High stakes for Juniors in Finland

Although the same number of points are available in each round, perhaps certain rallies count a bit more than others. Rally Finland, an unmissable event on the World Rally Championship calendar, undoubtedly falls into that category.

The FIA Junior WRC has now become an iconic category and has done a fantastic job of identifying talented young drivers since it was first introduced in 2001. Citroën Racing has helped drivers to learn the ropes on the roads of the WRC in the Junior championship. Sébastien Loeb (2001), Dani Solà (2002), Dani Sordo (2005), Sébastien Ogier (2008), Martin Prokop (2009) and Stéphane Lefebvre (2014) have all won titles in this championship, dedicated to young rally drivers. Beyond the actual results, the manner in which young drivers handle themselves – especially in Finland – also counts in the development of a driver’s career. Kris Meeke, who racked up almost 100 stage wins in JWRC, is a very good example of this.

Around Jyväskylä, there will be several drivers looking to make a name for themselves. Already top of the standings, Quentin Gilbert (winner in Monte-Carlo and Portugal) and Simone Tempestini (first in Poland) will be fighting for the championship lead as the season enters the final sprint.

After confirming his talent at the start of the season, the young Frenchman was off the pace in the third round, whilst the Italian Simone Tempestini revelled on the fast gravel roads in Poland. After finishing on the podium in Mikołajki, the Finn Henri Haapamäki will undoubtedly also be a force to be reckoned with at his home event.

Another title challenger, the Norwegian Ole Christian Veiby missed the Polish round. However, the points scored at Monte-Carlo and Portugal keep him in contention in the race for the programme in a DS 3 R5. He also leads the FIA WRC3 standings.

Outside of the podium places in Poland, the French trio of Matthieu Margaillan, Jean-René Perry and Pierre-Louis Loubet will all be looking for a good result here. Another Frenchman, Terry Folb, and the Irishman Daniel McKenna, who have both set impressive times this year, will also be serious outsiders.

Eighth in the championship standings, just 14 points adrift of third place, Federico Della Casa will be determined to keep improving. Mohammed Al Mutawaa, winner of a driver detection programme organised by Citroën Racing and Abu Dhabi Racing, scored his first points in Poland. He will be looking to take advantage of his recently acquired experience.

The second Finn to be competing here, Jari Huttunen will be making his FIA Junior WRC debut with the DS 3 R3-MAX. Named “Future Rally Star” by his national federation, he has been driving a C2-R2 MAX in the Finnish Rally Championship this season.

Rally Finland features twenty stages this year, including two runs on the legendary 34.39 kilometre-long Ouninpohja!