Kalle Rovanpera Eyes WRC Comeback at Safari Rally Kenya

Kalle Rovanpera seeks to ignite his WRC title challenge at the Safari Rally Kenya, despite early season struggles adapting to new Hankook tyres. Currently third in the championship, he aims for a strong performance on gravel. His teammate, Elfyn Evans, leads the standings. Rovanpera has positive feedback on the gravel tyres and welcomes Juha Kankkunen’s leadership as he strategizes for the rally.

Kalle Rovanpera, the two-time world champion, is optimistic about achieving a significant result at the upcoming Safari Rally in Kenya to boost his World Rally Championship (WRC) title aspirations. He has acknowledged that the beginning of the season has been challenging as he adapts to the newly introduced Hankook control tyres for 2025. Despite these trials, he aims to make a strong comeback at this rally, where he will employ Hankook’s gravel tyres for the first loose surface event of the season.

Rovanpera currently ranks third in the championship standings, trailing 30 points behind his teammate, Elfyn Evans, the leader. He expressed determination to close this gap and emphasized learning to maximize the potential of the new gravel tyres. He stated, “Now we go on gravel a new tyre again and something new to learn,” mentioning his past successes in the Safari Rally, where he won two of the last four events.

His recent pre-event testing yielded favorable feedback regarding the gravel tyres, which he considers vital for a successful performance at Safari Rally. Rovanpera remarked, “The Safari is definitely one of the most special rallies in the season. It’s always really cool to go there and we’ll try to do another good result, as we really need that this year.”

Toyota’s team principal, Jari-Matti Latvala, believes the gravel tyres will suit Rovanpera better, enhancing his performance. However, Latvala will not be present in Kenya due to scheduling conflicts, with four-time world rally champion Juha Kankkunen stepping in to assume responsibilities as the deputy team principal. Rovanpera expressed enthusiasm for Kankkunen’s presence, noting his extensive experience and positive influence on the team. He stated, “I think he always brings really positive feeling and I think we can work together with him really well.”

In conclusion, Kalle Rovanpera is poised to make a significant impact at the Safari Rally Kenya, striving for a much-needed result to revitalize his WRC title campaign. Despite initial challenges with the new control tyres, he remains determined to adapt and improve. With supportive leadership and a focus on learning, he aims to close the gap in the championship standings as he competes on gravel for the first time this season.

Original Source: www.dazn.com