Finland has something special that you can't find in any other event, indeed. It's one of the few events where you have the feeling that the rally is the highlight of the year for everyone. In most events locals don't care about the rally and are sometimes even a bit annoyed by it. In Finland it's different and the sport seems much more respected. Even along the road sections you will see quite a number of people (mostly locals) along the road, watching the cars and often waiving some Finnish flags. And indeed, the rally takes place on everyday roads for Finnish people. If I'm not mistaken Ruuhimaki (used for shakedown) is part of a bus-route (public transport). On top of that the stages are probably the most exciting of all for both drivers and codrivers. I think in Sardinia or Poland (for example) it's easier to drive descent times if not everything is 100% right (in terms of pacenotes and setup of the car). Poland is very difficult as well on some sections, but in general there's some bigger margin for error, and the corners don't follow each other that quick. In Finland you must be very confident to be quick. More than in other events the corners/crests are somehow connected to each other, you have to look like 3 corners ahead to know the perfect approach. On many places you see drivers placing the cars sideways before the corner, before they can actually see the corner. My explanation is probably not the best. The best way to find out is by attending the event, and also by driving some of the stages yourself.

On a side-note, for all people who visit Finland. I haven't seen it in this thread here (maybe it was but then I've looked over it). There's a great rallyradio in Finland (if not the best in the world). The frequency is 99.3MHz. They have a great speaker with perfect English, good info about the event, stage times, stage end interviews etc. But also important, info when for example car parks are full, when there are big traffic jams etc. So besides giving all info about what's going on with the drivers, the rally radio can avoid some personal issues as well.