Rovanperä 'not feeling the pressure' ahead of home rally

Cette saison, Kalle Rovanperä donne l’impression d’être à l’aise de partout. Alors en Finlande, chez lui, difficile de ne pas le considérer comme l’ultra-favori. Le pilote Toyota va courir sur ses terres, lui qui est né à quelques encablures des chemins empruntés par les WRC this week-end.

Already victorious five times this season and well ahead of the championship, the Finn is aiming for a first victory at home. He could become the 21st Finnish driver to win in the " Rally des 1000 Lacs”, succeeding Esapekka Lappi, victorious in 2017. “Rally Finland is of course a very special event for us, but I try to treat it and enjoy it like any other rally, says Kalle Rovanperä. I don't feel too much pressure. After our victories this year, we have nothing to prove. Of course we will have great support from the fans. I would like to try to win for them if we can. »

The leader of the world championship also wants to perform in front of his audience to make up for his mistake last year. During the 2021 edition, the Finn's Toyota Yaris hit a pile of gravel. The front of the car, too damaged, forced him to abandon the race. “Last year it wasn't so easy for us. We'll try to do a better job this time. We just need to prepare a little better during testing to make sure we have good settings and feel comfortable. I think we can be fast and we can really enjoy the weekend. »

Home rally for Rovanperä, but also for Toyota

Besides Kalle Rovanperä, the entire Toyota team wants to perform in Finland. The team's facilities are located not far from Jyväskylä, exactly in the town of Jyskä. “Rally Finland is the home event for our team and it’s always very special”, explained Jari-Matti Latvala, the director of the Japanese team. “I'm sure there will be a lot of support for Kalle after her performances this year, and I know how that can give you a boost on your home event” added the ex-Finnish driver, three-time winner of his national rally.

According to Latvala, Finland should once again suit the Yaris, who have been in great shape on all terrains since the start of the season. “After a very good rally in Estonia, our goal is to try to repeat that in Finland. Features are similar, with fast gravel roads. But the stages in Finland have more natural jumps and are generally smoother. This is why drivers love them so much and say they are the best special stages in the world. » Toyota compte 87 points d’avance sur Hyundai au classement constructeur avant d’arriver en Finlande. Sur les routes qui leur sont familières, l’écurie japonaise va tenter d’enfoncer le clou sur leurs concurrents.

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