The duo is in Ireland for a fun trip rather than intense competition. However, Rovanperä and Halttunen faced trouble right on the first special stage of the rally, the legendary Moll’s Gap.
In Ireland, Rovanperä is driving a unique rally car from the BMV Rally Team. The Toyota Starlet boasts an impressive 364 horsepower. However, a certain electrical issue struck the car immediately on the opening stage, forcing the Finnish pair to stop during the special stage. They lost several minutes but eventually managed to bring the Starlet to the finish of Moll’s Gap.
“We’ll probably just try to get through the second stage slowly and then reach service. We might have to retire and restart later in the afternoon. We don’t want to burn the car, though,” Halttunen joked in an interview with Dirtfish at the finish of the opening stage of the Killarney Historic Rally.
“The main power stayed on when the engine cut out. Everything was fine before the issue, but then the engine stopped for four minutes before suddenly starting again. Perhaps it cooled down a bit while it was off. We need to try to make it to service and see if we can fix the problem. Then we could continue again in the afternoon,” Rovanperä added.
Rovanperä began his career behind the wheel of a Toyota Starlet. After Ireland, his journey continues to Monza, Italy, where he will take part in the Monza Rally Show next weekend.
The setback was unfortunate for Rovanperä and Halttunen, as the weekend was specifically intended to be about enjoying the beautiful Irish asphalt roads. Fortunately, the issue did not cause significant problems later in the morning loop.
Rovanperä managed to complete the first three special stages, but he has fallen nearly five minutes behind the leader. The largest time loss occurred on the opening stage when the electrical issue struck the Starlet. After that, the gap has remained almost the same. Co-driver Halttunen confirmed to RalliyJournal.com that the rally continues despite the early difficulties.
“There were technical issues on the first stage. The car just stalled while driving. But we’re continuing,” Halttunen reported.
