The title felt almost secured when the closest opponent Elfvyn Evans crashed into a barn on Saturday. The stage before, Rovanperä had trembled a bit and pulled off the road, but the path to the title was opened up when Evans crashed.
Thus, Rovanperä was able to drive completely without pressure and was second in the Central European Rally which was run in Austria, Germany and the Czech Republic. In doing so, he secured his second straight WC title.
– It feels really good. For me personally, this was more important than last year, because of the opposition. I have the world’s best map reader and team, many thanks to them and everyone who has supported us, says Kalle Rovanperä in the victory interview.
Thierry Neuville won the Central European Rally. The Belgian is third in the overall standings.
The World Rally Championship’s final round is in Japan and runs in mid-November.
CUT: Watch as Evans crashes into a barn