WRC Safari: Lappi insists Sweden win won't impact approach to Safari,

Hyundai Motorsport star Esapekka Lappi says his Rally Sweden win won’t impact on his approach to this month’s Safari Rally set for 28 to 31 March.

The Finn scored his second career FIA World Rally Championship win in Umeå last month, having waited more than six years after his initial Rally Finland success in 2017.

WRC Safari Rally: Oliver Solberg eager to race in Kenya

However, last month’s victory doesn’t mean he’ll be risking all for number three in Naivasha.

Lappi’s role as one of Hyundai's part-time drivers this season is to support his championship-leading team-mate Thierry Neuville as well as 2019 world champion Ott Tänak.

“I will try to do the best I can in the next rally,” said Lappi. “We will see how it develops there. The targets will be a bit flexible, like always through the weekend, so we need to adjust to them as we go.”

Lappi endured a torrid Safari last season, with his Hyundai i20 N Rally1 Hybrid suffering a myriad of propshaft issues.

He’s hoping for better fortunes in Kenya this time around

“At least I go there knowing what the roads are like and what I can expect,” he said. “I think we will be better prepared and the car should be more reliable – last year it was an incredible experience with amazing views and people. OK, the competition was not so good for me, but everything else was. I’m looking forward to it.”

By WRC.com