The city of Jyväskylä remembers its heroes. Bigger sprinkles are also planned.
Many Finns woke up early on Sunday to witness something historic.
Mayor of Jyväskylä Timo Koivisto was one of Kalle Rovanperä’s and the map reader Jonne Halttunen The World Cup title was decided between televisions, and the morning hook was exciting.
– Without a doubt, it had to be seen when a local young man wins the rally world championship, Koivisto commented to Iltalehte.
When talking about Rovanperä, who is only 22 years old, the words of praise have already run out days ago. Koivisto summarizes Rovanperä as “an incomprehensibly talented young man”.
The city rewards
Kalle Rovanperä and Jonne Halttunen returned Finland to the rally championship position. Toyota Gazoo Racing
Rovanperä from Puuppola is Jyväskylä’s own son. The city plans to reward the driver duo for the world championship.
– The city’s policy is to reward athletes who are successful in the world. Both Rovanperä and Halttunen will receive 4,000 euros for the world championship, Koivisto says.
The amount is marginal compared to Rovanperä’s salary, but a nice bonus nonetheless. Koiviston reminds Rovanperä that he put Jyväskylä on the world map.
– No athlete does sports purely for their hometown, but in connection with Rovanperä’s success, Jyväskylä comes up very often. It is a matter of great importance in terms of international visibility, Koivisto reminds.
There are also plans for a “more general celebration” in honor of the world champions.
– Thoughts on this have already been exchanged with Toyota before. We then agreed that the season will be handled with respect to the package first, and then we will take a closer look at what to do, Koivisto reveals.
Jyväskylä is a rally town
This year’s World Rally Championship in Finland was a public success. Vesa Pöppönen / AOP
Finns are known to be rallying people. Jyväskylä is undeniably the blue and white rally capital.
– The World Cup Rally in Jyväskylä is the largest annual sports event in Finland and the second largest in the Nordic countries. Only Holmenkollen is bigger as an event. The rally offers enormous international visibility. It is of great importance to us and to local companies, says Koivisto.
Toyota is an excellent example of Jyväskylä’s attraction.
– One of the biggest brands in the world chose Jyväskylä because of the rally. Rallitalli employs more than two hundred employees, Koivisto says.
The Finnish World Cup rally in August was more popular than in years. In addition to alleviating Corona, the success of the hero of one’s own village attracted people to the rally in droves.
– A 2017 study found out how much money people spent during the rally. At that time, the figure was 15 million. I don’t have official data available for this year, but according to my understanding, we are talking about an impact of twenty million euros on Jyväskylä’s business life, says Koivisto.
Rovanperä played a big role in that.
– This year, we knew how to expect well in advance that the event would be exceptionally lively. After all, a local driver led the World Championship. It’s a shame that Kalle didn’t win, but on the other hand, it leaves you hungry for next year. It’s just a good thing, Koivisto states.
The rally remains
The rally driven on the gravel roads of Central Finland is one of the most legendary in the world.
Many countries want to be part of the Rally World Series, but Finland’s place is secured. At least as long as we have the will to organize a rally.
You can find it in Jyväskylä
– If there is a World Cup rally in Finland, Jyväskylä is the place. After all, it is the best rally in the world. It’s not worth moving it anywhere, Koivisto downloads.