Watch WRC Secto Rally Finland — Super Special Stage 1 Free.

What's at Stake

As the World Rally Championship arrives at the iconic Secto Rally Finland, the opening Harju super special stage offers drivers the chance to claim early bragging rights and vital seconds in the fight for the world championship title. Navigating the mixed-surface street stage in the heart of Jyväskylä requires absolute precision, where even the smallest mistake in front of the massive crowds can compromise a driver's entire weekend before the high-speed gravel tests begin. This historic event remains one of the most prestigious victories on the WRC calendar, making a strong start essential for building momentum.

Form Guide

Heading into this round, the battle at the top of the championship standings remains incredibly tight, with the leading manufacturers trading victories over the recent fast gravel events. Drivers who excel on high-speed, high-commitment roads have shown strong pace in the lead-up to Finland, while those fighting to close the gap in the points standings will look to exploit any minor slip-ups from the frontrunners on this tricky opening spectator stage.

Key Players to Watch

• Kalle Rovanperä — The local hero and double world champion will be highly motivated to master the tricky mixed surfaces of his home event and secure an early advantage.
• Thierry Neuville — The experienced Belgian driver will look to utilize his precise driving style to navigate the tight street sections and protect his championship aspirations.
• Elfyn Evans — A previous winner in Finland, the Welshman excels on high-speed terrain and possesses the sharp reflexes needed to conquer the opening super special.

Prediction

Expect a highly competitive and spectacular opening stage, with the specialized gravel experts quickly adapting to the tarmac and loose surface transitions of the Harju test. Local favorite Kalle Rovanperä is predicted to edge out his rivals to take the fastest time on Stage 1, using his familiarity with the event to claim a narrow lead of under a second heading into the first full day of action. The tight nature of the street circuit will keep the overall time gaps incredibly close across the top Rally1 competitors.