The mentality shift key to Lappi’s shot at WRC redemption
He appeared poised to become the World Rally Championship’s new bright young star five years ago, but Esapekka Lappi's fortunes since his 2017 breakthrough win offer a cautionary tale of how the tables can turn. Now having rebuilt his career, the Finn is determined to make the most of his second shot at the big time with Toyota.
Rewind to July 2017 and the World Rally Championship seemingly had crowned a new young star in Esapekka Lappi. The Finn had claimed a record-breaking victory at Rally Finland, in only his fourth career start.
Then the reigning WRC2 champion, Lappi had set tongues wagging by claiming his first stage wins on only his second event of a partial campaign for Toyota in Italy. Then, following a retirement in Poland, he sensationally swept to victory in Finland - winning nine stages along the way. In doing so, he set a record that remains intact today for the fewest WRC starts prior to a maiden win.
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