Rovanperä and his co-driver Jonne Halttunen are opening their season with Rally Sweden. The traditional competition starts on Thursday.
Rovanperä gained valuable experience in snow rallying from the Arctic Rally held at the beginning of February. The Finn’s pace was on point, although he didn’t quite make it to the finish. Rovanperä is eagerly anticipating the start of the WRC season.
“Feeling good! Sweden is usually a great rally, and hopefully, we’ll have the kind of weather that lets us start from a good position. Hopefully, we can start a bit further back. It feels great to be competing properly again. Hopefully, we can get everything dialled in so our team can be strong there. Then it’s bound to be a good race for us,” Rovanperä told to RallyJournal.com.
Rovanperä is only competing in half of the WRC season this year. Was it clear from the start that the season would begin in Sweden?
“Yes, it was pretty clear,” Rovanperä said.
Sweden’s fast snow rally has always suited Rovanperä well.
“I’ve had good results there, and I’ve always been fast on snow, so to speak. It’s worth racing in events where you’re strong. It makes it a bit easier for yourself,” Rovanperä explained.
Rally Sweden was held around Karlstad and Torsby until 2020, after which it moved to Northern Sweden, near Umeå. This move ensured that the season’s only winter rally could indeed be held in winter conditions. Rovanperä sees both pros and cons to the relocation.
“Umeå has had sections that were perhaps too fast. The move up north was supposed to be because of the snow. I’d say the roads may not be as good as they are down south, but there are also really great sections there. Not all sections are great, but some are really beautiful,” Rovanperä pondered.
Rovanperä has only one goal in Sweden.
“It’s pretty clear that since we’re not racing for series points and should have a good chance, we’re obviously going to aim for the win,” the Finn stated emphatically.
