The World Rally Championship (WRC) returns to form after Greece. The Rally Estonia, which starts this weekend around Tartu, kicks off a series of two fast gravel rallies before the Rally Finland.
Toyota arrives in the Baltic countries with its five drivers occupying the top five places in the championship — a position of strength that puts as much pressure on Elfyn Evans as on his own teammates.
The contrast with the Rally The Acropolis rally is a total test. Where Greece demanded tire management and caution, Estonia rewards commitment and pure speed. Its wide, flowing roads, punctuated by impressive crests and jumps, make it one of the most spectacular venues of the season.
But also one of the most treacherous on the second pass of the special stages, when the ruts dug by the first competitors transform the roads into a real trap. “The margins are very small at these speeds.”, recalls Takamoto Katsuta, who is competing here in one of his favorite rallies and will also reach the milestone of 100 events WRC this week-end.
Elfyn Evans enters this round with a slim eleven-point lead over Takamoto Katsuta, his closest Toyota teammate. The Welshman, who took the precaution of competing in a national rally in Estonia last week to readjust to high speeds, knows that his first road position could complicate matters in dry conditions. “We just need to focus on playing our best, whatever the situation.”
Sébastien Ogier still in contention, Oliver Solberg on familiar ground
The big unknown this weekend is number 1. Sébastien OgierReinvigorated by his victory in Greece which put him 37 points behind the leader, he has not competed in the Rally Estonia since 2021. Five years of absence on roads which he has therefore not seen evolve. “It will be a big contrast coming from Greece, especially for me as I haven’t competed in this rally for five years.”, recognizes the reigning champion. “But I enjoyed my test last week to get back into the swing of things at high speed.”
Oliver Solberg, on the other hand, has no gaps to fill. The Swede secured his first victory here at the wheel of the Toyota GR Yaris Rally1 last year and returns with renewed motivation after a challenging series of rallies. “This is a very special place for me after our first win last year. I just want to try my best and see what we can do.”
This article might interest you
As for Sami Pajari, the young Finn says he particularly enjoys this summer spell: “Estonia and Finland are my favorite rallies on the calendar.” His starting position, less of a disadvantage than for the leading drivers, could offer him an opportunity to attack.
The rally covers 301,8 timed kilometers spread over 48 hours, with a shakedown on Friday morning followed by three special stages in the afternoon. The Kääriku stage, the longest of the weekend at 24,39 km, will conclude the event on Sunday.