The New Zealand-based formula series continues this weekend at Taupo Motorsport Park, where the first two races were held overnight from Friday to Saturday in Central European time.
Rovanperä started the opening race from 13th on the grid. Still getting to grips with the new circuit, the Finnish driver eventually finished 16th.
In the second race, Rovanperä’s pace was significantly stronger. Starting from 16th, he produced an impressive climb into the top ten.
A few drivers ahead of Rovanperä dropped out, but the two-time world rally champion also pulled off a couple of fine overtakes during the race. He ultimately finished tenth, 19 seconds behind race winner James Wharton.
Towards the end of the race, Rovanperä was able to run in clean air and closed almost a five-second gap to Ricardo Baptista ahead. The Finn attempted to pass the Brazilian driver but ultimately fell just over a tenth of a second short of ninth place.
Overall, the second race was an encouraging showing from Rovanperä, especially considering his very limited experience on circuit racing tracks. In the second half of the 18-lap race, he was only four seconds slower than race winner Wharton, and over the final seven laps the gap to the leader remained virtually unchanged.
Australian driver Wharton, who started from third on the grid, went on to claim victory ahead of Mexico’s Ernesto Rivera. Championship leader Ugo Ugochukwu of the United States finished third.
The final day at Taupo Motorsport Park will feature qualifying and two further races. Qualifying is scheduled for late Saturday evening Central European time.
