Preparations for the Arctic Lapland Rally, which takes place on the last weekend of January, are in full swing. With just a few minor details remaining, both the route and the timetable are ready. The two-day event will feature 12 special stages covering more than 200 kilometres. In recognition of the rally’s demanding nature, competitors will be awarded 1.5 times the usual Finnish Rally Championship points, an increase from last year.

As usual, the rally route will wind its way around Rovaniemi and Kemijärvi. On Thursday of rally week, all competitors will gather with their rally cars in Lordi’s Square in central Rovaniemi for the ceremonial start. On Friday, the rally convoy will head towards Ranua, where the legendary Aittajärvi special stage will be run twice. Friday evening will culminate close to the city center at Mäntyvaara, which will once again host a major celebration for rally fans.

The Ristilampi Special Stage Makes Its Return

On Saturday, following the spectator-friendly Jyrhämäjärvi special stage just outside Rovaniemi, the route will continue via Vantauskoski towards Kemijärvi. There, the popular Sarriojärvi and Kemijärvi town-centre special stages await. The town-centre stage will be run on roads and paths designated for light traffic, while a rally service park will be set up next to the stage at Kuumaniemi Market Square.

After Kemijärvi, the rally convoy will head to the legendary Ristilampi special stage, which returns to the route after a break. Ristilampi has hosted countless rally stages over the years, but in recent years the training area managed by the Finnish Defence Forces has seen more heavy military vehicles than rally cars. Now, rally drivers will get the chance to test their skills in this “war zone”. The legendary stage, stretching over 30 kilometres, is certain to be one of the places where the rally winners are decided.

The final special stage of the rally will take place at Mäntyvaara in Rovaniemi. For the first time, the event will adopt the Power Stage format familiar from the World Rally Championship, with additional Finnish Championship points awarded to the fastest drivers in each class. This will ensure that the excitement continues right to the very end.

“Our route team, led by Katriina Keskiniva, has been working hard throughout the summer. Planning and putting together the route is quite a puzzle, with countless different factors to consider. In my opinion, we have done an excellent job with the route. It offers a great mix of long, demanding forest stages deep in the wilderness and spectator-friendly special stages that are easily accessible in urban areas.”

“I am particularly delighted that we can once again run the legendary Ristilampi special stage after a break. It also demonstrates that the rally organisation has strong and effective relationships with landowners, reindeer herders and the Finnish Defence Forces. It is also fantastic that this demanding two-day rally has received recognition from Finland’s national motorsport federation, AKK. The event in January will award 1.5 times the usual Finnish Championship points.” says Heikki Poranen, known as “Mr. Tunturiralli”.

Will We See World Rally Championship Drivers in Lapland?

The World Rally Championship season has just concluded, and speculation is already mounting about next year’s drivers and manufacturers. The Arctic Lapland Rally takes place three weeks before Rally Sweden, making it an excellent opportunity for drivers to test their cars and familiarise themselves with snow and ice conditions.

“The World Rally Championship is set to undergo quite radical changes in its premier class machinery. However, it is too early to speculate on whether WRC teams will come here to test ahead of Rally Sweden. We have already held discussions with some teams, of course, but we will have to see where those conversations lead.”

“Last winter, Elfyn Evans competed in the Arctic Lapland Rally and went on to win Rally Sweden immediately afterwards. In early October, he was crowned World Rally Champion. Naturally, stories like that are excellent calling cards for our event,” says Heikki Poranen, Chairman of the Arctic Lapland Rally Organising Committee.

The Arctic Lapland Rally will take place on 28–30 January 2027.

62nd Arctic Lapland Rally

Rally Schedule

Thursday, 28 January 2027

13:00 — Shakedown
19:00 — Ceremonial Start, Lordi’s Square

Friday, 29 January 2027

10:43 — SS1 Aittajärvi 1 — 22.25 km
11:46 — SS2 Venni–Mäntyvaara — 12.42 km
14:34 — SS3 Kellolampi — 9.21 km
15:07 — SS4 Siikakämä — 29.97 km
16:50 — SS5 Aittajärvi 2 — 22.25 km
18:13 — SS6 Mäntyvaara — 3.99 km

Saturday, 30 January 2027

09:03 — SS7 Veittivaara — 24.10 km
10:26 — SS8 Jyrhämäjärvi — 22.34 km
12:49 — SS9 Sarriojärvi — 31.67 km
13:37 — SS10 Kemijärvi — 2.27 km
15:10 — SS11 Ristilampi — 31.50 km
17:03 — SS12 Mäntyvaara, Power Stage — 3.99 km
17:58 — Podium Ceremony, Lordi’s Square

Special Stage Distances

• Friday: 100.09 km
• Saturday: 115.87 km
• Total competitive distance: 215.96 km