Lappi “still in talks with Hyundai” as search for 2025 drive continues

Esapekka Lappi has provided an replace on his future, stating that he’s “nonetheless in talks” with Hyundai, whereas additionally different choices to proceed his rallying profession.

Lappi grew to become a free agent for 2025 after Hyundai introduced a brand new technique for its third World Rally Championship entry having opted to signal Adrien Fourmaux from M-Sport-Ford to pilot the automobile on a full-time foundation.

After finishing a full season with Hyundai in 2023, Lappi moved right into a part-time drive with the Korean marque for 2024, sharing the third i20 N Rally1 with Andreas Mikkelsen and Dani Sordo.

Regardless of a topsy-turvy 2024 that included victory in Sweden amid two retirements from his 5 rounds, Lappi had been eager to proceed his partial-season function with the crew transferring ahead, earlier than Hyundai’s determination to signal Fourmaux.

Whereas Lappi’s future is but to be resolved, the Finn says talks are persevering with with Hyundai which continues to be contemplating the prospect of working a fourth automobile at chosen occasions subsequent yr.

“We haven’t up to date something right here for some time, it’s primarily as a result of there hasn’t been any information to inform. However now I’ve determined to inform on the scenario, despite the fact that there isn’t a large information,” stated Lappi in a video on social media. 

“Initially because of everybody, the followers, sponsors who’ve lived with us [on this journey]. 

“Our season didn’t finish as we’d have preferred, however that may’t be modified anymore.

“Now we now have mentioned what might presumably be finished for this yr.

“We’re nonetheless in talks with Hyundai, however we’re different choices too, with an open thoughts to different collection to see what choices can be found. 

“So the scenario continues to be fully open, which isn’t a superb factor, however then again it is vitally liberating if you find yourself not tied to do something, so it additionally feels good I’ve to say.   

“Now let’s benefit from the winter days and see if our plans go in some way within the coming weeks. We’ll do one other put up when the time is true.”

Likewise, Lappi’s former Hyundai team-mates Mikkelsen and Sordo are but to make clear their plans for 2025.