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Kalle Rovanperä made headlines in the motorsport world by clinching his first-ever victory at Rally Finland, a key event in the World Rally Championship (WRC) that holds special significance for him as his home rally. This win not only brought him immense personal joy but also highlighted Toyota’s dominance with a stunning 1-2-3-4-5 finish. Rovanperä’s triumph is a true mark of his skill and tenacity, perfectly embodying the fierce competitive spirit that rally racing is known for.
A strong showing in familiar territory
With local fans cheering him on, Rovanperä’s victory felt even more special. He crossed the finish line 39.2 seconds ahead of his friend Takamoto Katsuta, with Sébastien Ogier finishing third just in front of Elfyn Evans. The competition was fierce, especially since Evans managed to reclaim the championship lead from Ott Tänak, holding onto a slim three-point advantage.
The rally kicked off with Tänak taking the win in the opening Harju street stage, but it was Rovanperä who truly dominated once the action moved into the Finnish forests. His experience and newfound confidence behind the wheel of the GR Yaris Rally1 enabled him to maintain his lead, particularly as both Thierry Neuville and Adrien Fourmaux from Hyundai struggled with their performance.
This victory was particularly significant for Rovanperä, who had faced disappointments in previous editions of this rally. Not only did he break his home rally jinx, but he also secured a hefty 35 points, thanks to his performance in the power stage and Super Sunday. “It’s quite an amazing feeling,” Rovanperä said, expressing gratitude for the support from his team and Finnish fans alike.
A weekend of thrills and challenges
This weekend was packed with excitement and challenges. Katsuta put in a consistent performance, finishing just ahead of Ogier, while Sami Pajari made headlines by winning three stages, further solidifying Toyota’s stronghold in their home country. However, not every team enjoyed such success; while Neuville secured a respectable sixth place, his teammate Fourmaux faced unfortunate luck, retiring just a few hundred meters from the finish line due to a puncture.
As the rally unfolded, the leaderboard saw some intriguing shifts. Josh McErlean emerged as the top finisher for M-Sport in seventh place, benefiting from a series of mishaps faced by other competitors. Mãrtiņš Sesks had to retire following an incident, whereas Grégoire Munster managed to finish ninth despite losing a position from a flat tire in the final stage.
For Tänak, the rally proved to be a tough one, culminating in a tenth-place finish and just one championship point. He faced numerous challenges, including having to open the road, hitting a tree, and dealing with a tire that delaminated during the power stage.
Celebrating new achievements and future aspirations
Roope Korhonen celebrated his first WRC2 victory, narrowly edging out Jari-Matti Latvala in an exhilarating contest. The weekend was a rollercoaster for championship leader Oliver Solberg, who experienced setbacks and ended up scoring zero points after an accident on Friday.
Overall, Rally Finland was a thrilling display of talent, determination, and the unpredictable nature of the sport. Rovanperä’s win not only marks a personal milestone but also adds a bright chapter to the competitive narrative of the WRC. As the season continues, fans are eagerly anticipating the upcoming challenges and opportunities for drivers to leave their mark on the world stage.