Kalle Rovanperä, double WRC world champion: “You don’t doubt yourself! »

Did you immediately set out at the start of the year with the aim of obtaining a 2^e sacred ?

When you know you've done it once, you want it to happen again. After all, what other goal is higher than that?

You are the 6^e pilot only managed to retain his title for two consecutive years. What does this inspire you?

I discovered this. This is a statistic that pleases me. This clearly shows how difficult it is to be crowned two years in a row, especially after a first consecration.

What do you feel afterwards as we speak?

Difficult to answer now. I haven't fully realized yet. I know it will come little by little. I realize that this means a lot. In terms of performance, it was more important for me this year. Considering the level of adversity we faced, I appreciate this title more, although the feelings after the first one will stay with me forever.

Why was the year different?

The competition was tough. There were no easy points to record. Last year, our rivals lost a lot more compared to what we experienced in the ten months that have just passed. It was important to take all possible points while remaining in a good position.

Is it more satisfying to win after a harder fought battle?

Yes, although it must still be said that last year, it wasn't bad too. We hadn't done a bad job.

We had to wait several races and Portugal to see you achieve a victory in this championship. Did you doubt your abilities to defend your title?

Generally, you don't doubt yourself! I was convinced at the start of the year that it would be more difficult and that was true. From halfway through the year, things started to look good. We were able to be consistent and it paid off.

It seems easy to say this, but is it easy to settle for one position?

Of course not. (Laughs) You constantly want to finish as high as possible, but you also tell yourself that points are important and that it is better to secure a result rather than risk everything. When you start an event on gravel and the sweep condemns you to finishing outside the podium, you have to know how to accept it. For me, it's sometimes very complicated.

Does the experience of this season give you the desire to come back next year for a new battle? Are you still hungry for a title?

Yes, absolutely. When you realize that you can do it, you have no other desire than to start again.

Comments collected by L. Rocci