After finishing runner-up in the CrossCar Junior standings in 2023 and securing fourth place in the top category in both 2024 and 2025, Joonatan Ylilammi is set to return for another RallyX campaign this season.
Following a mixed start to last year behind the wheel of his Casmat chassis, the young Finn made the bold decision to switch to a SpeedCar Wonder midway through the season. The move paid immediate dividends, as three consecutive victories propelled him back into title contention heading into the decisive stretch of the championship.
Although more modest results at the final round in Buxtehude ultimately ended his championship hopes, that setback has not deterred him from returning to battle the leading CrossCar specialists in 2026.
Uncertainty had lingered at the end of the 2025 season regarding his ability to compete in RallyX in 2026 due to military service obligations. However, Ylilammi was quick to reassure his supporters.
“The postponement of my military service to 2027 made the decision much easier. It doesn’t change anything in the current situation, as I won’t need any special arrangements to compete in the RallyX championship in 2026,” he explains.
With that administrative hurdle now removed, the Finn can focus entirely on the sporting challenge ahead after a 2025 campaign that proved rich in lessons.
“The start of the 2025 season was particularly challenging as I got to grips with the Casmat chassis. Discovering new circuits, combined with winter testing conditions, added an extra layer of difficulty. In the end, the 2025 season was both demanding and extremely educational.”
Despite flashes of speed in the second half of the year, Ylilammi makes no excuses and offers a candid assessment.
“The results in 2025 did not meet our expectations. The objectives we had set for ourselves were unfortunately not achieved.”
That honesty reflects the mindset of a driver determined to shift the momentum in the months ahead.
“As a driver, I remain focused on my work and on my preparation in every area. The objective is clear: to keep improving. We are working actively to make the car faster, both on the engine side and with the chassis. The whole team is committed to taking the next step.”
Within that framework, his decision to join Mannisto Motorsport represents a logical progression in his career, built on continuity and stability.
“Joining Mannisto Motorsport felt like a natural choice. I have worked closely with this team since the beginning of my career, and they have almost always been involved alongside me. The team continues to grow, with Iivari and Iida-Maria Mannisto also competing in RallyX in the Junior championship. At Mannisto Motorsport, everything operates in a simple and efficient way — exactly what I needed.”