The two-time world champion only competed in half of this season’s WRC, but next year Rovanperä will return as a full-time driver.
Rovanperä’s talent has been recognised for a long time. M-Sport’s team principal Richard Millener also considers the Finn to be an extraordinary talent.
“Every now and then, you get a fluke – a Kalle Rovanperä, who seems to excel at everything,” Millener praised in an interview with Rallyjournal.com.
What makes Rovanperä exceptional is, among other things, how he has managed to rise to the top of the rally world at such a young age. Rovanperä is only 24 years old, yet he has already won two world championship titles. Next season, the Finn will be aiming for his third title. Millener points out that drivers usually reach their peak much later.
“I believe late 20s to early 30s is a very good age to excel in WRC. You can deal with life better, prepare more, and focus on your goals,” Millener observed.
“No driver is the same. You need to understand each driver’s mentality, strengths, and weaknesses,” Millener added.
Millener also provided a personal example. Adrien Fourmaux, who made his breakthrough with M-Sport last season, and Gregoire Munster are very different personalities.
“Gregoire needs someone to reassure him that he’s on the right track, while Adrien is now confident in himself and his approach,” Millener explained.
