The 2006 event was based in the city of Jyväskylä in Finland and was contested over twenty one special stages, covering a total competitive distance of 351.61km (218.48 miles).

Twenty seven were entered under World Rally Car regulations, as were eighteen in the Junior WRC category.

[6] Loeb's fears of not being able to manage first were not unfounded; by mid-day on Friday, he would fall to fourth as his championship rival Gronholm took the lead.

Sordo would lose time during the incoming rain towards the end of the day, as his windshield wipers were not working properly.

[8][9] Saturday would be a dominant performance by Gronholm, who would soar into the lead after luckily escaping a collision with a rock.