Finnish rally drivers Esapekka Lappi and Enni Mälkönen will officially participate in the Safari Rally in Kenya, as confirmed by the participant list published on Friday. Lappi, 35, has returned to the World Rally Championship this year as a part-time driver, competing in selected events, with Mälkönen, also 35, as his co-driver. Their expected participation in the Safari Rally had been anticipated, although no official confirmation was made until the announcement on Friday.

In addition to the upcoming Safari Rally, Lappi and Mälkönen are set to compete in the Swedish World Rally Championship this weekend. Lappi's schedule for this season has not been fully disclosed, but it is expected to include approximately five World Championship events, with confirmed entries in both the Swedish and Kenyan rallies, alongside potential participation in rallies in Estonia and Finland during the summer.

Recently, Lappi expressed that certain matters have been left unresolved, likely referring to aspirations and goals he intends to address in the upcoming events. The addition of Mälkönen as his co-driver is a significant partnership as they navigate various World Championship trails together, further enhancing their profile in the competitive rally scene.