Rovanpera pays tribute to Ukraine after the victory in Rally Sweden
The Toyota driver made a flawless drive to win his third world championship win in his career on Sweden’s snow despite the fact that he opened the road last Friday.
Rovanpera and co-driver Jonne Halttunen initially took the lead on Friday before regaining the advantage on Saturday morning and continuing to win with 22s from Hyundai’s Thierry Neuville, while Toyota’s Esapekka Lappi came home third on her WRC return.
The win represented a significant turnaround in wealth after fighting for momentum in Monte Carlo on its way to four at the start of the season.
But when the 21-year-old spoke in front of the podium, he admitted that he did not feel like celebrating the victory given the current situation in Ukraine.
“Of course I’m really happy, I did not think we could be this good, especially not from Friday,” said Rovanpera.
“It was a pretty big job but I have to say I’m really happy. I have to say a big thank you to the team, they did a great job, the car was fantastic and I’m so much more confident now.
“I do not feel like celebrating too much now, it has been a really difficult weekend for the people of Ukraine. I just really want to hope that they have the strength and hope in these difficult times. “
Kalle Rovanperä, Jonne Halttunen, Toyota Gazoo Racing WRT Toyota GR Yaris Rally1
Photo by: Toyota Racing
Following Rovanpera’s thoughts, the FIA and Rally Sweden organizers held a “moment of solidarity” at the rally closing podium held in Umeå, before Rovanpera’s car was called up to the finish line.
Hyundai’s deputy team director Julien Moncet also shared his concerns about the situation in Ukraine.
“We are concerned about the situation and we may need to rethink and adapt our motorsport strategy in the future,” Moncet told Autosport.
“We have seen some series that F1 and WTCR have canceled competitions in Russia. We will keep an eye on the situation and act accordingly.”
Rovanpera now leads the WRC championship with 14 points from Neuville on its way into a long break until the championship resumes in Croatia April 21-24.