Rally Sweden: Kalle Rovanperä: “I am more relaxed to aim for victory”

Immediately after the shakedown where he set the best time during the first run, Kalle Rovanperä appeared relaxed. “ I'm much more relaxed than last year, he confirmed, and when I'm in this state of mind it's automatically more pleasant. I don't know yet how I will feel at the start of the first special, but I suppose that in certain details there will be differences compared to the last seasons. I can do what I want without thinking about the championship and trying to have fun. This is often the best way to be fast. »

The Finn's opponents have been warned. The double world champion is not here to count the flakes. Only one thing motivates him: to win. “ It's true that I can mainly focus on winning, he concedes. We didn't win enough races last year (Kalle won 3 times in 2023, Editor's note). I want to improve our score this season. That doesn't mean we're going to succeed, but that's our goal. The positive thing is that there is no stress trying to achieve this. »

Having returned to the passenger compartment of his Yaris Rally1 during the Arctic Rally in Finland a few days ago, the Finn showed that he had lost none of his speed. “ It was nice to get back in the car and see that we were immediately at an interesting pace, he says. It was an excellent recovery. I hope that the work we have carried out will allow us to better use the tires, particularly during the 2^es loops where road conditions may be more complicated. We will have to try to take advantage of our good position during the 1^er turn. »

Leading the predictions for victory, the Nordic does not expect to receive instructions to let Elfyn Evans pass if both Toyota were to be 1^Features and 2^e. You shouldn't count on it. “ I won't give up my place, he smiled before specifying, perhaps the story will be different at the end of the season. »

After a special stage held at night, the competitors will have 17 stages to face for a total of 300,1 km timed.