Kalle Rovanperä was completely in a class of his own at Saturday’s special tests of the Estonian World Rally Championship.
Kalle Rovanperä dominated the World Rally Championship. ZUMAwire/MVphotos
Estonian World Championship Rally
EC 18/24
1. Kalle Rovanperä, Toyota
2. Elfyn Evans, Toyota +29.1
3. Ott Tänak, Hyundai +1.11.5
4. Thierry Neuville, Hyundai +2.20,3
5. Takamoto Katsuta, Toyota +3.43,0
6. Adrien Fourmaux, Ford +3.53,9
7. Esapekka Lappi, Toyota +4.35,4
Nine special tests were run in Estonia on Saturday, for which Kalle Rovanperä pushed no less than seven bottom times. At the same time, Toyota’s Finnish sensation stretched his lead to half a minute ahead of his teammate Elfyn Evans.
Rovanperä is already firmly in his fifth win of the season. It would bring him even closer to his big dream, the world rally championship.
– Tomorrow is still a long day, but this looks really good, Rovanperä mused to Iltalehti at the end of the day.
– Sunday is the same plan as until now. Let’s try to take care of it at home.
On the final day of the Estonian gravel rally, six special stages with a total length of 78 kilometers will be run. Rovanperä’s lead is such that it is almost impossible for Evans to close the gap just by driving.
– Let’s try to drive smart. If the situation is good, you have to try to get some points from the Power Stage as well, Rovanperä planned.
What is Kalle Rovanperä’s secret?
Jari-Matti Latvala can only admire his protégé’s achievements. ZUMAwire/MVphotos
Rovanperä’s driving looked calm and confident during Saturday’s sections, but the clock still liked the Finn’s ride. Evans’ performances, on the other hand, seemed to be attacking, but his teammate’s pace was irrelevant.
Toyota team manager Jari-Matti Latvala gave Iltalehti a rigorous analysis of where the secrets of Rovanperä’s high speed lie.
– Kalle’s braking always and every time hits the spot. He can brake late, but still in exactly the right place. That is one big strength of Kalle, Latvala began.
– In one section, there was a monttu, where many drivers cut. Monttu threw the car, like with Elfyn, and the line didn’t hold. Kalle knew how to get around it and thus was able to maintain the speed much harder. Kalle can make a difference with small things, and doesn’t have to drive by force. It’s calm, while Elfyn has to squeeze more.
Latvala was also dumbfounded by Rovanperä’s amazing performance. The team boss has been able to praise the young star several times this season, but there has also been a reason for it.
– Kalle always manages to surprise. Incredibly strong to do. The more difficult the situation gets, the stronger Kalle is. He has been able to take a mental edge over others, Latvala summed up.