Esapekka Lappi is a prominent figure in the world of rally driving.
Esapekka Lappi is born in Pieksämäki, Finland, on January 17, 1991. His breakthrough came in 2012 when he won the Finnish Rally Championship, securing victory in all rounds of the season. That same year, he became the youngest-ever winner of the Arctic Lapland Rally, showcasing his natural talent on snow and ice.
A year later, Lappi’s career took a major step forward when he signed with Škoda Motorsport to compete in the FIA European Rally Championship (ERC), The multi-year deal also included selected rounds of the FIA Asia Pacific Rally Championship, as well as the opportunity to gain more FIA World Rally Championship experience.
In 2014 he quickly proved his potential by clinching the European Championship title with the Škoda Fabia S2000. Lappi continued his successful partnership with Skoda Motorsport in 2015, and competed in the WRC2 with the brand new Skoda Fabia R5, along with the continuation of the development work with the car.
He won both Rally Poland and Rally Finland in 2015, before dominating the 2016 season. With four wins and consistent performances, he secured the WRC2 title, cementing his place among the sport’s rising stars.
In 2017, Lappi made his full-time debut in the FIA World Rally Championship (WRC) with Toyota Gazoo Racing. Driving the all-new Toyota Yaris WRC, he adapted quickly to the top category, and his highlight of the season came with a sensational victory at his home event, Rally Finland. In just his fourth WRC event, he outpaced more experienced competitors to claim his first career win. He followed up with a strong 2018 season, earning three podiums and finishing 5th in the championship standings while helping Toyota secure the manufacturers’ title.
In 2019 the Finnish duo started a new chapter in their WRC-adventure and moved to Citroën Racing. Alongside world champion Sebastien Ogier and Julien Ingrassia, they competed in a Citroën C3 WRC. The new contract was planned for two seasons, but at the end of 2019 Citroën decided to pull out of the WRC after a challenging season. Lappi and Ferm claimed 3 podiums during the season and ended with 83 points in the Drivers Standings.
A new team and a new car for Esapekka and Janne in 2020, as they joined the M-Sport Ford World Rally Team. Due to the global pandemic the team managed less testing and also the calendar were altered. They claimed 4th at Rallye Monte-Carlo and 4th at Rally Monza as their best result of the year. Esapekka ended 6th in the championship standings.
For 2021 Esapekka and Janne competed at two WRC-events in a Volkswagen Polo R5, with victory at both Arctic Rally Finland and Rally Portugal. Towards the end of the season it become clear that the duo would be again joining forces with Toyota Gazoo Racing WRT for the 2022 season. As a warm-up, they drove a Toyota Yaris WRC for Secto Rally Finland in the autumn, ending 4th in the overall classification.
In 2022, Esapekka Lappi rejoined Toyota Gazoo Racing for a part-time WRC program, sharing the third Yaris Rally1 with Sébastien Ogier. He impressed with three podium finishes, including second place at Rally Finland, and played a key role in helping Toyota secure the manufacturers’ championship.
Lappi joined Hyundai Motorsport for the 2023 WRC season. He consistently delivered strong results, contributing valuable points to the team. His perseverance and speed were rewarded in 2024 when he secured his long-awaited second career WRC victory at Rally Sweden, proving once again that he remains a top contender in the sport.
Achievements
2024: Achieved a landmark victory at Rally Sweden, marking his second career WRC win; demonstrated exceptional skill in challenging conditions.
2023: Joined Hyundai Motorsport; consistent point-scoring finishes in the WRC; contributed to the team's competitive standing.
2022: Rejoined Toyota Gazoo Racing WRT; competed in selected WRC events; notable performance with a 4th place finish at Secto Rally Finland.
2021: Winner WRC2 class at Arctic Rally Finland and Rally Portugal. 4th O/A at Secto Rally Finland in a Toyota Yaris WRC.
2020: Competed full season with M-Sport Ford World Rally Team in the FIA World Rally Championship. 4th at Rallye Monte-Carlo and Rally Monza, 6th in the overall standings.
2019: Competed full season with Citroën Total WRT in the FIA World Rally Championship. 3 podiums; 2nd Sweden, 2nd Finland, 2nd Turkey.
2018: Competed full season with Toyota Gazoo Racing in the FIA World Rally Championship. 5th in the Driver’s standings, 3 podiums in total and 3 Power Stage wins.
2017: Competed 8 events in the FIA World Rally Championship, winner of Rally Finland.
2016: Winner of the 2016 FIA WRC2 championship, 4 WRC2 wins, 6 podiums.
2015: 4 WRC2 podiums, winner of Rally Poland and Rally Finland, 43 stage wins. 4th in the FIA WRC2 standings.
2014: FIA European Rally Champion (ŠKODA Motorsport Fabia S2000).
2013: Winner of Rally Portugal (WRC2). Winner of Rallye International du Valais (ERC) and 2nd in Rallye Sanremo (ERC). Runner-up APRC.
2012: Finnish Rally Champion and won all championship rallies. Winner of Arctic Lapland Rally (youngest winner in history). Won Rally Poland.
2011: Class winner Rally Finland (FIA R2-category) and Winner of Best Finnish Rookie Award.
2010: 3rd in Finnish Rally Championship (FIA R2-category).
