The 2024 FIA Junior WRC season resumes this week with a bulging 17-strong field of M-Sport Poland Ford Fiesta Rally3s ready to tackle the legendary gravel roads of Secto Rally Finland.
Stages like Ouninpohja, Myhinpää, and Ruuhimäki need little introduction for rally fans. Their blistering speeds, heart-stopping jumps and blind crests have earned the rally its unofficial moniker, the ‘Finnish Grand Prix’. To succeed, drivers will need plenty of ‘sisu’ – a Finnish word for implacable courage.
The rally, which starts on Thursday (1 August) and runs through Sunday (4 August), is a new challenge for many FIA Junior WRC crews as it has not featured on the calendar since 2019. Easing gently into the action will not be an option, with vital points up for grabs for the title contenders.
Seventeen stage wins, coupled with a victory and a podium so far, have allowed Romet Jürgenson to open up a 25-point championship lead after three rounds. Hailing from just across the border in Estonia, fast-paced gravel is his specialty – and Finland presents the 24-year-old with his first mathematical opportunity to clinch the title.
With double classification points awarded at the final round in Greece, however, solid performances from chasing drivers like Diego Dominguez, Max Smart, and Norbert Maior will ensure the championship goes down to the wire.
“As a fan, Rally Finland was always the highlight of the year for me,” said Jürgenson, a product of the FIA Rally Star initiative. “This time I have a chance to experience these magical roads myself, and I can’t wait. Let’s continue the battle!”
Youngsters Leevi Lassila and Hubert Laskowski make their respective Junior WRC debuts this week. Lassila was named as the 2024 AKK Flying Finn Future Rally Star and his entry comes courtesy of winning the prestigious award.
Other entrants include Eamonn Kelly, Ali Türkkan and Petr Borodin plus Tom Rensonet and Gerardo Rosselot.