The two-time world champion Rovanperä took part in the Fiorio Cup over the weekend with his mother, Tiina, held on the Fiorio family’s estate in southern Italy. As expected, Rovanperä claimed victory, leaving local star Andrea Crugnola in second place.
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The competition featured four stages in total, with Rovanperä setting the fastest time on three of them.
“I enjoyed it, though it wasn’t entirely easy because Crugnola was very determined at the start,” said Rovanperä, who competed in a Toyota Rally2 car.
This year, Rovanperä has only participated in select WRC events, allowing him time to join more relaxed events like the Fiorio Cup.
“I spent three very relaxing days and met people who have been pillars of this sport, most of all Cesare Fiorio. I love racing and having new experiences; records don’t interest me – I race purely for the passion. I hope I have the chance to return; it’s wonderful to see people who live with the same passion as I do.”
Cesare Fiorio, 85, successfully led the Lancia and FIAT teams in the World Rally Championship in the 1970s and 1980s, achieving a total of ten manufacturers’ world titles as team principal.
Rovanperä made a strong impression on the Italian legend over the weekend. Fiorio was among the first to congratulate Rovanperä once his victory was secured.
“Rovanperä is undoubtedly top-class. He has a brilliant career ahead of him because he adapts to every motorsport category he approaches and wants to take on,” praised Fiorio.
“He is already a ‘Flying Finn,’ part of the lineage of champions like (Ari) Vatanen, (Hannu) Mikkola, (Markku) Alén, and Henri Toivonen, to name just a few.”
Italian driver Crugnola had won the last three Fiorio Cups. This time, he found a challenge too tough to conquer from Finland.
“I gave it my best shot; I knew it would be like climbing a mountain. The first stage gave me courage and confidence. Maybe I went a bit too far, but I don’t regret it.”
“I hope I get another chance; there’s no shame in being beaten by the world champion,” said Crugnola.
Source: Rallyssimo.it
