The young and talented rally driver, Kalle Rovanpera, showcased his exceptional skills at Rally Estonia by claiming an unprecedented nine consecutive stage victories. As the reigning world rally champion, Rovanpera left his competitors in the dust, securing a commanding lead of 34.9 seconds over Thierry Neuville from Hyundai. This remarkable achievement marks the first time the 22-year-old factory Toyota pilot has achieved such a feat in his WRC career. Throughout the day, Rovanpera and his co-driver, Jonne Halttunen, effortlessly maneuvered through the fast gravel roads of Estonia, covering an impressive 102.61 kilometers of competitive stage distance.
Reflecting on his extraordinary performance, Rovanpera expressed his satisfaction with the ease at which he achieved his nine stage wins. He stated, “I have not done that [win nine stages in a row] before, for sure. It is not the main point though, the main point is that it came quite easily. I was enjoying the driving a lot; we just had our own pace.” Rovanpera emphasized the relaxed and stress-free nature of his success, highlighting the joy he experienced during each stage. With a deep understanding of the route and his own capabilities, Rovanpera was able to fully immerse himself in the driving experience.
It comes as no surprise that Rally Estonia holds a special place in Rovanpera’s heart, as he openly admits it is his favorite event on the calendar. This sentiment is echoed by his impressive track record, having secured his maiden top-flight WRC win in 2021, followed by another triumph last year. Rovanpera’s affinity for the challenging Estonian conditions is evident, and Toyota team principal, Jari-Matti Latvala, believes there is more to his driver’s success than mere comfort.
Latvala, who observed Rovanpera’s performance firsthand, commended the young driver’s exceptional confidence and control. He noted, “I was out in the stages watching myself, and you could clearly see that he was more confident with the grip level than anyone else. He was able to brake later and use more of the road than the others.” According to Latvala, Rovanpera’s success can be attributed to a combination of factors, including his status as a world champion and his deep connection with Rally Estonia. The event’s conditions, reminiscent of Rovanpera’s home rally, Rally Finland, provide him with a sense of familiarity and ease.
As Rovanpera continues to dominate Rally Estonia, his unprecedented nine consecutive stage wins stand as a testament to his exceptional talent and unwavering determination. While his love for the event plays a significant role in his success, it is his unmatched confidence and control that set him apart from his competitors. As the world rally championship progresses, all eyes will be on Rovanpera as he strives to maintain his remarkable winning streak.
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