Rally Sweden – Kalle Rovanperä “Maybe I was too optimistic”

Making his return in WRC after missing Monte-Carlo, Kalle Rovanperä immediately marked his territory by taking the lead at the end of the only special stage contested on Thursday. Author of the best time in SS2 as well, the Finn increased his lead without displaying the domination expected given his good position on the road. Beaten by Esapekka Lappi in SS3, Kalle was still leading when he made a mistake in SS4.

« In a really simple right turn where I didn't think I would have a problem, we widened the trajectory too much, he said. We hit the wall. There were already holes in the snow where other competitors had already hit. When we tapped, it sent us spinning. We achieved a 360 C° while damaging the radiator. We also suffered a puncture. I need to look at my notes. Maybe I was too optimistic in this turn. »

Visibly disappointed, the driver who is doing half a program this season was looking forward to the rest of the weekend. “ There should be no problem leaving on Saturday, he analyzed. It won't be very important tomorrow, but on the other hand there will be points to be taken for the team on Sunday. » If Kalle doesn't care about the championship, he can deprive the other crews of the prize money planned for the last stage.