Kalle Rovanperä, favorite for Rally Sweden?

The second round of the World Rally Championship (WRC) will coincide with the fanfare return of Kalle Rovanperä (Toyota). The two-time outgoing champion stayed at home during the Rally Monte-Carlo because the Finn favors a partial program to change his mind in 2024.

In fact, the young 23-year-old driver will benefit from an advantageous starting position on the only rally contested on snowy and icy terrain (February 15-18). In addition, the son of Harri Rovanperä (winner in Sweden in 2001 with Peugeot ) perfected his preparation by competing in the Arctic Rally at the beginning of February.

Ready to rally on snow in Sweden! 🥶😍#ToyotaGAZOORacing #GRYaris #WRC #RallySweden 🇸🇪 pic.twitter.com/Zy4vezJJQ5

- TOYOTA GAZOO Racing WRT (@TGR_WRC) February 9, 2024

ALSO READ > A questionnaire launched to fans to better understand their expectations about the future of the WRC

“I've always loved driving in snow and it's one of the best feelings you can have behind the wheel of a rally car, explains Kalle Rovanperä. Sweden has been a good test for us in the past, but last year we weren't very strong, so this year we want to fight.

As this is the only event on snow, it is not easy to find the perfect car settings with only a few days of testing in these conditions. But I think we found some useful things in our testing and we're heading in the right direction, so I'm looking forward to the rally. »

Sporting Director Jari-Matti Latvala acknowledges that Toyota has focused on increasing performance on Scandinavian soil. “Last year, it was a bit of a difficult meeting (victory of Thank you on Ford and fight with the Hyundai. Editor’s note), so we really tried to prepare well this year because we want to get back into the fight for victory.

Participating in the Arctic Rally and testing in Finland allowed us to be as ready as possible. Kalle begins his season in Sweden and can be very strong in this type of event, and his starting position should help him fight at the front. »