Rally Finland: Estonian, Finnish and Czech Škoda crews pursue glory on fast gravel in Jyväskylä

› Estonians Robert Virves and Jakko Viilo (Škoda Fabia RS Rally2) target another strong result in the ninth round of the FIA World Rally Championship
› Local Škoda crews Mikko Heikkilä/Kristian Temonen, Lauri Joona/Samu Vaaleri, and Emil Lindholm/Reeta Hämäläinen are among the leading contenders for WRC2 honours
› Eleven Škoda crews are entered for Rally Finland, with nine competing for WRC2 points

Mladá Boleslav, 30 July 2025 – Fresh from their WRC2 victory at Rally Estonia, the Škoda Fabia RS Rally2 crew Robert Virves/Jakko Viilo (Toksport WRT) head to the next fast gravel round of the FIA World Rally Championship with high expectations. At Rally Finland (31 July–3 August 2025), the Estonian pairing will face strong opposition, including local Škoda crews Mikko Heikkilä/Kristian Temonen (TGS Worldwide), Lauri Joona/Samu Vaaleri (MS Munaretto), and Emil Lindholm/Reeta Hämäläinen (Toksport WRT).

The tactical battle for the WRC2 title continues: overall leader Oliver Solberg and current runner-up Yohan Rossel return to the competition after missing one event. Gus Greensmith, who currently sits third in the standings, has not nominated Rally Finland as one of his seven WRC2 points-scoring events. The Englishman, alongside Swedish co-driver Jonas Andersson, will contest only the RC2 class in RaceSeven’s Škoda Fabia RS Rally2. Meanwhile, Škoda driver Roberto Daprà (Delta Rally Team), currently fourth overall in WRC2, is skipping Rally Finland altogether.

Robert Virves and co-driver Jakko Viilo are looking to further improve their position in the championship standings. Following their WRC2 win at Rally Estonia, 25-year-old Virves is currently ranked eighth overall. “Winning on home ground was a huge relief for us after a difficult season so far. Knowing how well the Škoda Fabia RS Rally2 performs on fast gravel stages, I see no reason why we shouldn’t aim for another top result,” says Virves, looking ahead to Rally Finland. Last year, the Estonian was in contention for a WRC2 podium finish before losing nearly four minutes on stage 16 due to an opening bonnet.

However, the Estonians are up against tough competition in Finland. The “Flying Finns” are fully focused on delivering a home victory. Among the leading contenders for a top WRC2 result are local Škoda crews Mikko Heikkilä/Kristian Temonen (TGS Worldwide), Lauri Joona/Samu Vaaleri (MS Munaretto), and Emil Lindholm/Reeta Hämäläinen (Toksport WRT), the 2022 WRC2 champions.

Experienced Czech driver Martin Prokop and co-driver Michal Ernst are taking a different approach. “My goal is simply to have fun on these beautiful and fast gravel roads,” explains Martin Prokop. He will contest Rally Finland for the 15th time, this year driving a Škoda Fabia RS Rally2 serviced by his family-run team. The 42-year-old continues to match much younger competitors, as demonstrated by his third-place finish in WRC2 at Rally Italia Sardegna.

The ninth round of the 2025 FIA World Rally Championship, Secto Rally Finland, comprises 20 special stages covering a total of 307.22 kilometres. Crews will tackle fast, smooth gravel roads with numerous jumps, earning the event its nickname: the “Finnish Grand Prix on Gravel.” Competition begins on Thursday evening (31 July) with a Super Special Stage on the streets of Harju, close to the rally centre in Jyväskylä. Friday’s leg comprises nine stages totalling approximately 114 kilometres. Saturday features the longest day, with eight stages covering more than 142 kilometres. The rally will be decided on Sunday with two runs over the famous 23.98-kilometre ‘Ouninpohja’ stage.

Did you know…
…at the last three editions of Rally Finland, WRC2 category has been won by Škoda crews?
...the rally was first held in 1951 as ‘Jyväskylän Suurajot’, meaning ‘The Great Race of Jyväskylä’?
…from 1959 to 1996, the event was known as the ‘Rally of the Thousand Lakes’ before being renamed Rally Finland?
…the rally was part of the inaugural World Rally Championship season in 1973?

Standings WRC2/Drivers (after 8 of 14 events)
1 Oliver Solberg (SWE), Toyota 85 points
2 Yohan Rossel (FRA), Citroën, 82 points
3 Gus Greensmith (GBR), Škoda, 57 points
4 Roberto Daprà (ITA), Škoda, 49 points

Standings WRC2/Teams (after 8 of 14 events)
1 PH Sport, Citroën, 163 points
2 Toksport WRT, Škoda, 89 points
3 Toyota Gazoo Racing WRT NG, Toyota, 89 points
4 Sarrazin Motorsport-Iron Lynx, Citroën, 64 points

2025 FIA World Rally Championship

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