Kalle Rovanperä conquered the World Rally Championship in Portugal and celebrated his third consecutive victory in the World Rally Championship.
22.5. 15:19 • Updated May 22nd. 15:27
Kalle Rovanperä continues his stunning performances in the World Rally Championship. Toyota driver Rovanperä drove first in the first gravel race of the season in Portugal.
21-year-old Rovanperä celebrated his third consecutive victory in the World Rally Championship. The victory started in Sweden, continued in Croatia and now in Portugal. In the Monte Carlo Rally that opened the season, Rovanperä finished fourth.
Of the Finns, they have been able to win three consecutive rallies in World Championship history Ari Vatanen (1984), Tommi Mäkinen (1996, 1998) and Marcus Grönholm (2007). Mikko Hirvonen (2009) and Timo Salonen (1985) have made it even better – they won four consecutive races at best.
In the history of the World Rally Championship, 13 drivers have reached three consecutive victories. The hardest balance is Sebastian Loebillawith a record of six consecutive race wins.
The driver who had achieved three consecutive victories was Ott Tänak. In 2018, the Estonian won consecutive races in Finland, Germany and Turkey.
Victory battle against Evans
Stable friend Elfyn Evans offered Rovanpera strong resistance in Portugal, but the Welsh had to bend to second. Rovanperä finished second in the Portuguese rally with a gap of 15.2 seconds to Evans.
Rovanperä’s pace was wild, especially on Saturday, when he rose to the top of the rally in 15 special stages. After that, he didn’t give up his top spot.
Hyundai’s Spanish driver Dani Sordo ranked third in Portugal. Sordo passed Toyota in the final special stage Takamoto from Katsuta. Toyota’s dream of a triple win crumbled here.
Rovanperä is in convincing World Championship management after four races.
Suninen’s victory hunt ended at nightmares
WRC2 class leader Teemu Suninen dropped out dramatically on the special stage exam. Sunisen and map reader Mikko Markkulan The Hyundai got stuck on the side of the road, resulting in an interruption.
After a sunny drive out Yohan Rossel rose to WRC2 victory. Rossel was a minute away from Sunis, who was leading the way before the final special stage.