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In the realm of sports, there are moments that stand out as pure brilliance, and the recent Rally Islas Canarias, debuting in the World Rally Championship, provided just that. Kalle Rovanpera, along with co-driver Jonne Halttunen, achieved a strikingly dominant victory, turning heads in the rally community.
Among the spectators was the seasoned eight-time world champion Sébastien Ogier, who found himself trailing Rovanpera by an astonishing 53.5 seconds—a significant gap in the world of asphalt rallying. Known for his commanding performances throughout his illustrious career, even Ogier had to acknowledge the prowess of the 24-year-old Finn, who won 15 out of 18 stages and secured a perfect 35 points.
“Kalle was just in a vastly different league this weekend, producing a performance we rarely witness in this sport,” Ogier commented to Autosport. This remarkable victory not only marked a personal triumph for Rovanpera but also highlighted the extensive preparation from Toyota, which executed a stunning 1-2-3-4 finish, leaving competitors like Hyundai and M-Sport-Ford struggling.
Rovanpera’s Resurgence in the Championship Race
Rovanpera’s dominance is especially notable given the quality of opponents he faced, coupled with a rocky start to the season. He had previously grappled with unlocking the speed on the new 2025 Hankook tires, admitting to difficulties in adapting his driving style. Having finished fourth and fifth in Monte Carlo and Sweden, alongside an unfortunate exit due to an electrical issue in Kenya, this win was pivotal.
In the serene atmosphere of Rally Islas Canarias, Rovanpera adeptly maneuvered the smooth asphalt roads, described by Hyundai’s Ott Tanak as being “as close to circuit racing as rallying gets.” With only five competitors having prior experience on these roads, Rovanpera’s triumph was impressive, showcasing his mastery of the hard compound tire and benefitting from Toyota’s meticulous vehicle set-up.
The first signs of Rovanpera’s return to form came during the shakedown, where he excelled with the hard compound tire. “I realized the tire was working for me, and my driving felt natural,” he stated. His performance in the initial test was astonishing, with a lead of 6.5 seconds, even though he felt it was an unsatisfactory ride.
Following a flawless series of stage wins on Friday, he established a remarkable lead of 26.8 seconds over Ogier, with championship leader and teammate Evans trailing further behind. Despite minor challenges, including Halttunen battling jaw pain that limited his communication, Rovanpera remained focused. “We found the right strategies with the car, especially with the new tires, which were crucial,” he shared.
By the weekend, Rovanpera’s extraordinary pace continued, with a streak that extended to 12 consecutive stage wins—a feat reminiscent of rally legend Sébastien Loeb in 2005. Although competition was fierce, Rovanpera’s rapid dominance showcased an almost perfect performance. “It feels like I can pace myself; I don’t have to push constantly,” he remarked, reflecting on the comfort he found in his driving.
As Sunday unfolded, Rovanpera secured additional stage wins, experiencing a moment of elation after claiming the Power Stage victory. “This must be one of our best rallies,” he stated emphatically. “It’s not every day you can remain ahead of everyone else throughout an entire weekend.”
Challenges for Rivals: Hyundai and M-Sport
While Rovanpera excelled, the response from his competitors was starkly contrasting. Hyundai and M-Sport struggled to match Toyota’s pace, encountering troubles with vehicle setup and tire adaptation. Hyundai’s technical director, FX Demaison, noted that they had underestimated the rally’s complexities, leading them to face significant understeering and handling issues that hampered their performance.
Despite their efforts to adjust, the lack of confidence among drivers became apparent, with results that did not reflect the level of competition expected. Reigning champion Thierry Neuville finished a disappointing seventh, while M-Sport’s performance left them trailing far behind. Team principal Richard Millener acknowledged the challenges posed by the unique requirements of the rally in terms of vehicle handling.
The Future of Rally Islas Canarias
The Rally Islas Canarias may not have delivered a dramatic showdown for victory, but its debut was impressive nonetheless. With nearly 200,000 fans present, the event showcased the fervent enthusiasm for rallying in Spain, particularly on the island. This enthusiasm was encapsulated by WRC2 driver Oliver Solberg, who noted the vibrant atmosphere and the significant fan engagement.
“This rally perfectly showcases what we need to bring the sport closer to the people,” Solberg stated, highlighting the potential for future events in the WRC calendar. Rovanpera’s stellar performance could very well be the catalyst for a potential push toward a third world title in the upcoming races, reigniting the championship battle in a thrilling way.
Source
www.autosport.com