Kalle Rovanperä, maintained the fastest pace among the whole group during the initial runs. Ultimately, the Finn ended up as the fourth fastest.
“Now that the shakedown is done, Kalle’s performance seemed really strong to me. Great confidence, the car was performing well,” Latvala praised.
Rovanperä and also Hyundai’s Esapekka Lappi demonstrated right away on the shakedown the significant impact of the starting position. Rovanperä was able to start as the seventh car on the road, and the clock liked it. Teammate Elfyn Evans wasn’t as fortunate.
“Elfyn said it’s difficult being at the front, that’s clear. Leading isn’t easy. We just have to be patient with Elfyn. It looks like there’s going to be snow coming, and then you have to go at the front with a wide tire, so it’s really challenging.
“However, Kalle is in a good position, so he can attack, and Taka (Takamoto Katsuta) is in a reasonably good position as well,” Latvala said.
Kalle Rovanperä has been pegged as the overwhelming favorite for the Rally Sweden. Can anyone truly challenge him?
“It’s important to remember that the shakedown is its own thing, and then when the rally starts, the situation can always change. Just driving fast isn’t enough. You have to make it to the finish. That’s something to remember as well. But I do believe Kalle is in strong form for this competition. Many will have to come at him hard to challenge him. But as said, anything can happen, and the prizes are only given out at the finish,” Latvala reminded.
