ENNI MALKONEN Returns to Rally1 for Fourth WRC Outing at Sweden with Lappi

February 6, 2026

• ENNI MALKONEN continues building her Rally1 resume with her fourth top-tier WRC appearance at Rally Sweden, co-driving with Esapekka Lappi in what marks their first collaboration in a manufacturer entry. While Lappi gets the headlines for his surprise comeback, we shouldn’t overlook that MALKONEN has been steadily climbing the co-driver ranks and now finds herself in one of the sport’s most coveted seats.
• The Finnish duo proved their winter rally credentials just days before in Sweden, taking a class victory at the Arctic Lapland Rally in a Skoda Fabia Rally2. MALKONEN’s ability to seamlessly transition from national championship success to Rally1 preparation shows the kind of adaptability that separates good co-drivers from great ones – and Hyundai clearly recognizes her value in this partnership.
• This Rally Sweden represents a significant step for MALKONEN’s career trajectory, moving from scattered Rally1 appearances to being part of a podium-contending effort. With Hyundai sporting director Andrew Wheatley expressing confidence that all three team cars can fight for the podium, MALKONEN has a real opportunity to add her name to the list of women who’ve stood on WRC’s top step.

hyundai, junior wrc, rally sweden, rally1