Kalle Rovanperä: “Whaanga Coast is my least favorite stage”

Kalle Rovanpera, New Zealand has an excellent reputation in the WRC. During your discovery of the route and the country, have you discovered what makes this destination so special?

The roads were what I expected. After watching the videos, there were no unpleasant surprises. The stages are beautiful, but I wonder what the level of grip will be. If the grip is acceptable, I am sure that it is possible to have fun on this terrain.

After three runs, Kalle Rovanperä set the best time in the shakedown. He does not expect to repeat this in the specials (Photo Nikos Katikis / DPPI)

After the reconnaissance, do you think there are similarities with Finland?

The ES are more technical here and it turns more than in Finland. If I can feel comfortable with the car and get into a good rhythm, it will be possible to have a blast. However, I am dreading the Whaanga Coast special. It’s ultimately the one I like the least. It’s very tight and doesn’t really suit my riding. It’s generally not in these kinds of portions that I enjoy the most. I don’t yet know how my style will adapt to this road profile.

What will your approach be for the title?

Friday is going to be very complicated for us. This is the longest step. With more than 160 km timed, we will complete more than half of the rally in a single day. We will see at the end of this stage where we are. After two difficult races in Ypres and the Acropolis, we need to have a clear weekend. I wouldn't say that I feel more pressure, but it is certain that the sensations during these last rallies have not been very positive. I hope to have more fun here.

The rain that is forecast won't be able to change the situation?

The roads are covered with sand or a nice layer of gravel so that shouldn't change anything. It's really not good for us and even if it's wet it shouldn't get any better.

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