After the trials of the Acropolis, Lauri Joona returns to gravel with renewed determination.
The Skoda Fabia RS Rally2 lines up at Rally Estonia with car number 24.
Third in shakedown: a promising start on the fast Baltic stages.
MS Munaretto is ready to tackle the demanding gravel roads of Northern Europe once again, with its next international outing set for Rally Estonia 2025. The team will field the Finnish crew of Lauri Joona and Samu Vaaleri, who will take on the Estonian stages behind the wheel of the Škoda Fabia RS Rally2, meticulously prepared by the Scledense-based outfit and sporting the number 24 on its flanks.
Following a challenging EKO Acropolis Rally, marked by unforeseen issues and extreme conditions, the squad is now aiming for redemption amid the blistering speeds and natural hazards of the Baltic stages. Forest straights, spectacular jumps and treacherously slippery surfaces are the hallmark of an event long considered one of the most thrilling and demanding on the calendar.
The Estonian rally action kicks off this evening with the traditional city stage in the heart of Tartu – 1.76 kilometres crafted to entertain the crowds and fire up the engines ahead of the real battles of the weekend. From tomorrow, Friday, things get serious with a schedule that includes seven special stages. Standouts include the two runs through Peipsiääre – the undisputed “queen” of this year’s edition at 24.3 kilometres – and the long Kambja, stretching close to 24 kilometres and expected to be a decisive challenge.
Early signs for Joona and Vaaleri are highly encouraging: in this morning’s shakedown, the young Finn clocked the third-fastest time among the Rally2 cars, showcasing impressive confidence both with the Škoda and with the Estonian gravel – a surface that complements his aggressive yet precise driving style.
