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Esapekka Lappi, Janne Ferm, Toyota Gazoo Racing WRT Toyota GR Yaris Rally1
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How a Toyota lifeline reignited Lappi's WRC career

Motorsport can be brutal at times. One moment a driver can be the next big thing, but it can spiral in the other direction so quickly. Thankfully, sometimes drivers receive second chances. And Esapekka Lappi has taken his World Rally Championship lifeline in both hands

By his own admission, Esapekka Lappi thought that perhaps his World Rally Championship career was over after losing his drive at the end of 2020. But fast forward to 2022, and a lifeline thrown by Toyota has left the Finn hailing the “best and strongest season of my career.”

Lappi is proof that a sabbatical or a backward step can re-ignite a career that appeared to be spiralling downward. Challenging for victories and three podium finishes from seven WRC events this season has put the 31-year-old firmly back in the WRC mix and he is now likely to continue this triumphant return into 2023.

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