Rally Finland has become the fastest and one of the most beloved stops on the World Rally Championship calendar, since hosting its first event in 1951. Held annually on smooth gravel roads through the Finnish wilderness, Rally Finland provides unique high-speed thrills for competitors and fans.
Let’s explore why Rally Finland’s smooth and rapid routes are a favorite among drivers, how Finland has shaped rally design, and the memorable moments that make it an essential WRC round.
Rally Fastest Roads on the WRC
What sets Rally Finland apart is its smooth gravel roads allowing jaw-dropping speeds over crests and jumps. Where loose surfaces elsewhere require measured pace, Finnish roads allow flat-out driving thanks to their hard-packed gravel, easy cambers, and flowing corners.
Top average speeds exceed 110 mph through the Finnish forests. On the famous Ouninpohja stage, triple-digit speeds are common even into tight bends. Competitors regularly achieve the longest jumps in WRC, catching airtime over hills and crests at over 100 mph. The speed is simply unmatched anywhere else on the calendar.
Origins of Rally Finland’s Roads
How did Finland’s roads develop into such a high-speed rally spectacle? Their origins trace back to the 1950s when competitions were run on logging routes built for timber transportation. To access remote forests, the roads needed to remain passable year-round.
Hard gravel surfaces prevented ruts and damage from heavy logging trucks in wet conditions. Gentle cambers and smooth grading assisted vehicle stability at speed. The lack of elevation changes or sharp turns benefited swift timber transport.
These efficient logging road principles evolved into Finland’s signature high-speed rally stages chasing time rather than technical prowess alone. Nowhere else carried over the local demands for fast forest roads quite like Finland.
Famous Finnish Drivers
Rally Finland’s homegrown drivers like Tommi Mäkinen and Marcus Grönholm used their experience on Finnish roads to become World Champions. Other legendary Finnish pilots include Ari Vatanen, Hannu Mikkola, and Juha Kankkunen.
This Finnish dominance even led to the nickname “Flying Finns” due to their daredevil speed through their home event. Familiarity with the unique flow of Finnish roads gives these drivers an innate edge to showcase their courage and car control.
Rally Finland Technical Challenges
Sheer speed isn’t the only challenge teams face in Finland. Elevated speeds compress the margins of error and penalty for mistakes. Finland also demands optimized car setups to survive its demands.
Stiffer suspensions allow stable landing after huge jumps. Underbodies must withstand brutal impacts off crests approaching 120 mph. Gravel suspension and tire compounds require refinement to manage lateral loads in sweeping corners taken flat-out. Teams spend months preparing the strongest yet nimblest cars possible for Finland’s gauntlet.
Legendary Rally Finland Moments
With its high stakes, Finland has hosted some unforgettable moments:
- In 1983, Hannu Mikkola flew his Audi Quattro over 150 meters off the Ässäköngäs ski jump in a stunning PR stunt.
- Tommi Mäkinen won his home rally 4 consecutive times between 1994-1997, the only driver with such a dominant streak.
- Citroen driver Petter Solberg flipped his Xsara WRC end over end in 2003 but incredibly landed on its wheels to finish the stage.
Rally Finland continues to create legendary memories thanks to its singular challenge. Drivers must commit to inherently dangerous speeds few possess the bravery and precision to attempt. The Flying Finns make it look easy.
Why Finland Matters
For drivers and fans, Finland’s rocketing gravel stages distill the sport down to sheer courage and commitment. Unencumbered by technical turns or elevation, speed rules the day. Finland rewards supreme car control and machine development for stability at immense velocity.
No other venue permits such outrageous speeds as Finland. This highly focused challenge explains its importance to competitors and beloved status among fans. Rally Finland embraces the extremes of precision and bravery that make rally so captivating. At top speed, the Flying Finns still soar.
