“I’ve had a bit of a hard time”

Kalle Rovanperä spoke beautifully at the finish line of the World Rally Championship in Portugal. He thanked his loved ones and remembered mothers in honor of Mother’s Day. According to Rovanperä, the victory was a relief after difficult times.

Kalle Rovanperä drove to his first victory in this season’s World Rally Championship. The Finn was completely superior in the Portuguese rally. And also won the Power Stage at the end of a great run.

After the competition, in the interview, a relieved Finn was seen. Rovanperä first thanked his karttur Jonne Halttus and his team for the good work. Next was the turn of even more emotional thanks.

– I want to say a big thank you to my friend To Artu. I’ve had a bit of a hard time since the turn of the year. He has supported me a lot and encouraged me to compete and achieve good results, Rovanperä thanked his friend at the finish line.

– Now we’re back, so it’s really important, the world champion added.

The reigning world champion rarely sheds light on his personal life in public, so the victory in the Portuguese Rally was apparently easier for the 22-year-old.

– I’ve been missing this feeling. Taking the win has taken too long, finally we are back, Rovanperä expressed his victory.

In addition, greetings went out to mothers in honor of Mother’s Day.

– Happy Mother’s Day to all mothers, especially mine! See you soon, Rovanperä ended the interview.

The team manager hummed with satisfaction

Toyota team manager Jari-Matti Latvala was happy in an interview in the maintenance area after Rovanperä’s victory was confirmed. The rally was otherwise difficult for Toyota, but Rovanperä’s performance made Latvala praise his protégé.

– Kalle was really dominant here. He was really hungry for victory and determined even before the rally, Latvala said.

Rovanperä has been in trouble in previous rallies of the season, especially on the opening days. The car’s settings have not been to my liking, and speed has not been found right from the start. Latvala believes that Portugal’s victory will strengthen the world champion even more.

– This certainly gives more self-confidence and is a big relief, as he himself said at the finish.

– I believe that we will see more victories during the season. This victory certainly made him a little stronger, Latvala decided with confidence.

The Rally World Series continues with the Sardinia World Rally in three weeks. At that time, Rovanperä starts the competition as the first car, because with his victory he rose to the top of the World Series.