at his home event. Setting a time 0.8 seconds faster than 2021 winner Elfyn Evans. Esapekka Lappi finished third fastest on the shakedown stage, 0.3 seconds slower than Evans. Ott Tänak posted the fourth fastest time, a mere 0.1 seconds slower than Lappi. Takamoto Katsuta would round out the top five on the shakedown stage, finishing 0.2 seconds slower than Tänak.
SSS1, Harju 1
Ott Tänak posted the fastest time on the opening stage of Secto Rally Finland. Finishing 0.6 seconds faster than Thierry Neuville to take the stage win. Kalle Rovanperä finished with the third quickest time on the outing, 0.1 seconds slower than Neuville. Esapekka Lappi set the fourth fastest time on the stage, 1.1 seconds slower than fellow Fin Kalle Rovanperä. Elfyn Evans would round out the top five on the first test of the Rally, finishing 0.1 seconds slower than Lappi.
Picking Up Where He Left Off
2022 Secto Rally Finland winner Ott Tänak would pick up where he left off. Taking home the first stage win of the event, which could prove critical later on in the weekend. Tänak didn’t win the SuperSpecial stage last season. As Thierry Neuville took that honor.
Underwhelming Start For Latvala
Jari-Matti Latvala (FIN) is seen performing during the World Rally Championship Finland in Jyvasküla, Finland on 3 August, 2023 // Jaanus Ree / Red Bull Content Pool
Jari-Matti Latvala is returning to WRC competition this weekend behind the wheel of a Toyota Yaris Rally1. Latvala finished with the slowest time of all the Rally1 cars. Finishing just 0.2 seconds ahead of Jari Huttunen who won the stage in the WRC2 class, and 3.5 seconds slower than Teemu Suninen. Latvala wasn’t expected to do great this weekend. As he is driving a Yaris with the same specs as last season. Nevertheless, Latvala still has time to improve his position, as only 1 stage has finished so far.
What To Expect From Secto Rally Finland Day 2
The second day of Secto Rally Finland will see drivers contest 104.76km across 9 special stages. It’ll feature the first full forest stages of the weekend. Ott Tänak is expected to remain in the battle for the rally win. Well looking to take home his 4th Rally Finland victory in the last 5 years. Kalle Rovanperä is likely going to look to stop Tänak from winning the event. On the way to becoming the first Fin to win Rally Finland in 6 years.