Kalle Rovanperä once again showed why he is one of the brightest stars in the world of rallying, finishing third in the WRC Sardinia Rally, which concluded on Sunday. Although he failed to take victory this time, Rovanperä’s performance was convincing and showed his ability to keep a cool head under pressure. Sunday’s stunning finale, which earned him both the Super Sunday classification and the Power Stage victory, moved him closer to the top of the WRC and sent a strong signal of his championship chances.
Rovanperä was not really in the running for the rally victory, as the top positions went to his teammate Sébastien Ogier and Hyundai’s Ott Tänak. However, his consistent and confident driving throughout the weekend kept him at the top of the competition. On Friday he started slowly, focusing on avoiding mistakes on the treacherous gravel roads of Sardinia, which are known for their technical challenges and variable conditions. On Saturday and especially on Sunday, Rovanperä raised his standard significantly, which was evident in his performance on the Power Stage, where he left the others behind.
Rally Sardinia brought Rovanperä a whopping 25 points, which was an excellent result considering his starting position. This points haul closed the gap on his teammate and current World Championship leader Elfyn Evans, who finished fourth. The gap to Evans is now only 20 points, which keeps Rovanperä firmly in the championship fight. “I’m pretty happy with this. We got a big points haul, considering where we started on Friday,” Rovanperä summed up after the race.
His strategy was clear from the start: to drive a clean weekend without taking any major risks. “The plan was to drive cleanly. We knew that something would always happen in this rally, as it usually does. Our goal was simply to avoid problems. On Saturday and Sunday we had good pace. Really strong points,” he added with satisfaction. This approach once again showed Rovanperä’s maturity and tactical intelligence, which have taken him to two world championship titles despite his young age.
Sardinia has never been Rovanperä’s favourite event, but this time he found a common ground with his car. “It felt pretty good actually. I don’t think this will ever be one of the rallies I enjoy the most. But at least the car was in good shape – we didn’t have to constantly think about changing the settings. We found a solid basic set-up that allowed us to drive at a good pace,” he reflected. This seamless cooperation between car and driver was key to his success, especially on Sunday’s crucial special stages.
Rovanperä’s points haul not only narrowed the gap on Evans, but also strengthened his position in the championship fight. If the current trend continues, the Finn could be in a strong position when the World Championship arrives at his home event, Rally Finland, in August. “Of course, there are still many twists and turns before that, but as I said before the weekend, our main goal was to take points from Elfyn. We succeeded really well in that on Sunday,” said Rovanperä. His comments reflect not only self-confidence but also a realistic view of the season’s progress.
After the race, teammate Ogier also overtook Rovanperä in the standings by one point and moved up to second. However, this did not worry the Finn. On the contrary, he saw the situation as positive. “It’s good that Seb is now ahead of me before Greece. It’s not a bad situation at all,” Rovanperä said, referring to the next World Rally Championship. His comments show not only team spirit but also strategic thinking, as Ogier’s strong form could help Toyota keep the pressure on the Hyundai drivers.
Rovanperä’s performance in Sardinia was a testament to his ability to adapt to different conditions and keep his eyes on the long-term goals. His driving style, which combines speed and judgment, has made him one of the most feared drivers in the world of rallying. Events like Sardinia, where conditions are unpredictable and the technical challenges are great, highlight his versatility. His ability to avoid trouble while maximizing points shows why he is the reigning world champion.
Rally Sardinia was also a reminder of how tough the championship battle is. Evans, Ogier and Rovanperä have all shown this season that they have a chance to win the championship. In addition, Hyundai’s Tänak and Thierry Neuville are constantly in the lead, so the second half of the season will be extremely exciting. Rovanperä’s ability to score points even in difficult conditions gives him an advantage, but he is also realistic: “We know there are still a lot of races left in the season and we have to continue in the same way – with focus and driving smart.”
Rovanperä’s comments after the race were full of optimism, but also humility. He is not a driver who focuses solely on victories, but sees the bigger picture. According to him, the result in Sardinia was a step in the right direction, but the road to the championship is still long. “This was a good weekend, but we have to continue in the same way. Greece is the next challenge, and we have to be ready there,” he said. This attitude has been the secret of his success: the ability to learn from every race and keep an eye on the future.
Rally fans in Finland and around the world are now eagerly following Rovanperä’s exploits. His performance in Sardinia showed that he is ready to fight for the championship, and his promising statement suggests that he is mentally and technically ready to face the remaining challenges of the season. As the World Championship moves towards the Acropolis Rally in Greece, Rovanperä and Toyota are ready to continue their fight. The Finn’s calm but determined attitude, combined with his undeniable speed, makes him a dangerous opponent – and a fan favorite.
