The Finnish Rally Championship has unveiled its 2025 calendar, and rally fans are in for an electrifying season with seven rounds that combine beloved classics, lesser-known gems, and a brand-new host location. The championship sticks to its traditional format with three winter rallies and four summer events, but the 2025 season will also feature two exciting 60th anniversary celebrations.
The season kicks off on January 17-18 in Kuopio, a relatively new addition to the championship roster, having previously hosted rounds in the early 2020s. Kuopio, located in Northern Savonia, will set the stage for what promises to be an action-packed year.
Next up is the legendary Arctic Lapland Rally in Rovaniemi, scheduled for January 31-February 1. This iconic event will celebrate a historic milestone—its 60th consecutive running – solidifying its status as one of the cornerstones of Finnish rallying.
Wrapping up the winter season on March 7-8 is Savonlinna, making its debut as a Finnish Rally Championship host. While the region has hosted rounds of the Historic Rally Trophy in recent years, it will be a fresh challenge for many competitors tackling its icy stages for the first time.
The summer leg kicks off with the SM Länsirannikon Rally in Turku on May 23-24, following the success of this year’s joint event with the Estonian championship. Talks are already underway to continue this cross-border collaboration in 2025, much to the delight of fans and drivers alike.
On June 13-14, the action moves to Kouvola, a staple of the Finnish rally scene. This marks the series’ first return to the region in three years, bringing a sense of nostalgia while providing a thrilling experience for newer drivers.
The penultimate round heads to Lahti on August 22-23, retaining its status as the “Rally Super Weekend” with not just a Finnish Championship round but also events for the European Historic Rally Championship and Finnish Historic Rally Trophy.
The grand finale takes place in Seinäjoki on September 26-27. This season-closer is one of the most traditional stops on the championship tour and will be organized by the Etelä-Pohjanmaa Autosport Club, celebrating its 60th anniversary in 2025.
What to Expect in 2025?
Mika Heinonen, promoter of the Finnish Rally Championship, is thrilled with the upcoming season’s lineup: “The 2025 calendar is a perfect blend of history, tradition, and fresh challenges. With the 60th anniversary events in Rovaniemi and Seinäjoki, we’ve got some exciting surprises in store for fans. It’s fantastic to see our clubs stepping up and committing to putting on top-tier events that showcase the very best of Finnish rallying.”
As always, the championship continues to enjoy robust support from the local communities and organizations that help bring these events to life, ensuring the sport remains vibrant and accessible for both competitors and spectators.
2025 Finnish Rally Championship Calendar:
1. Kuopio – Kuopion Urheiluautoilijat ry & Koillis-Savon Urheiluautoilijat ry (17-18 January)
2. Rovaniemi – Rovaniemen Urheiluautoilijat ry (31 January-1 February)
3. Savonlinna – Savonlinnan Urheiluautoilijat ry (7-8 March)
4. Turku – Turun Urheiluautoilijat ry (23-24 May)
5. Kouvola – Kouvolan Seudun Autourheilijat ry (13-14 June)
6. Lahti – Lahti Historic Rally ry (22-23 August)
7. Seinäjoki – Etelä-Pohjanmaan Urheiluautoilijat ry (26-27 September)