Esapekka Lappi has begun his participation in the Swedish World Rally Championship, known as MM-ralli, facing a tough start marked by competitive times and difficult conditions. After the first special stage, Lappi is currently placed seventh and is looking to improve on his previous performances. The event kicked off with high expectations among Finnish fans, especially after Lappi’s previous victory in the same rally a year earlier.

The first special stage, spanning over ten laps, concluded near the Red Barn arena in Umeå, where local driver Oliver Solberg took an early lead, demonstrating impressive speed despite challenging driving conditions. The competitive field includes several notable drivers, with Solberg setting a strong pace and others like Elfyn Evans and Takamoto Katsuta closely trailing him. Lappi's position indicates a need for adjustment as he navigates a new phase in his rallying career.

The Swedish rally is a significant event in the motorsport calendar, and Lappi, together with other Finnish drivers, is under pressure to perform better compared to their previous events, particularly after a disappointing outing in Monte Carlo. As the rally progresses, it will be crucial for Lappi to gain momentum and leverage his experience to improve his standing in the rankings throughout the series.