The 2024 Secto Rally Finland schedule has been revealed, showcasing a new and exciting route for fans to enjoy. Taking place from 2nd-6th August 2023, this event is a highlight of the FIA World Rally Championship calendar. Known for its thrilling gravel roads and adrenaline-pumping jumps, Finland has always been a favorite among rally enthusiasts. With a total of 20 special stages covering 305 competitive kilometers, this year’s rally promises to be a fresh and exhilarating challenge. Not only does the route feature a significant 61% change from the previous year, but it also includes sections that haven’t been used since the mid-1990s.
The city of Jyväskylä will once again serve as the host for the event, providing a central location for the start and finish ceremonies, as well as the service park. The iconic Harju Super Special stage will kick off the rally on Thursday and conclude the action on Friday. Friday is set to be the longest day, with over 115km of intense racing. It will feature two passes of four stages in Laukaa, Saarikas, Myhinpää, and Ruuhiumäki. Each loop will be separated by a 40-minute service before the final thrilling run through Harju.
While some stages have previously been used in national events, the 2024 rally will give them a fresh twist. The Saarikas stage, for example, has never been part of the WRC before. Additionally, several other stages will have a different layout and feel compared to previous years. On Saturday, the action will take crews into the Jämsa region, where three stages will be tackled twice. Västilä and Päijälä will precede the iconic Ouninpohja stage, famous for its Yellow House Jump and sweeping corners. Ouninpohja will be run in the challenging 33km format last seen in 2016, but this time in the opposite direction.
The final day of the rally, known as Super Sunday, will see competitors face two stages in Sahloinen-Moksi and Laajavuori. The second pass through Laajavuori will also serve as the bonus points-paying Wolf Power Stage. After the thrilling race, the podium festivities and champagne celebrations will take place at Jyväskylä Harbour.
Clerk of the Course Kai Tarkiainen emphasized that the 2024 route was designed with the spectators in mind. The goal was to create an unforgettable experience for rally fans while also prioritizing sustainability and community engagement. The organizers believe that this year’s route is one of the best ever, offering a user-friendly and enjoyable experience for all. By considering the needs of local communities and the global rallying family, the Secto Rally Finland aims to benefit everyone involved.