Watch WRC Rally Finland — SS1 Harju Free.

What's at Stake

As the iconic Rally Finland gets underway, the opening Harju super special stage offers drivers the chance to claim early bragging rights and vital seconds in front of a passionate home crowd. While the short mixed-surface test won't win the rally, a mistake on the tricky tarmac and gravel streets of Jyväskylä can severely compromise a driver's championship aspirations and starting position for the grueling gravel stages ahead. With the title race entering its crucial summer phase, establishing immediate momentum is vital for the championship frontrunners.

Form Guide

Heading into one of the fastest events on the WRC calendar, the momentum is highly contested among the top manufacturer teams who have traded victories over recent high-speed gravel rounds. Drivers who excel on fast, flowing roads have shown strong pace in recent outings, making the transition to this unique, spectator-friendly street stage a test of adaptability. Precision and instant confidence on the mixed surfaces will be key for those looking to carry winning form into the weekend.

Key Players to Watch

• Kalle Rovanperä — The local hero and double world champion always carries immense speed on his home soil and will be highly motivated to dominate from the very first corner.
• Thierry Neuville — The experienced Belgian driver consistently excels in tricky, mixed-surface conditions and needs a strong start to protect his championship position.
• Elfyn Evans — A previous winner in Finland, the Welshman possesses the precise driving style required to navigate the tight curbs and transitions of the Harju stage.

Prediction

Expect local favorite Kalle Rovanperä to edge out the competition to take the fastest time on SS1 Harju, utilizing his deep familiarity with the event to thrill the home crowd. The margins will be incredibly tight, with less than two seconds separating the top five drivers as they complete the short spectator stage. This opening burst will set a thrilling tone for the high-speed gravel battles waiting in the forests on Friday.