Ouninpohja discussions for Rally Finland 2025 set to begin

Ahead of last week’s Secto Rally Finland, one word, one place and one road dominated. Ouninpohja. That the stage delivered is beyond question, but will it be back? That’s up to the local villagers.

The return of one of the world’s most famous roads was made possible with the cooperation of those residents living on and around the route for the stage close to Jämsä. Clerk of the course Kai Tarkiainen told DirtFish hopes of repeating the stunning 20-miler would sit in their hands.

“It was,” he said, “a massive effort from the team on the ground and from everybody involved to make it happen, and that effort looks to have very much paid off. I was watching from rally control and it’s definitely one of the great spectacles of the event and in motorsport – it’s an absolute classic to see the cars over those jumps and crests. It’s definitely one to go and watch.”

But will it be back?

“Honestly, I haven’t had time to talk to the people who pulled the whole thing together – but I will be doing that. This stage coming back this year was very much down to the work of the local village residents, the people from around the Kakaristo junction. They made it happen and if they’re willing to do that again then I’d be very interested to discuss is being back on the route again for next year.

“We’ll let the dust settle on this one and then go and talk to them and understand their feelings. But it was great to have it on the route and we’re very grateful to the villagers and, of course, the motor clubs who ran the stage.”

To a crew, Ouninpohja was a welcome addition that would be very welcome back. From the top, event winner Sébastien Ogier said: “I have driven this stage a few times in the past and it’s incredible. There’s no doubt this was one of the highlights of the event. I felt I could have been faster in some places, but it’s such a challenge – especially on the first pass. It’s a great stage, the road is incredible.”

The Toyota driver’s countryman and fellow Finland podium sitter Adrien Fourmaux added: “Ouninpohja is just unique. You cannot compare that stage with any other one: the crests are much bigger and higher, and the jumps are crazy, and you really need to jump into the next corner, which is also with another jump. It’s just incredible. And I was like cutting [corners] in the air. It’s a stage in true 3D.

“You watch the videos, the onboards, but it’s so much faster than you think. These cars are just unbelievable. It’s just way faster and incredible. Congratulations to the organizers for bringing it back, it’s so cool. I hope it’s here again for next year.”