Opening of Secto Rally Finland 2025 with a thrilling shakedown that gathered international drivers, local heroes, and guests who acted as ephemeral co-drivers. Famous Top Gear journalist Richard Hammond had the experience of his life on board with Joshua McErlean and could not hide his enthusiasm at the end of the stage. “You think you will find yourself in a fast car but then… A turn begins, and it’s definitely not as simple as that… I just loved it!”
Takamoto Katsuta was the fastest this morning on the shakedown,followed by teammate Sébastien Ogier, while the Ford Puma of Joshua McErlean found himself setting the third-best time.
Meanwhile, massive crowds gathered just outside of Jyväskylä for the opening stage of Harju 1 at the end of the day. The 2.58 km stage mixes gravel and tarmac, and the warm-up is a serious one: there is no way drivers can afford to lose time here, as it might be hard to catch up later.
The fastest time was set by the Championship leader: Ott Tänak finished the stage in 2’04” in front of Thierry Neuville (+1”3) and Sébastien Ogier (+1”5).
Ott appeared in high spirits: “Driving fast is the key. It will be a big rally tomorrow, but it’s always good to have a good start. I’ll drive my best.”
Thierry Neuville followed his feeling: “We were second last in difficult conditions, and it won’t be easier this year.” Meanwhile, Sébastien Ogier appeared very hungry: “I want to win, and I want to compete. This car is amazing to drive. It’s great to be back at the start of this rally.”
Kalle Rovanperä will be one to watch this weekend: “Home rally is always exciting. Expectations are a bit unknown at the moment — we’ll see tomorrow.”
Fifth tonight, Adrien Fourmaux was wondering how much time they spend in the air during this rally: “A tricky stage, nothing to compare with tomorrow, but a good way to start. Nice to see so many people.”
Robert Virves leads in Rally2 (“I’m ready, I have to be!”), followed by Yohan Rossel, who finds it never easy to fight with the local guys. Third place is held by Jari-Matti Latvala, back behind the wheel of the Toyota GR Yaris: “20th rally start. I’m hungry for more! Let’s focus on this one!”
Turkish driver Ali Türkkan takes the lead in JWRC, while Aatu Hakalehto, the Flying Finn Future Star, finishes the stage in 2’25”7.
Making his first appearance since Estonia, the star of the moment Oliver Solberg took it easy: “It’s been an incredible week so far — just trying to get back. It’s a bit different; it’s not easy (with the Rally2 car).”
Tomorrow will see the drivers start at 8:03 a.m. in Laukaa 1 for 17.96 km. There will be a total of 114.52 km of special stages, with Harju 2 held at 7:30 p.m.
Caution: Weather might be very unpredictable tomorrow.
(Photos: Petro Piilo)
