The second round of the World Rally Championship kicked off on Thursday evening in Sweden, featuring a single special stage measuring approximately ten kilometers. The stage saw local driver Oliver Solberg, who had previously won the season's opening event in Monte Carlo, clock in the fastest time, finishing 3.8 seconds ahead of his teammate Elfyn Evans. Solberg's strong performance highlights his familiarity with the rally's local terrain, showcasing his capabilities and setting a competitive tone for the event.

Among Finnish drivers, Sami Pajari of Toyota emerged as the fastest, finishing the stage in fourth place, but trailing Solberg by 5.6 seconds. Notably, Esapekka Lappi, making his return to the World Rally Championship, placed seventh in the opening special stage, with a time 9.1 seconds off the lead. Lappi's return is significant, as he had been competing in the Finnish championship since last year and last participated in a World Rally event in Chile in 2024. This return signifies both Lappi's ambition to re-establish himself in the international competition and the broader Finnish motorsport community's support.

As the rally progresses, seven additional special stages are scheduled for Friday, with the first stage set to start at 11:07 AM. The competition's unfolding will be closely watched, particularly how Lappi will perform in the upcoming stages as he seeks to improve his standing and regain his place among the elite in rally racing.