Watch WRC Rally Estonia — Stages 9-16 Free.

What's at Stake

As the World Rally Championship reaches the heart of the summer, the high-speed gravel stages of Rally Estonia serve as a critical battleground for the drivers' championship. Stages 9 through 16 represent the longest and most demanding leg of the event, where maintaining maximum speed through sweeping corners is vital for securing crucial manufacturer and driver points. With the championship race tightening, any mistake on these ultra-fast roads could severely damage a driver's title aspirations.

Form Guide

Heading into this crucial Saturday loop, the frontrunners have shown exceptional pace on fast gravel surfaces, which demand immense confidence and precise car setups. Recent rounds have favored drivers who can master loose surfaces while managing tire wear under high thermal degradation. The momentum lies with those who have demonstrated consistent podium finishes in similar high-speed Baltic and Scandinavian events earlier in the season.

Key Players to Watch

• Kalle Rovanperä — The Finnish driver is historically dominant on high-speed gravel roads, utilizing his precise driving style to carry immense speed through sweeping corners.
• Ott Tänak — Competing on his home soil, the Estonian hero possesses unmatched local knowledge and motivation to push his machine to the absolute limit.
• Elfyn Evans — Known for his smooth driving style and excellent tire management, he remains a constant threat to capitalize on any mistakes made by the road-sweepers ahead.

Prediction

The high-speed nature of Saturday's stages will favor drivers starting further down the running order, as they benefit from a cleaner, swept line. Expect Ott Tänak to utilize his local expertise and favorable road position to build a decisive lead over his championship rivals during this loop. His ability to manage tire wear on the second pass of these grueling stages should secure him the top spot heading into the final day.