Esapekka Lappi Heads to Finland

LAPPI RETURNS TO ACTION WITH JANPRO RACING M-Sport Ford World Rally Team’s Esapekka Lappi and Janne Ferm will soon be back in action as they tackle Jämsän Äijät Ralli with JanPro Racing and the EcoBoost-powered Ford Fiesta WRC.   The Finnish round of this year’s FIA World Rally Championship may have been cancelled, but the central Finnish forests will still get to see and hear the power and performance of the top-specification Fiesta.   Taking place on Saturday 8 August, the event is based in the Jämsä region and incorporates a loop previous used at Neste Rally Finland.   Classed as a mini-event, the rally only takes in three special stages but will provide the perfect opportunity for Lappi to drive flat-out in the lead-up to the season restart.   With fast stages and big jumps, it’s the perfect warm-up before preparations get underway for Rally Estonia – where Lappi will be looking to challenge for a strong result on the FIA World Rally Championship’s first event in almost six months.   Teaming up with JanPro Racing, Lappi and Ferm will showcase the Ford Fiesta WRC on roads made for rallying as well as the services offered by Janne Tuohino’s experienced team.   Working closely with M-Sport, JanPro Racing was the first privately-run outfit to offer a latest-generation world rally car for rent and provide competitive packages for future rally stars, experienced semi-professionals and gentlemen drivers alike. Esapekka Lappi said:   “It’s been a long time away from the action, and now I’m really looking forward to getting back out there with JanPro Racing and their Ford Fiesta WRC. I’ve missed being behind the wheel, and this rally gives us the perfect opportunity to drive flat-out on some of the world’s best gravel stages. It’s the perfect warm-up ahead of the season restart, and our main target is to get up to speed before Rally Estonia.”    JanPro Racing Managing Director, Janne Tuohino, said:   “It’s really nice to be back with the JanPro Racing colours, and a great honour for us to deliver our services along with our Ford Fiesta WRC to one of M-Sport’s official drivers. It’s fantastic to have Esapekka and Janne in our car, and we promise to do our best to help them achieve their goals.”   M-Sport Ford Team Principal, Richard Millener, said:   “It’s going to be great to see Esapekka back driving the Ford Fiesta WRC. I know I’ve missed seeing him flat-out behind the wheel, so I can only imagine what it’s been like for him! This mini rally will be the perfect warm-up before we start our preparations for Rally Estonia, and with JanPro Racing we know he’ll be in safe hands with a skilled and experienced team behind him.” To read an interview with Esapekka Lappi Click here.