This legendary stage takes in parts of the Rapsula and Kakaristo Hassi stages
Ouninpohja features the most iconic and famous jump of the entire World Rally Championship – The Yellow House Jump, named after the yellow house in the lead-up to the crest. This is a massive absolutely flat out jump. To watch this stage you are advised to arrive AT LEAST 3 hours before the start of the stage. Many people camp in vans, cars or tents near the stage to ensure a viewing spot.Â
Due to the traffic surrounding the Ouninpohja stage and in particular the Yellow House Jump, realisticly you are only going to see the one stage in the day, so go prepared to stick around for the day.
Ouninpohja has been controversial in the past due to the high speeds achieved and large jumps. Marko Martin jumped 57 meters at a speed of 106 kmph and in 2004 Petter Solberg exceeded the 130 kmph maximum average speed of a stage set by the FIA. To keep the speed down the stage was split into two parts in 2005 and 2006, run with chicanes in 2007 and left out completely in 2008 and 2012. Â
Being one of the most iconic stages over the decades of the WRC, these decisions felt a little cautious, with opposing parties, including some drivers, pointed out that the maximum average speed was set at a time when the cars were far less capable and safe. The modern saftey cells in the car provide unprecedented security in the car and, although the cars are now faster and more powerful than at any time before, with the hi-tech suspension, differentials, chasis etc, control of the car is uncomparable to the past machinary.