Watch WRC Rally Estonia — Shakedown Free.

What's at Stake

The return of Rally Estonia to the WRC calendar marks a critical juncture in the championship race, where high-speed precision is paramount. As the opening session of the weekend, the shakedown allows teams to fine-tune suspension settings and aero packages essential for tackling the event's famous high-speed jumps and technical crests. Success here sets the psychological tone for the rally and determines the final confidence levels for drivers facing some of the fastest average speeds of the season.

Form Guide

Heading into the 2026 season's summer gravel sweep, the momentum typically favors drivers who excel on low-grip, high-velocity surfaces. Recent rounds have shown a tightening battle at the top of the standings, with manufacturers finding incremental gains in hybrid power delivery and stability over jumps. Teams with strong records on similar Scandinavian-style terrain enter this event with a distinct developmental advantage based on previous performance data.

Key Players to Watch

• Ott Tänak — The home favorite remains the benchmark for speed on these specific Estonian gravel stages.
• Kalle Rovanperä — Renowned for his car control at high speeds, he is always a threat on fast, flowing roads.
• Elfyn Evans — A consistent performer on high-speed rallies who excels when technical precision is required.

Prediction

The shakedown is expected to see the local specialists and championship leaders trading fastest times as they calibrate their setups for the jumps. Expect the top three to be separated by less than a second, with the home advantage likely giving the edge to the local favorites in the final timing classifications. This session will ultimately confirm that the pace will be record-breaking throughout the weekend.