Kalle Rovanpera has taken control of the Rally of Finland, showcasing why he is one of the most formidable drivers in the World Rally Championship. On Saturday, the 23-year-old Finnish driver, representing Toyota, delivered a commanding performance, winning all but one of the stages on the penultimate day of his home rally.
Rovanpera, who is the double reigning world champion, entered the Rally of Finland with a clear goal: to secure a victory on home soil. After a disappointing crash while leading last year’s event, Rovanpera has come back with a vengeance. His near-flawless performance on Saturday, despite unpredictable weather conditions, demonstrates his incredible ability and resilience.
The day’s action saw Rovanpera finish 44.2 seconds ahead of France’s Sebastien Ogier, who is driving for Toyota as well. Ogier, a veteran of the sport, has been a consistent performer throughout the season, but he was unable to match Rovanpera’s pace on Saturday. Belgian driver Thierry Neuville, leading the championship, trailed Ogier by 39.6 seconds in his Hyundai, showing that the day belonged to Rovanpera.
Rovanpera’s strategy was evident throughout the stages: pushing hard but avoiding significant risks. “In the morning there was a good fight and we kept pushing today,” Rovanpera said. “We did some quite strong times without taking any huge risks, so that is quite positive.” His approach paid off as he dominated five of the six stages, showcasing his ability to handle both high-pressure and temperamental weather conditions with equal prowess.
However, not everyone had a smooth day. Briton Elfyn Evans, who is third in the overall drivers’ standings, encountered a major setback when he suffered a problem with his Toyota’s front right driveshaft. This issue forced Evans to navigate around 40 kilometers of special stages in road mode before being able to get a repair. Despite his best efforts, Evans fell significantly behind, finishing the day in 12th place, 9 minutes and 34.7 seconds behind Rovanpera.
Estonian driver Ott Tanak also had a challenging day. After crashing his Hyundai into a tree on Friday, Tanak was forced to withdraw from Saturday’s stages, which further compounded the difficulties faced by his team.
As the Rally of Finland moves into its final stages, Rovanpera’s lead seems almost insurmountable. With a total time of 2 hours, 3 minutes, and 53.8 seconds, he holds a commanding position, 44.2 seconds ahead of Ogier and 1 minute and 23.8 seconds ahead of Neuville. The remaining stages will be crucial for his competitors if they hope to close the gap and challenge Rovanpera’s dominance.
The Rally of Finland has always been one of the most eagerly anticipated events in the World Rally Championship calendar, and this year’s edition has certainly lived up to its reputation. Rovanpera’s performance on home soil not only highlights his extraordinary talent but also adds a significant chapter to his growing legacy in the sport. As the final day approaches, all eyes will be on whether Rovanpera can maintain his lead and secure a historic victory in front of his home fans.
