Esapekka Lappi is being grateful to Cyril Abiteboul for keeping at Hyundai after his lack of results on the second half of 2023 and is being relieved for securing his second win in World Rally Championship as he was chasing it for many years.
The Finn driver showed his speed in Sweden from the Shakedown session, as he topped the SD times in Hakmark, and was fighting for the lead with Takamoto Katsuta after Kalle Rovanpera's and Ott Tanak's retirements on Friday morning. He was leading Rally Sweden from Stage 7 to Powerstage and was managing his gap over his rivals when Katsuta retired in Stage 10. He was the fastest driver in four from 18 stages and stayed out of trouble throughout last weekend apart from Stage 2 where he touched heavily a snowbank. Finally, it must be mentioned that EP claimed his maiden victory in World Rally Championship with Toyota at Rally Finland in 2017, but since then he was fighting many times for the win when he was at Citroen and Hyundai in 2019 and 2023 respectively.
"This feels so good right now", Lappi said.
"I have been hunting for this second victory for quite a while.
"I have to say a big thanks to Cyril for keeping me in the team after a difficult second half of my 2023 season; this moment is such a huge contrast to that.
"A massive thank you to the team, and to my family at home as well.
"We are all here to win and when you achieve it, it is the best feeling in the world.
"It has been a brilliant rally – it could have been more entertaining with fewer retirements, but the snowbanks can be your friend or your enemy.
"This week they were my friend; I paid them well".
Photo Credits: Hyundai
Post a Comment