The EK9 segment of the Swedish rally saw Finnish driver Mikko Heikkilä make the decision to withdraw from the race, stating that the risks were too substantial. Heikkilä encountered significant challenges during the first stage when his Škoda became stuck in deep snow, resulting in a lengthy delay of over 18 minutes to get back on track. This unfortunate incident effectively dashed his hopes of a competitive finish in the World Rally Championship's second event this season.

Despite later managing to drive at the front of the WRC2 class pace, Heikkilä assessed the situation and determined that continuing would pose excessive risks with little chance of achieving a meaningful result. As temperatures in Umeå dropped to a chilling -25 degrees Celsius, conditions were particularly harsh, potentially impacting drivers' safety and performance. With seven special stages ahead and a total of 104 special kilometers, the rally continued as planned for other competitors.

Heikkilä's decision highlights the reality of rally racing where environmental conditions and mechanical issues can rapidly alter a competitor's strategy. This incident not only reflects the physical challenges posed by extreme winter weather but also underscores the mental fortitude required to navigate such unpredictable circumstances in motorsport. As the competition proceeds without him, attention now shifts back to the leaderboard where Takamoto Katsuta leads after EK9, showcasing the competitive nature of the event.