“No regrets” as Ferm calls time on WRC co-driving career

Last week's Rally Chile Bio Bío marked Ferm's 90th and final WRC start, capping off a distinguished career that saw him celebrate two victories, 15 podiums, and 77 stage wins.

The 44-year-old has been Esapekka Lappi’s trusted partner for nearly 15 years. Their journey began on Finnish soil, contesting national rallies in a humble Honda Civic Type-R before steadily rising through the ranks together.

After claiming the WRC2 title with Škoda Motorsport in 2016, Ferm and Lappi made their breakthrough in 2017 when they joined Toyota GAZOO Racing for an eight-round WRC campaign. Just four rallies in, they secured their maiden victory on home soil at Rally Finland, a highlight of their early years.

It wasn't until Rally Sweden this year, after stints with Citroën, M-Sport Ford, and back to Toyota before eventually joining Hyundai, that the duo returned to the top step of the podium. Through the highs and lows of their journey, Ferm remains content with how it all unfolded.

“It was already on my mind since last year,” Ferm told WRC.com, “but when EP (Esapekka Lappi) said that we could do a part-time season [in 2024], I said this would be okay. But now it’s time to move away.

“I love the sport and I love the people around it, but there is a lot of travelling that you are doing. It felt good that [we] are doing a part-time season. This year I have had the chance to be spectating on rallies and it has been a blast. It’s amazing to see the people doing absolutely incredible things with the cars, and I have been privileged to be sitting in one of the WRC cars and doing that. Now, I have a family, so I want to spend more time with them.

“Probably my biggest memory is when I met EP for the first time,” he continued. “After that, we have been in the marriage for 15 years. Okay, the marriage is not ending, we are just, like they say, living under separate departments after this.

“You cannot regret anything. Life is too short for that.”

As for what lies ahead, Ferm’s future remains open. He’s already entered the Rallylegend show event in Italy, where he'll co-drive former F1 racer Heikki Kovalainen in a Citroën C3 World Rally Car. He also expressed interest in nurturing the next generation of rally talent.

“[I will] probably help the youngsters, that would be something, but to be fair I have no idea,” Ferm revealed. “At the moment I have no plans. I have to just chill out for a moment and then we will see. But for sure, Rally Finland next year, I will be there – spectating!”