Kalle Rovanperä triumphs at the Central European Rally: "Our title chances are increasing"

Kalle Rovanperä won the Central Europe Rally, securing his 18th career WRC victory. The victory also gave Toyota Gazoo Racing its ninth Manufacturers' title.

Published 19/10/2025 à 15:36

Louise of the Manor

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Kalle Rovanperä triumphs at the Central European Rally: "Our title chances are increasing"

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Favorite since the crash of his rival and teammate at Toyota, Sébastien Ogier, during SS10, Kalle Rovanperä perfectly managed the rest of the Rally of Central Europe. The double world champion, driving his Toyota Yaris, was able to adopt a cautious but effective approach on the final day to maintain his lead over Elfyn Evans and Ott Tänak, and collect a total of 31 points. “Even in the dry, this event is a big challenge, he says. There are a lot of anticuts, which is good. It's cleaner, like real rallying on tarmac. But there's a lot of pollution, it's a tough place. »

Toyoya Gazoo, untouchable

Victorious after 18 special stages, the Central Europe Rally is the 18the career victory for Kalle Rovanperä. “ It's great to be back on the tarmac, reacts the Finn on arrival. I think Sébastien Ogier and I had a pretty fast pace compared to the others."

This latest triumph also contributes to Toyota Gazoo's fifth consecutive title, the ninth in the history of the Japanese manufacturer. “Congratulations to the entire garage team, rejoices the double world champion. Toyota is clearly the best team.”

ALSO READ > Central Europe Rally: Rovanperä wins, Ogier takes Sunday's points

The hunt for the hat trick

With two rounds remaining in this season of WRC, the Rovanperä–Haltunnen crew now intends to finish on a strong note. The plan is to give it our all in the last rounds, because they also count for the championship. Luckily we're starting [with this victory]. Our chances aren't the best, but they're increasing."

Indeed, thanks to this success in Central Europe, the Finn is perhaps getting closer to a new title, which he would win before turning the page on the WRC to join Super Formula. I'm looking forward to winning the title. We've increased our chances, it's still not easy, but we'll keep trying." promises the native of Jyväskylä (Finland).

If he manages to win the next two rounds in Japan and Saudi Arabia, Kalle Rovanperä could end his season in style with a third consecutive world title. A dream finale for the young Finnish prodigy. I don't really like math, but I like this. " he jokes. His co-driver Jonne Haltunnen shares his optimism. If he manages to win the next two races, we will win the title, that's the goal. "He says.

ALSO READ > Kalle Rovanperä to step away from the WRC

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