WRC – Breaking News – Flying Finns Rovanperä / Halttunen secures Sweden win!
2022 Rally Sweden – Sunday Breaking News
Kalle Rovanperä and co-driver Jonne Halttunen secured an emphatic victory in Rally Sweden on Sunday afternoon to take the lead in the FIA World Rally Championship.
Five different drivers led before the 21-year-old Finn took responsibility for snow- and ice-covered roads. He won by 22.0 seconds after Toyota GR Yaris teammate Elfyn Evans crashed in a snowdrift on the last morning and leads the series by 14 points after two of 13 laps.
“I’m really happy. I did not think we could be this good, especially when we first started traveling on Friday. It was quite a lot of work but I have to say I’m really happy. The team did a good job and the car worked great all the time – I feel much more confident now. ”
Thierry Neuville took advantage of Evans’ retirement and finished second in a Hyundai i20 N. Esapekka Lappi, back in the Toyota Gazoo Racing series after a three-year absence, was another 8.6 seconds back in third place in another GR Yaris.
Ott Tänak won the Wolf Power Stage to take five bonus points in an i20 N. Rovanperä got four points in second place and Neuville took three in third place. Takamoto Katsuta secured two points in fourth place in a GR Yaris, with Craig Breen taking the last point in a Ford Puma.
Norway’s Andreas Mikkelsen and Torstein Eriksen took home the win in the FIA WRC2 category in a Toksport-registered Skoda Fabia Evo. There are two victories from two rallies in 2022 – a brilliant start to his title defense.
“It has been one of my best matches. Ole Christian has done a fantastic rally. I know he has worked super hard for the last twelve months, so I am really happy that he comes here and delivers such a good result.”
More news to follow.