Wed 05 Feb 2025

Ouninpohja takes centre stage in revamped Secto Rally Finland route

Organisers of Secto Rally Finland have unveiled a thrilling new-look itinerary for this year’s 73rd edition, featuring the return of legendary roads and a fresh take on Super Sunday.

Based in Jyväskylä - the home of defending manufacturers’ champions Toyota GAZOO Racing - the FIA World Rally Championship’s fastest event kicks off on Thursday (31 July) with a high-energy blast through Harju (2.5km). The fan-favourite super special, set in the heart of the host city, blends asphalt and gravel.

Friday’s action stays largely true to last year’s route, beginning with the 17.96km Laukaa stage, unchanged from 2024. Saarikas (15.8km), which debuted 12 months ago, now runs in reverse, while Myhinpää (14.6km) gets a fresh challenge with a new start location. The legendary Ruuhimäki (7.76km), famed for its jaw-dropping jumps, rounds off the loop before all four tests are repeated in the afternoon. Another run through Harju wraps up the opening leg.

Saturday serves up another classic day of high-speed action. It begins with Parkkola (15.55km), incorporating the revered Mäkëla road - often hailed as one of Finland’s finest rally roads.

Västilä (18.94km) and Päijälä (20.19km) follow, before a reworked Leustu (16.39km), featuring sections untouched for nearly three decades, completes the loop. The quartet is repeated in the afternoon.

Then comes the showstopper. For the first time in WRC history, an entire rally day is dedicated to the world-renowned Ouninpohja stage.

Sunday, dubbed ‘Ouninday’ by organisers, features two runs through the monstrous 23.98km test, with the second pass doubling as the bonus points-paying Wolf Power Stage. Podium celebrations will follow in nearby Kakaristo.

"We wanted to find a way to make this legendary stage as accessible as possible for fans, and we believe this is the perfect solutions," explained Clerk of the Course Kai Tarkiainen. "There’s plenty of space along the stage, giving fans time to find the best viewing spots and enjoy the entire day. It also makes providing services much easier.

"Designing the route is balancing between several factors. The most important considerations are safety and sporting integrity, but of course, we also aim to create a great experience for both on-site spectators and TV production," he added.

SECTO RALLY FINLAND 2025 – ITINERARY

Wednesday 30.7.2025
19:00 | Start Ceremonies, Jyväskylä Harbour

Thursday 31.7.2025
09:01 | Shakedown, Ruuhimäki
19:05 | SS 1 Harju 1 (2.50km)
19:40 | Service A, Paviljonki (15 min)

Friday 1.8.2025
08:03 | SS 2 Laukaa 1 (17.96km)
09:03 | SS 3 Saarikas 1 (15.8km)
10:23 | SS 4 Myhinpää 1 (14.60km)
11:51 | SS 5 Ruuhimäki 1 (7.76km)
13:01 | Service B, Paviljonki (40min)
14:44 | SS 6 Laukaa 2 (17.96km)
15:44 | SS 7 Saarikas 2 (15.8km)
17:04 | SS 8 Myhinpää 2 (14.60km)
18:35 | SS 9 Ruuhimäki 2 (7.76km)
19:30 | SS 10 Harju 2 (2.50km)
20:05 | Service C, Paviljonki (45min, flex)

Saturday 2.8.2025
08:01 | SS 11 Parkkola 1 (15.55km)
09:42 | SS 12 Västilä 1 (18.94km)
10:36 | SS 13 Päijälä 1 (20.19km)
12:05 | SS 14 Leustu 1 (16.39km)
13:35 | Service D, Paviljonki (40 min)
15:01 | SS 15 Parkkola 2 (15.55km)
16:42 | SS 16 Västilä 2 (18.94km)
17:36 | SS 17 Päijälä 2 (20.19km)
19:05 | SS 18 Leustu 2 (16.39km)
20:15 | Service E, Paviljonki (45min, flex)

Sunday / Ouninday 3.8.2025
10:35 | SS 19 Ouninpohja 1 (23.98km)
11:15 | Regroup, Kakaristo (1h20 min)
13:15 | SS 20 Ouninpohja 2 (Wolf Power Stage) (23.98km)
14:15 | Podium, Kakaristo

Sweden
Starts: Thursday, February 13, 2025 at 8:00:00 AM
Spain
Starts: Thursday, April 3, 2025 at 7:00:00 AM
Turkey
Starts: Sunday, November 10, 2024 at 8:30:00 AM