Lappi not threatened by Fiesta R5 update

Skoda star Esapekka Lappi is not worried about M-sport’s development of its Ford Fiesta R5 car despite Elfyn Evans’ WRC2 Monte Carlo win.

Lappi was competing in the French Alps for just the second time in his career, but didn’t use the event as a point-scoring opportunity. His times improved as the rally progressed.

“I was lost for the driving early in the rally,” he said. “I didn’t understand how I should drive on this dirty, snowy places or icy places – I had never driven slicks on ice. I used the tips I picked up early and it got better in the second half of the rally. I am quite satisfied, to be honest.”

On the subject of M-sport’s improved R5 car, he added: “I’m not worried. Why would I worry? I can’t do anything about it at all, so what is the point to think about it. We have been doing some small things with the Skoda, we go step-by-step, but we have no big evolutions.”

Lappi, who starred in last year’s WRC2 season, said he welcomed Evans to the competition.

“For sure,” he said, “he gives more weight or more value for the championship. It’s nice to compare the times, if we can match the speed. He has been in the World Rally Championship, OK not at the top, but sometimes quite close – it’s a good extra.”

Lappi funded the Monte Carlo drive himself, and will also attempt to fund a Rally Sweden entry.