One of many WRC’s most well-known occasions, generally known as the “Gravel Grand Prix”, is ready for a contemporary look this 12 months, with greater than half the route modified whereas nearly a 3rd of the mileage can be utterly new for drivers.
The ninth spherical of the 13-round WRC season (Three-6 August) can be contested over 22 levels, totalling 320.56 kilometres.
The route contains the return of the Myhinpaa check, which is considered one in all rallying’s most iconic levels, final utilized in 2015. In addition to bringing again classic roads, final 12 months’s levels have additionally undergone various modifications.
One important change sees the rally start with a ceremonial begin on Wednesday in Jyvaskyla. It will precede the shakedown on Thursday morning and Harju metropolis particular on Thursday night.
Crews will deal with the largest modifications to the route on Friday, which can function 9 levels.
The primary forest stage, Laukaa, is a well-known title however contains a new begin and jumps, earlier than the return of Myhinpaa, which can act as stage four. Lankamaa, one of many different levels within the opening leg adopts a brand new format this 12 months, whereas the Halttula check is model new for 2023.
Additionally new for this 12 months is the Vastila, which can be run twice as a part of Saturday’s scheduled eight levels. The check would be the longest of the rally at 20.65km. The rally will conclude following 4 levels on Sunday.
Thierry Neuville, Martijn Wydaeghe, Hyundai World Rally Crew Hyundai i20 N Rally1
Photograph by: McKlein / Motorsport Images
“With an expanded route we’re in a position to make it simpler to draw but extra spectators and volunteers to the rally, whereas maintaining the normal character of the roads that drivers love,” mentioned clerk of the course Kai Tarkiainen.
“In addition to some new levels there are acquainted names on the itinerary, however even these have typically been extensively revised, so they are going to be new to lots of the drivers.
“It is a important occasion because it’s the primary time in a few years that we’re reaching out to new territories and protecting such a large geographical unfold, underlining the enduring recognition of rallying in our nation.”
Ott Tanak gained final 12 months’s version after seeing off native favorite and present world champion Kalle Rovanpera.
