Will Esapekka Lappi still be in the WRC in 2025? This is one of the big questions as the season begins in a few weeks at Monte-Carlo (22-26) January from which he will be absent.
It must be said that the year 2024 was somewhat complicated for the Finn who, despite a victory on the snow in Sweden, stood out above all for his off-road events. In his four other appearances this year, the native of Pieksämäki was forced to retire twice (Lithuania and Chile) while he finished far behind in Kenya and Finland, still grabbing a few points thanks to to the very special scale put in place this year.
“The situation is completely open”
An inconsistency which pushed Hyundai not to announce it in its workforce during the presentation of the brand’s 2025 program. This does not mean, however, that Esapekka Lappi has been definitively dismissed by Cyril Abiteboul. A return as a freelancer is always possible even if the main interested party says he is open to new avenues, even elsewhere than in the WRC.
« It’s been a while since there’s been any newshe explains in a video published on his social networks. This is mainly because there haven’t been any to share. But I decided to talk about the situation, even if there is no big news to give (…)
-Our season didn’t end the way we wanted, but there’s nothing we can change about that. We have now discussed what could be put in place for this year. We are still in discussions with Hyundai, but we are also looking at other options, keeping an open mind towards other championships to see what options are available.
The situation is completely open, which is a good thing. On the other hand, it’s also very liberating when you don’t have to do anything, so I must admit that it feels good. We will now enjoy the winter and see what direction our plans take in the coming weeks.. » This could therefore be resolved quickly. One thing is certain, he will not be at the start of the Monte-Carlo since he does not appear on the entry list already revealed.
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