Kalle Rovanperä’s Impressive Win Leaves Championship Race Intact
By Janne Palomäki
Today at 17:04
The Central European World Cup Rally wrapped up with a blend of Finnish and Japanese jubilation as Kalle Rovanperä crossed the finish line with a decisive victory, securing Toyota’s brand championship in the process.
Despite his outstanding performance, Rovanperä’s triumph didn’t shake up his position in the drivers’ championship standings. He garnered 31 points from the rally, bringing him closer to the top but still leaving him 13 points behind championship leader Elfyn Evans. The next chapter of this thrilling season unfolds in early November near Toyota City, where the competition is expected to heat up.
“Of course I’m hungry,” Rovanperä remarked following his win, clearly energized by his success. “We’ve increased our chances here.”
Evans, a formidable competitor, started the season strong but has faced increased pressure since the Safari Rally in March, where he led fellow drivers Sébastien Ogier and Rovanperä by substantial margins. However, since that victory in Kenya, Evans has been unable to secure a win, and the Central European rally highlighted his struggle against the likes of Ogier and Rovanperä.
Despite his current lead, Evans remains the favorite to clinch the world championship in 2025. A 13-point cushion is significant heading into Japan, a country that has historically favored Evans; he has performed particularly well on its challenging courses.
Japan, which rejoined the World Cup series in 2022 after a decade-long absence, holds special meaning for the competitors. Rovanperä had his moment of glory there as the reigning world champion, but his seventh-place finish this year hinted at a lack of motivation. Meanwhile, he had previously secured the championship in 2023, sharing the podium with Ogier and Evans.
With Evans aiming for a hat trick in just three weeks, a solid performance in the final round of the World Series in Saudi Arabia could seal the title for him. “It’s not that easy,” Rovanperä acknowledged, reinforcing the challenges that lie ahead.
As the season races towards its climax, the competition remains fierce, with every point crucial in the battle for the championship crown. The coming weeks promise an exhilarating showdown, and all eyes will be on Japan to see if Rovanperä can close the gap.