Kalle Rovanperä Exits Safari Rally Kenya: A Setback for the Champion

Kalle Rovanperä retired from the 2025 Safari Rally Kenya due to mechanical failure, despite earlier promise in the race. The two-time champion now faces a challenging season adapting to new tires and trailing in the championship. Toyota Gazoo Racing experienced its weakest result in this event since 2021, prompting Rovanperä to regroup for upcoming competitions.

Finnish driver Kalle Rovanperä faced an unexpected and disappointing retirement from the 2025 Safari Rally Kenya on the final day, despite entering the day in fifth place. The two-time World Rally Champion aimed to secure vital points but succumbed to mechanical failure, resulting in an empty-handed finish at this African event.

Initially, Rovanperä, representing Toyota Gazoo Racing, demonstrated potential, trailing the lead by just 7.7 seconds at one point. Unfortunately, a setback struck on Saturday morning with two punctures, which left him over a minute behind his teammate Elfyn Evans. Further complications ensued when he damaged his rear-left suspension, leading to a decline to fifth position by the afternoon stages.

In an effort to salvage points during Super Sunday, Rovanperä and co-driver Jonne Halttunen attempted to replace an alternator belt on their Toyota GR Yaris Rally1 after the opening test on Sunday. Their efforts proved futile as the vehicle eventually ran out of battery, forcing their retirement from the rally. “It’s definitely not a good weekend,” Rovanperä lamented, reflecting on the lost opportunity for points.

This setback adds to a series of challenges faced by the young champion during the current season. Adapting to the new Hankook tires has proven difficult. Earlier rounds in Monte Carlo and Sweden ended without podium finishes, further hampering his championship aspirations. Rovanperä now trails behind his closest competitors, Frenchman Sébastien Ogier and Elfyn Evans, who have a substantial points lead

Despite Evans’ lead, Toyota Gazoo Racing is confronted with its worst performance at Safari Rally Kenya since its reintroduction to the WRC calendar in 2021. Historically, Toyota has excelled at this rally, with Rovanperä winning in both 2022 and 2023. Rovanperä remarked, “I think the previous years have gone so well for us also that we used our luck there. At some point, you get all the bad stuff.”

As the WRC season continues, Rovanperä and Toyota must quickly regroup. To reclaim his standing in the championship, the defending champion needs to adjust to the modified tire regulations and strive for consistency. His next chance to recover will be in Croatia, where he must deliver a commendable performance to mitigate his championship struggles.

In conclusion, Kalle Rovanperä’s retirement from the 2025 Safari Rally Kenya epitomizes the challenges he has faced this season, including adaptation to new tires and mechanical failures. This disappointing outcome places him at a significant disadvantage in the championship race. Moving forward, Rovanperä must focus on regaining momentum in the upcoming rounds to remain competitive.

Original Source: www.tv47.digital