FIA Junior WRC Title Fight Heats Up as Gill and Johansson Clash at High-Speed Rally Finland

The FIA Junior WRC Championship shifts into high gear this week as title contenders Taylor Gill and Mille Johansson reignite their battle at the legendary Secto Rally Finland (31 July – 3 August), the penultimate round of the 2025 season.

Known for its breathtaking jumps, fast-flowing gravel roads, and forest-lined crests, Rally Finland is widely regarded as the crown jewel of global rallying. As the championship enters its most critical phase, just seven points separate current leader Gill from his Swedish rival Johansson — setting the stage for a high-stakes showdown.

Local Knowledge Meets High Stakes

Gill, the Australian ace who has called Finland home for the past two years, returns to the scene of his maiden Junior WRC win in 2024. The 2025 season has seen him dominate early with two wins and a second-place finish in Greece, putting him on top of the standings. His consistency and experience on Finnish roads make him the driver to beat.

“It’s great to come back to Finland — it’s where my Junior WRC journey really took off,” said Gill. “I’ve got confidence from last year, but with Mille pushing so hard, we’ll need to be perfect this week.”

Johansson, despite sitting second in the standings, leads the field with a stunning 29 Wolf Stage Win points, showcasing his raw pace across the calendar. “It’s just seven points — we can take that back in one rally if we get everything right,” he said. “We’ve shown good speed, and Finland suits my style. It’s wide, fast, and full of crests — like Sweden, but even more challenging.”

Level Playing Field, Maximum Pressure

All Junior WRC competitors drive identical M-Sport Poland-prepared Ford Fiesta Rally3 Evos on Hankook tyres, emphasizing driver skill over car performance. On Finland’s flat-out gravel stages, that means absolute commitment and precision will be essential.

Although the championship cannot be decided this weekend — with dropped scores and double points on offer at the final round in Central Europe — every stage win, every bonus point in Jyväskylä could shape the ultimate title outcome.

“This is the kind of rally that separates the good from the great,” said Maciej Woda, FIA Junior WRC Championship Manager. “Finland is a true test of commitment and skill. We’re expecting a fierce contest between Gill and Johansson, but the entire field will need to bring their best to stay in contention.”

Rising Stars and Dark Horses

While the spotlight is on the top two, the championship fight remains wide open. Ali Türkkan, fresh off a win in Greece and a narrow victory over Eamonn Kelly at the HYAcenter Ralli in Finland, currently sits third in the standings. Kerem Kazaz holds fourth, just ahead of Kelly.

Also looking to make an impact are promising names like Diego Dominguez, Thomas Martens, Max Smart, and Claire Schönborn. Finnish newcomer Aatu Hakalehto will make his Junior WRC debut, having earned a place in the lineup through the prestigious AKK Flying Finn Award.

What’s at Stake in Finland

• Championship lead: Just 7 points separate Taylor Gill and Mille Johansson
• Wolf Stage Win Points: Johansson leads with 29, offering a vital edge
• Penultimate Round: Double points and dropped scores at the finale mean Finland could swing the momentum
• Iconic Challenge: High-speed gravel, extreme crests, and ever-changing grip define Rally Finland

The Road Ahead

With only one round remaining after Finland, the 2025 FIA Junior WRC Championship is reaching a boiling point. The forests of Jyväskylä will not decide the title, but they will undoubtedly define the narrative heading into the final battle in Central Europe.