Rovanperä did not participate in the season-opening Rally Monte Carlo, but the Finnish driver has now returned. He sought a feel for snow conditions in the Arctic Rally held in Rovaniemi at the beginning of February.
In the morning’s shakedown, the Finnish driver was in good pace. After the initial runs, Rovanperä held the top spot, but as the afternoon approached, he lost the lead to his fellow countryman Esapekka Lappi.
However, the shakedown was promising for Rovanperä. Many expect that due to his favorable starting position, Rovanperä will dominantly win the Rally Sweden.
“The rally hasn’t started yet. I wouldn’t go that far though. You never know if the speed will be enough considering conditions and others. Especially last year, we were quite poor on the second loop with our car. The conditions will only be seen tomorrow,” Rovanperä outlined.
Rovanperä starts as the seventh car. Is the starting position the best possible?
“Let’s hope it’s good,” Rovanperä simply stated.
The Arctic Rally at the beginning of February was a good experience, not only in terms of feel but also for the car’s settings.
“The Arctic was really important. We got the settings sorted out through what we learned there. At least with the tools we have, there isn’t much more to do,” Rovanperä said.
After the Arctic Rally, Rovanperä also conducted further tests with Sweden in mind.
“We just confirmed setups that we got. We didn’t really get anything new,” Rovanperä stated.
Rovanperä has been able to take a break from WRC rallies, and it has clearly had a positive impact on the Finnish driver. The break has not been a disadvantage at all.
“It’s easy to go to the race now. A bit more interest and enthusiasm to drive after the break. A bit more relaxed feeling. Now that we are ‘jokamiehenluokka’ (everyman’s class) drivers here at the back, we don’t have to stress about points and other things. Just drive as it feels good,” Rovanperä smiled.
However, Rovanperä doesn’t feel that returning to the rally after the break is particularly nerve-wracking.
“I wouldn’t say there are butterflies in the stomach. Actually, there are probably fewer, but otherwise, it feels nicer,” Rovanperä said.
Rovanperä has prepared for the rally in the same way as always.
“Yeah, nothing has really changed. You shouldn’t change good habits that have worked before,” Rovanperä laughed.
Tomorrow, Friday, seven special stages will be raced in the rally. Looking ahead, Friday will likely determine the outcome of the rally. For Rovanperä, Friday is definitely a day to attack.
“Of course, it’s in the morning and even in the afternoon’s loop, but it depends a bit on what the weather is like. There have been quite small differences every year here. It’s necessary to attack from the beginning to the end,” Rovanperä promised.
However, the Finnish driver has not set any specific target for tomorrow.
“I won’t start thinking about seconds yet. Let’s see if we can even drive at the top speed. That will be seen tomorrow,” Rovanperä emphasized.
