View from the service park: Finland
There was something slightly incongruous about seeing seven-time world champion Sébastien Ogier deep in conversation with Father Christmas in late February.
Welcome to Rovaniemi. Welcome to the WRC’s furthest trip north. Ever. And a very warm welcome to the very cold home town of Mr S. Claus.
The WRC’s first visit to Arctic Rally Finland Powered by CapitalBox was a towering success last weekend. Not only did it provide a typically fast and fascinating Finnish round of the championship, but it provided a hugely entertaining event.
Not only was Joulupukki in attendance and keeping a watchful eye over the boys and girls driving in his backyard, Lapland provided a whole bunch of other opportunities for the drivers and co-drivers.
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Will Sébastien Ogier continue from where he left off in Monte-Carlo or will Ott Tänak find redemption following a disappointing Monte-Carlo? Or, will it be another driver who triumphs at Arctic Rally Finland, powered by CapitalBox? Have your say in the poll below!
Preview – Arctic Rally Finland
The FIA World Rally Championship journeys to the Arctic Circle for the first time this week boosted by one of the strongest frontline entries in recent years.
Never in its 49-year history has the series ventured as far north and Arctic Rally Finland Powered by CapitalBox (26 - 28 February) has 13 World Rally Cars ready for battle in Lapland’s winter wonderland.
This second round is the year’s only pure winter fixture. Paradoxically, the frozen forests around Rovaniemi will see top speeds exceeding 200kph as Pirelli’s studded tyres dig into thick ice covering gravel roads to provide amazing grip.