Overview:
- The Finnish World Rally Championship, currently known as the Secto Rally Finland, will be held for the 75rd time in 2026. This event, originally called the Jyväskylä Grand Prix, first took place in 1951.
- Rally Finland is renowned for its wide, fast, and smooth gravel roads with jumps and huge leaps, making it the fastest rally in the WRC series, often referred to as the “Grand Prix of Gravel Roads.”
- It is the largest annual event in the Nordic countries, attracting hundreds of thousands of spectators each year to Jyväskylä. It is one of the most popular and legendary rallies in the WRC.
Historical Significance:
- The rally has become one of the most well-known events in the Nordic countries. It is notoriously difficult for non-Nordic drivers; only seven drivers outside Finland and Sweden have managed to win it in its long history.
- Initially, the rally primarily featured Finnish and Swedish drivers until the 1980s.
Early Years:
- The first rally in 1951 saw 26 participants on a 1700 km route from Jyväskylä to Rovaniemi via Kokkola and Oulu. Arvo Karlsson, driving an Austin Atlantic, won with the fewest penalty points.
- By 1954, the rally had an international name, “The Rally of the Thousand Lakes,” and in 1955, it saw its first special stages, making it more akin to modern rallies.
Growth and International Recognition:
- The rally became part of the European Championship series in 1959 and has been a part of the WRC since its inception in 1973.
- The 1960s saw increased international participation and notable victories by Finnish drivers, cementing the rally’s status as a premier event.
- The 1970s and 1980s saw the rally grow in prominence, with local heroes like Hannu Mikkola, Markku Alén, and Timo Salonen becoming iconic figures.
Modern Era:
- The rally continued to evolve, with notable moments such as the introduction of the secret route in 1975, making pre-testing very limited.
- By the 1990s, the rally saw increased international competition, with notable victories by drivers like Carlos Sainz and Didier Auriol.
- In the 2000s, the rally saw increased speed and competition, with drivers like Marcus Grönholm and Sébastien Loeb achieving significant success.
Recent Developments:
- The 2020 rally was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but the event resumed in 2021 with strict health protocols.
- Recent rallies have seen dominant performances by drivers like Ott Tänak and Elfyn Evans.
2024 Edition:
- The 2024 rally has 80 registered competitors, the highest number since 2015. Notable Finnish drivers include Kalle Rovanperä, Esapekka Lappi, and Sami Pajari. The competition will also feature previous world champions such as Sébastien Ogier and Ott Tänak.
Rally Finland remains a cornerstone of the WRC, beloved by fans for its unique challenges and rich history. It continues to attract top drivers and large crowds, maintaining its reputation as one of the most exciting events in the rallying world.
The 2025 Secto Rally Finland received the grand finale it deserved, as Sunday featured not one but two runs through the legendary Ouninpohja stage — earning the day a new name: Ounintai (“Ouninday”)!
In the breathtaking landscapes of Ouninpohja, fans witnessed a true World Rally Championship spectacle — filled with drama and surprises from start to finish.
Toyota dominated the final day in historic fashion, sweeping the top five positions — a feat only previously achieved by Lancia in Portugal back in 1990.
Everything fell perfectly into place: clear skies, thousands of passionate fans, and fierce battles both in the top class and in WRC2, where Roope Korhonen and Jari-Matti Latvala fought a nail-biting duel to the very end — with young talent Roope Korhonen ultimately taking the victory.
