Esapekka Lappi will get to start testing at Hyundai next week. Lapland looks at its possibilities next season.
Sakari Lund,
Jussi Lindroos
Hyundai’s WRC team confirmed on Friday Esapekka Lapin moving to a stable where he can drive the whole season. Lappi drove Toyota in seven races in the season that ended. reached Lapland from the Hyundai factories in Germany.
– The offer came out of the blue. When Ott Tänak announced during the World Rally Championship in Spain that he would leave Hyundai, so the offer became clear to us on Monday. Apparently, Hyundai did not believe that Tänak would actually leave. When the whole season was offered, it was strangely tempting, Lappi said.
Tänak, who criticized the performance of his break during the season, announced at the end of October that he would leave the team.
– There are certainly challenges and they have been acknowledged, but I also see a lot of opportunities.
In addition to Lapland, he drives a Hyundai for a full season Thierry Neuville. The third car will be distributed during the season Dani Sordo and Craig Breen.
Lappi, who has driven Citroen, Ford, Toyota and lower classes also Skoda, is the right person to tell you the differences between cars from different garages.
– I’m a professional to tell you about this, since I’ve been through every stable. The biggest differences come in where the center of gravity is and what the suspension geometry is like. Others turn more easily and others may slip. You should get these things to suit yourself.
However, Lappi has not yet been able to drive a Hyundai car. However, the first feeling comes quickly.
– Isn’t it going to happen next week? I’m going home at the weekend. On Monday I’ll be back and then we’ll run several days of testing.
Lapland seems satisfied with its new contract.
– If you can drive a full series in the sport you love, then what’s the point. I had already talked to my husband years ago that if such an opportunity came, he would be ready to support.
What can be expected from Lapland next season at the wheel of Hyundai?
– A really good question, since I haven’t even driven a meter in the car. You should definitely look for consistency and not wait for the moon from the sky in eco games. When we run a full season, of course we should think that we are fighting for the world championship, but I want to be realistic.