The Finn bid farewell to the World Rally Championship at Rally Saudi Arabia. His last outing ended with seventh place, earning him third position overall in the standings.
As he parked his Toyota GR Yaris Rally1 for the final time, ahead of a switch to circuit racing, Rovanperä said he felt relieved.
“The feeling is good, to be honest. Of course, it’s also sad leaving all the people in the sport behind, which has been the biggest part of my life,” he said.
Rovanperä claimed two world titles and a total of 18 rally wins alongside co-driver Jonne Halttunen.
“I can be super proud of what we have achieved. All the good times and memories, especially with Jonne – all this professional career we have always been successful, breaking records and achieving everything we wanted, at least what I wanted,” Rovanperä reflected.
When asked what he would miss the most about the WRC, the answer came instantly.
“I think that especially the people who have been working with us closely, like my own engineers and my mechanics and team guys who are always the closest for you. Of course, when you do many years with same guys, you build a relationship and good memories with every single person on the team has been important. So I think the people is what you’re gonna miss the most,” he explained.
And what will he not miss?
“Well, that’s a list of many things,” he grinned.
Rally Saudi Arabia did not leave a great taste for the two-time world champion. The event was filled with drama and a string of punctures – several of which struck Rovanperä across the weekend.
“I was expecting it that anything can happen. And at the end, I don’t think it’s what the season finale should be. Really none of the positions were decided by driving or pace. A bit disappointing, but it is what it is,” he concluded.
Next season, Rovanperä will compete in Japan’s Super Formula series.
