Rovanperä is scared of what’s to come.
Kalle Rovanperä cleared the Czech special stages in the champion’s first Central European World Rally Championship.
Rovanperä was in a class of its own at Friday’s fast-tracks. He shot four bottom times in six cuts of the day.
The Suomalaistahtäti would take a considerable lead, as the second-placed Thierry Neuville of Hyundai is already 36 seconds behind him.
– The conditions have been difficult. Of course, it was clear that our first starting point would help. I think we used it well. We were able to drive good times even in the afternoon, when the conditions had to be more even, Rovanperä summed up.
According to Rovanperä, driving was stressful in places when the grip varied drastically in muddy sections and on a wet road.
– Even if things go well and there will be good times, you can’t enjoy it. All the time there is fear in the ass of what will come from there. You have to take a risk, even if you don’t want to, Rovanperä admitted.
Giant stakes
Rovanperä has big stakes in the Central European asphalt race. If teammate Elfyn Evans stays behind, the Finn will grab his second world championship at the end of the weekend.
Now the situation looks extremely good, as Evans is third in the race, 47 seconds behind Rovanpera.
– Of course, it would be nice to win, but I believe that at least Thierry will surely push hard tomorrow. Elfyn will surely do the same because he has to fight for the championship. We try to keep our own lead, but it’s not easy in these conditions.
– Tomorrow will be a long and difficult day and there will be more surgeries. It should also rain during the night, so the morning will surely be the same kind of mud as it was today. It’s pretty tricky. Now that we are the last car to leave, it is again the worst place to drive, Rovanperä pointed out.
The superiority surprised
Toyota team manager Jari-Matti Latvala knew how to expect a strong performance from Rovanpera in challenging conditions. But it also came as a surprise to Latvala that Rovanperä was so superior on the first day of proper driving.
– It was amazing that the differences were so big all the time. Kalle has an extremely good ability to read the road, conditions and grip. He is not afraid. Kalle has the understanding and courage to drive in cuts, but he still knows where the limits of traction are. There will be no excesses, the team boss praised.
According to Latvala, he has no need to top the reigning champion any more for the upcoming race days, when special stages are run in Germany and Austria.
– He has already won the championship, so he knows the spirit of the game. He is also so mature for his age that he doesn’t need advice. Of course, tomorrow morning is decisive. You have to maintain concentration, that’s the most important thing. The same focus must remain all the time, Latvala underlined.
Kalle Rovanperä and Jonne Halttunen lead the Central European rally. Vesa Pöppönen / AOP