Kalle Rovanpera Eyes Rally Comeback at Safari Rally Kenya

Kalle Rovanpera aims for a strong performance at the Safari Rally in Kenya to revive his World Rally Championship title hopes. He has faced challenges adapting to new tyres this season but remains focused on improving. Currently third in the standings, he is 30 points behind teammate Elfyn Evans and hopes to capitalize on his prior successes at the Safari Rally.

Kalle Rovanpera, the two-time world champion, is optimistic about securing a much-needed result at the upcoming Safari Rally in Kenya, as he aims to rejuvenate his bid for a World Rally Championship title. So far, Rovanpera has struggled to adapt to the new Hankook control tyres introduced for the 2025 season, which he has admitted has made his start to the season challenging. Despite these setbacks, he remains focused on improving his performance heading into this crucial rally.

Having finished fourth at the season opener in Monte Carlo and fifth in Sweden, Rovanpera has yet to secure a podium position. He has openly expressed that his driving style is not compatible with the new tyre specifications, prompting him to modify his approach to optimize performance with the new rubber. The upcoming race in Kenya marks the first occasion he will utilize Hankook’s gravel tyres in a loose surface event, presenting him with an opportunity for improvement.

Currently sitting third in the championship standings, Rovanpera is 30 points behind his teammate Elfyn Evans, who leads the rankings. With two victories in his last four appearances at the Safari Rally, he recognizes that this event is a pivotal point in the season. “Now we go on gravel with a new tyre again and something new to learn,” he stated, emphasizing his readiness to push for better results as he adjusts to the gravel racing conditions.

In preparation for the Safari Rally, Rovanpera participated in a crucial pre-event test, during which he provided positive feedback about the gravel tyres. He noted the significance of this test in helping him gain confidence with the car and tyres on a gravel surface. The Safari Rally is uniquely challenging and Rovanpera is eager to exert himself for a strong performance this year despite its unpredictability.

Toyota’s Team Principal, Jari-Matti Latvala, was confident that gravel tyres would suit Rovanpera better, indicating that he would be more comfortable in this environment. However, due to schedule conflicts, Latvala will not attend the rally, delegating his responsibilities to Juha Kankkunen. Rovanpera expressed his enthusiasm about working with Kankkunen, appreciating his extensive experience and the positive energy he brings.

Kalle Rovanpera is determined to make a significant impact at the Safari Rally in Kenya as he seeks to revitalize his World Rally Championship title aspirations. Despite earlier challenges adapting to new control tyres, he remains determined to leverage his experience and the support of his team to deliver a strong performance. This rally presents an important opportunity for him to close the gap in the championship standings, and he is committed to giving his best in this demanding event.

Original Source: www.dazn.com