P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Esapekka Lappi and Janne Ferm brought their Hyundai i20 N home after Rally Sweden’s seven Saturday stages with a comfortable
The highly anticipated battle between Esapekka Lappi and Toyota’s Takamoto Katsuta came to an abrupt end when Katsuta crashed his Yaris into a snowbank, losing the chance to close the gap to the Finn in the tenth stage. With Lappi’s lead extended to 1:31.6, he took a more cautious approach in the following stages, allowing Adrien Fourmaux to shine and secure the fastest time in stage 11. Despite a close call in the final stage, Fourmaux managed to maintain his position and finish second overall. Elfyn Evans claimed the third spot, while Thierry Neuville staged an impressive climb from 11th to fourth place, winning three stages on the way. The top positions in the WRC2 category were dominated by Oliver Solberg and Sami Pajari, showcasing a fierce battle throughout the rally. The challenging conditions of the Swedish rally tested the drivers’ skills and tire management, with everyone acknowledging the importance of preserving grip and handling on the treacherous stages. The final day promises three intense stages totaling 61km, setting the stage for a thrilling conclusion to the rally.
