Esapekka Lappi says he is surprised that former Citroen teammate, Sebastien Ogier, continued into another season of the WRC
Speaking to RedBull after his rally-ending fire at the shortened Rally Mexico, Lappi explained his admiration for the Frenchman and the attention to detail which sets him apart.
"I have been lucky to work with several top drivers in the past three years and top of the cake was Seb last year," Lappi explained.
"The biggest difference was how much he was concentrating on the small details. Not really in terms of the set-up of the car, but all the other things like what is happening outside the driving.
"The crews, information and tyre choices - that is something that was good information for me and something that I haven't seen before."
The six-time champion is looking to make it seven in 2020, despite a late team change in what was his third change of teams in four years.
"I was surprised that Seb continued this season. I was kind of thinking he might stop," Lappi added.
Esapekka Lappi makes a splash during Rally Mexico. Photo: Jaanus Ree
"It seems that (losing the title to Tanak last season) was a boost for him. I don't know what he wants to do after the rallying apart from Extreme E. For sure, he will keep driving something."
Lappi, no longer one of the series' newcomers, said he values the friendliness of rallying compared to his youth in circuit racing.
"What I didn't like about circuit racing is that when you are competing against each other all the time, another driver can ruin your race very easily. It is not happening in rally and it is what I really like.
"It is mainly you, the co-driver, the clock and the car. It is only about you.
"On circuits, when you put a lot of money in and somebody ruins your race in the final race then all your money goes. It is not a nice feeling.
"I really like the feeling and the atmosphere in the rally paddocks and the service parks.
"On circuit racing, the drivers are fighting and the parents are fighting. In rallying, it is more friendly," he concluded.
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