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Since Ott Tanak had won 2019 WRC Championship title, popularity of rallying was on the rise in Estonia and event was under consideration to be included in the championship in the future, having been run as WRC Promotional Event in 2019.
In 2020, as COVID-19 outbreak forced cancellation of one event after another, FIA desperately needed new events to maintain legitimacy for the 2020 Championship Titles. Therefore Rally Estonia was included in the 2020 season calendar with very short notice as it was announced in beginning of July and was to be held in first days of September, mere two months later.
Nature of the roads in Estonia is said to resemble those in Finland except with fewer jumps. This means that local gravel roads are fast and at least for 2020 event, organisers added not only artificial chicanes but artificial jumps as well in order to curb the average speeds.
As with most modern events with repeated stages, road surface breaks up and forms ruts especially in corners and junctions. In general, smooth and naturally flowing roads were liked by the drivers.
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| 2020:
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Tanak, Ott
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Hyundai i20 Coupe WRC
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116.80 km/h
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| 2021:
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Rovanpera, Kalle
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Toyota Yaris WRC
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109.92 km/h
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| 2022:
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Rovanpera, Kalle
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Toyota GR Yaris Rally1
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107.92 km/h
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| 2023:
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Rovanpera, Kalle
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Toyota GR Yaris Rally1
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115.51 km/h
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Estonian roads are quite similar to those of neighbouring Finland, smooth gravel in the forest with both natural and artifical (see below) jumps.
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Some stages also run near water, adding to the finnesque atmosphere and appearance. Average speeds aren't as high as expected but still route is quite fast.
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For 2020, organisers added artificial jumps to curb top speeds and keep roads interesting.
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Driver wins
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Rovanpera, Kalle (3)
Tanak, Ott (1)
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Manufacturer wins
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Toyota (3)
Hyundai (1)
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