Esapekka Lappi’s Rally Italia Sardegna Notebook 🇮🇹
Although he is a big fan of smooth, fast stages, Esapekka Lappi actually claimed his first WRC stage wins at the 2017 Rally Sardegna, before going on to finish an impressive third overall at last year’s event.
Here he talks about the event…
In 2017, were you expecting to end the rally as best performer with six stage wins, including the Power Stage, on only your second race in a WRC?
“Just before, at Rally de Portugal, I had the feeling that you needed to be totally perfect in your pace notes and in your driving in order to win a stage. Back then, I honestly thought I’d need more time in order to make that kind of big step forward. You also have to bear in mind that in 2017 in Sardinia, I had the advantage of road position on the Friday, as I started well down the running order. Things went very well for me then, so I hope it can work for me again this year, where I find myself in a fairly similar situation!”
Did you expect to break through on a technical event like this one, which is — at least, in principle — not your favourite surface?
“I don’t know, to be honest. Maybe I found the key to being fast in these conditions. At the time, it seemed easy to stay in the lines, without pushing too hard although it’s equally true that these narrow stages don’t leave much room to slide the car around. It’s up to me to apply the same approach. I’ve always liked this rally and not just for the race itself. It’s a magnificent place, the people are very kind and welcoming, and I also really enjoy the local cuisine.”
For someone like you, who has a gluten-free diet, where is the best place in Alghero to eat a good gluten-free pizza?
“On a boat, with a good chef on board! For the last three years, my family and Janne’s family have hired a boat straight after the rally to swim and relax, and we have spent some excellent holidays together.”
What is your favourite stage on the itinerary?
“They all have some nice characteristics, but I can’t say that I have a favourite stage. The only one that really stands out is Tergu — Osilo, which is where I claimed my first stage win in 2017. It is different in that the road is very abrasive. It’s almost like you’re on tarmac, so you have to be incredibly neat and tidy in your driving.”
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