Seppä rejoins Euro RX1 grid with ‘full focus’ on long-term career

A graduate of the prestigious Flying Finn Academy – a national talent programme that has fast-tracked the careers of compatriots Esapekka Lappi and Sami Pajari, current FIA World Rally Championship contenders both – Seppä initially cut his teeth in karting and rallying circles prior to turning his attentions to rallycross in 2021. 

Immediately turning heads on the domestic scene, the Kouvola native went on to win the Finnish Championship’s V1600 class title in 2024 – an achievement that earned him a seat with Škoda Motorsport Finland and a step-up to the headlining Supercar category. He has continued to impress ever since – including first time out in Euro RX1. 

Showcasing his pace and maturity courtesy of a composed, confident display that belied his relative lack of experience, Seppä occupied fifth position at the end of the opening day at the KymiRing last August. The second-quickest time in Q4 subsequently secured him a front row start at the semi-final stage, only for contact in Turn Two to scupper his hopes of reaching the final.

Just over seven months on and with a newly-built, facelifted Škoda Fabia at his disposal, he is looking to pick up from where he left off.

“Euro RX of Finland last year was a really big deal for me and our team,” acknowledged the 20-year-old rising star. “It showed us that the speed is there and that we can hold our own at such a high level. It also gave us an indication of what to expect in 2026, because the plan to enter Euro RX1 this season had been on my mind for some time.

“I have gathered enough budget for the first three rounds, so I am committed to competing in Latvia, Hungary and Sweden, and it is my firm ambition to raise sufficient funds to complete the full season. Rīga is the only circuit on the calendar I have driven before, but with the aid of a bit of sim racing in advance, I’m positive I can learn the others quite quickly. 

“I know the competition will be super-strong, which is why I want to be part of it, and my goal is to be in the fight for the podium and to continue developing in every area, from my performance on-track and professionalism off-track to the return-on-investment for my sponsors. Now that my mandatory military service is over, I can put my full focus on establishing a long-term career here.” 

Following the opening round of the campaign at the historic Biķernieku trase in the Latvian capital of Rīga on 9-10 May, Euro RX4 competitors will proceed to lock horns at Nyirád in Hungary (30-31 May), Höljes in Sweden (4-5 July), Mondello Park in Ireland (18-19 July), Lohéac in France (29-30 August) and finally Lousada in Portugal, where champions will be crowned on 12-13 September.