Rising talent Lappi plots IRC move

Finnish rally champion elect Esapekka Lappi, one of the most exciting young drivers currently competing, is set to step up to the Intercontinental Rally Challenge in 2013.

The 21-year-old, who is managed by EVEN Rally, the same organisation behind IRC champion and current title leader Andreas Mikkelsen, has secured a long-term agreement that will enable him to progress his career on the international stage.

“I will do an international programme and I hope to move with an S2000 car to the IRC because this is the most sensible for me,” said Lappi. "I have a long deal now for the future so I am very happy and the IRC is good because I don’t have experience on Tarmac.”