Kalle Rovanpera Pursues WRC Comeback at Safari Rally Kenya
Kalle Rovanpera, aiming for a title fightback at the Safari Rally Kenya, has struggled with new Hankook WRC tyres but remains hopeful for improved performance on gravel. He currently sits third in the championship, trailing Elfyn Evans, and is eager for a strong result to revive his season. With Juha Kankkunen stepping in for Jari-Matti Latvala, Rovanpera aims to leverage support and experience to succeed in Kenya.
Kalle Rovanpera, a two-time World Rally Champion, is aiming for a strong performance at the upcoming Safari Rally Kenya to revive his title ambitions in the World Rally Championship (WRC). He has acknowledged that his season has not started as favorably, mainly due to difficulties in adjusting to the new Hankook control tyres introduced for the 2025 season.
Despite being favored to secure a third world championship, Rovanpera has not managed to reach the podium, finishing fourth at the Monte Carlo event and fifth in Sweden. He has expressed concerns that his driving style does not align with the performance of the new tyres and has worked to modify his technique to maximize their potential ahead of the gravel surface event in Kenya.
Though facing challenges, Rovanpera currently sits third in the championship standings, trailing team-mate Elfyn Evans by 30 points. “Now we go on gravel again and something new to learn,” said Rovanpera, who has previously won the Safari Rally twice in the past four years. He is determined to maximize this new opportunity and believes a strong performance is essential for his season.
Rovanpera noted that his recent pre-event test in southern Europe was beneficial for familiarizing himself with the gravel tyres. He stated, “The Safari is definitely one of the most special rallies of the season. It’s always exciting to go there, and we need a good result this year.”
Toyota team principal Jari-Matti Latvala expressed confidence that the gravel tyres may suit Rovanpera better. However, due to scheduling conflicts, Latvala will not be present in Kenya, and Juha Kankkunen, a four-time world champion and deputy team principal, will assume his responsibilities. Rovanpera conveyed enthusiasm for Kankkunen’s presence, remarking on their strong partnership and his respected experience in rallying.
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In conclusion, Kalle Rovanpera is poised to fight for his title at the Safari Rally Kenya, seeking vital points to improve his standings in the 2025 WRC season. Despite a challenging start with the new Hankook tyres, he is optimistic about utilizing gravel tyres in this rally. With support from his team and the presence of Juha Kankkunen, Rovanpera is hopeful for a strong outcome that could reinvigorate his championship aspirations.
Original Source: www.dazn.com
