Rovanperä has released an incredible video compilation on YouTube of his race weekend in Jyväskylä.
Even before the rally’s recce, Rovanperä hinted to his good friend and teammate, Takamoto Katsuta, that there would be a “big cup on Sunday.”
Katsuta, who has lived in Jyväskylä for a long time, wasn’t familiar with the Finnish phrase. After a brief explanation, he realised what it meant (drinking).
In the rally, Katsuta had a setback on the first proper day of driving when he damaged his car on the Ruuhimäki special stage and was forced to retire. Rovanperä, on the other hand, was firmly in the lead, but on the penultimate stage on Sunday, he hit a loose rock that sent his car into the forest.
Rovanperä has yet to claim his first Rally Finland victory. The video shows a disappointed Rovanperä returning to the service area after the crash.
But soon, the setbacks are left behind. Rovanperä and his team had planned a surprise for Katsuta at the end of the race weekend.
Rovanperä brings Katsuta to the Jyväskylä harbour, where a large boat awaits them.
“We wanted to make a small party for you. So all these guys are here for you,” Rovanperä announces.
At the same time, the party-goers on the boat reveal a large banner featuring a picture of Katsuta showing the middle finger, with the text “Kiitos Taka” (Thank you, Taka).
“What the f***!” Katsuta exclaims in Finnish.
At this point, Katsuta finally understands what the whole thing is about.
Watch Rovanperä’s full video of the race weekend below.
If the embed isn’t visible above, you can watch the video here.
