Latvia has never before hosted a round of the World Rally Championship. However, Rovanperä is one of the few WRC drivers with previous experience on Latvian gravel roads. The Finnish star began his competitive career in the Latvian rally series.
Therefore, Rovanperä is well-placed to assess what to expect in Latvia.
“If the same indications hold true, I guess it will be a really nice rally,” Rovanperä tells RallyJournal.com.
“It’s really fast there, but some stages and areas are also really nice. I guess there will be tough competition. It’s really cool to go back to Latvia.”
It has been quite a while since Rovanperä last competed in Latvia. The last time he drove there was in 2017, when he also clinched the local rally series championship.
Since then, Rovanperä has primarily competed in the WRC and has been crowned world champion twice.
But could his previous experience in Latvia still be of any benefit?
“I hope so, but I think the rally will be quite a mix of Poland and Estonia, where others have also driven. I don’t think I have any big advantage after such a long break. But let’s hope it helps a bit,” Rovanperä reflects.
After Latvia, Rovanperä will face one of the highlights of the season, the home rally in Finland. Rovanperä has not yet won his home event, but this year he has a great chance, especially considering his starting position.
“It’s always nice to head to your home rally. I don’t have any special feelings about the race, but of course, I like it, and it’s always great to see the Finnish fans and the good atmosphere on the stages. Of course, we will try to hunt for the win this year, as we have done in previous years,” Rovanperä plans.
The WRC Rally Latvia will be held from 18 to 21 July, and the Rally Finland from 1 to 4 August.
