WRC Takes On Finland
From the 30th of July to the 2nd of August, the world rallying championship will be racing around Finland for Round 10 of the season.
This weekend, Sami Pajari returns for his home rally full of confidence. Last time out in Estonia, he took his maiden WRC victory, making him one of the favourites in front of his home crowd. This now gives Toyota five different winners this season, fueling the excitement. It is also Toyota Gazoo Racing's home race. Competing at home always brings extra pressure and increased desire to perform well, for Pajari this will be doubled.
As the season progresses, every round becomes crucial to these drivers, Rally Finland even more so. It has been nicknamed the “Grand Prix of rallying” due to the speeds, jumps and gravel roads, it is always exciting for fans. After this rally there are only five rallies remaining for the season, every point is becoming crucial, especially with the championship battle. Evans currently sits top of the standings with 177 points, followed closely behind by Katsuta with 152 points. Toyota have also locked out the top 5 of the standings so far, something they’ll want to keep.
This is the fastest rally of the season, the average speed across the course exceeds 120km/h, the drivers have to fully commit to the roads if they want to perform. At multiple points across the route, the drivers are turning blind into corners and crests putting an increased pressure on their co-drivers to ensure completion. The route includes the legendary stage of Ouninpohja, it consists of huge jumps and a flowing rhythm. It is a huge fan attraction and is one of the most demanding stages for the drivers, here is where it matters.
Now whilst these jumps are thrilling for fans, they require precisions for the drivers, these challenges could be defining moments of the rally. They needed to be taken as they’ve been planned to avoid time loss or damage to the car. Fine margins usually separate the field across Finland, but these jumps are where it can be the closest, no one wants to make a mistake. But, who will come out on top in Finland?
Article written by Imogen Moggridge © Imogen Moggridge 2026
