and totally tested less than 10 times.
I also agree that Hype is too much now and expect Top6 results from Lappi, not podiums.
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His pre-Portugal test was on wet conditions and the rally was dry, so he went in with Hänninen's setup. He found his own setup on the last day, hence the good power stage time (and better results in Sardinia)
But I agree with you, let's not hype or expect too much, let him find his pace and surprise us positively.
Lappi did one day at the end of team's Rally Sweden tests, but because of issues with the car on the day he got to drive only for 3 hours or so. This was his first proper touch with the car.
Lappi did one day at Corsican test.
Lappi did one day before Portugal.
Lappi did one day before Sardegna (in Finland).
Lappi did one day before Poland.
That is not much. There could be an odd day more here and there, but I think those 5 days are pretty much all he have tested. He has not done any development testing as far as I know. That was mainly Hänninen's job who in a recent interview said he did something like 60 days in Yaris last year.
Toyota has been very quiet in testing front in Finland apart from Rally Sweden tests. I think they will use their homefield advantage before Rally Finland a lot more.
In the same year he crashed in Ypres, on Barum and on Corsica. Not saying he can't go fast. Yes, he can, but so far only from time to time he managed to keep the speed till the end without crashing.
Sardegna was a slow rally while Poland is a fast paced event. I don't expect podiums for the guy, but a top 5 is not too unlikely provided he has a good rally. I'm also not sure Toyota is as fast as the other cars.
Sordo has also been showing good speed lately minus car issues. It's a great year with so many different possibilities.
What suddenly happened to this Citroen WRT forum? Very well updated with Toyota now!
In its current state Citroën isn't worth discussing...
Lappi changed during ’16, being much more consistent than before (without losing the speed). He was 2nd to Evans on MC tricky stages (in a Even entry) and beat Skoda mates in Germany. For sure he’ll be always faster on gravel but his tarmac pace is also great, especially for a Finn.
Off topic.... Off topic.... Off topic.