1. Rovanpera crashes out but still leaves impact on rally
Kalle Rovanpera crashing out of a rally lead and completely retiring from an event is a rare collector's item. In fact, last weekend’s shock Rally Finland exit was only his third retirement in 41 top-flight WRC starts.
It was just unfortunate his first full retirement since Croatia 2021 came in front of thousands of passionate fans desperate for one of their own to end a six-year drought for a homegrown winner.
Rovanpera admitted he was surprised by what he labelled a “stupid crash” as he hadn’t engaged “full send” mode, and was seeming operating within himself to lead Toyota team-mate Elfyn Evans by 5.7s after reeling off five consecutive stage wins. The retirement has however breathed life into the title race after Evans took maximum points to cut the Finnish lead to 25 points.
While chassis damage to his rolled GR Yaris in stage eight put him out of the rally on Friday, he still had an impact on the result.
Source: Autosport