Finland is no stranger to winning when it comes to rallying: only France has more event wins and event winners in the World Rally Championship.
But this is one title neither Sébastien can tilt in French favor.
Secto Rally Finland has won the Most Sustainable Sport Event category at the UN Tourism and FIA Awards for Excellence in Sustainable Sports Tourism in Madrid.
Evaluation criteria include environmental, social and economic impact, innovation, governance, scalability, and long-term legacy.
With a partner like Secto Automotive, the Jyväskylä-based event has become a powerhouse, regardless of the yardstick. It was recognized for its comprehensive and long-term sustainability work, where environmental responsibility, community engagement and measurable impact are embedded into all aspects of event delivery.
Three successive and enormously successful editions of the Spark the Future sustainability seminars didn’t go unnoticed.
Chief commercial officer of AKK Sport, the organizer of Secto Rally Finland Paula Paappanen said: “We would like to thank the staff of AKK Sports and Secto Rally Finland, as well as all our partners, local communities and stakeholders who work with us to develop sustainable solutions.
“A special thank you goes to Secto Automotive, the City of Jyväskylä, and everyone who played a key role in launching the Spark the Future sustainability seminar in 2022.”
Secto Automotive CEO Markus Vuolle said the partnership shared the same vision, adding: “Our cooperation with the event organiser, AKK, has been close and diverse year after year, and sustainability work has been developed through concrete actions together.
“Our shared values are clearly reflected in everything we do, and we are committed to taking this work even further in the years to come in connection with the Jyväskylä WRC rally. Secto Automotive congratulates AKK on this significant international recognition and encourages the team to continue its ambitious efforts towards a more sustainable future.”
FIA president and UN Ambassador for Sustainable Tourism in Sport Mohammed Ben Sulayem talked of his pride in seeing one of the WRC’s most celebrated rallies taking such a prestigious award.
“As we increase participation and welcome new fans worldwide,” he said, “motorsport has become one of the fastest growing sectors in global tourism. These awards celebrate our sport’s positive impact as a driving force of innovation, sustainable development, and economic growth.
“Sustainability is not just a goal, it is our responsibility, and I am proud that Secto Rally Finland has been recognised by UN Tourism for its leadership. Together, we are setting new benchmarks for sustainability and building a future where sport continues to unite people across borders.”
As a top-10 finisher of Finland’s round of the world championship, FIA deputy president for sport Malcolm Wilson understands all aspects of the event. The Briton added: “Secto Rally Finland stands as a powerful example of how sustainability and motorsport can coexist. The event has consistently shown leadership, not only through the sporting challenge for which it is renowned, but also through its commitment to innovation and progress within our sport.
“In 2025, Secto Rally Finland placed sustainability at the heart of its programme, hosting its third Spark the Future conference and shining a spotlight on the future of sustainable mobility and new energy solutions. I would like to extend my sincere congratulations to the entire organising team on this well-deserved recognition.”
Not a bad way for Secto Rally Finland to start its 75th birthday celebrations.
