Kovalainen participated in the Union Rally Event held in Italy over the weekend, featuring seven asphalt special stages.
Kovalainen had the advantage of superior machinery, as he drove a Citroën C3 WRC car. He eventually beat Italian driver Andrea Minchella, who competed in a Škoda Rally2 car, by nearly one and a half minutes.
Patric Öhman read the notes for Kovalainen in the competition. The Finnish duo took to the podium after the race to hear the Finnish national anthem.
After the anthem, Kovalainen experienced a surprise – and even a slight shock – when confetti exploded into the air in grand style. The Finnish winners were celebrated in spectacular fashion, with fireworks capping off the award ceremony.
Kovalainen said he enjoyed the rally atmosphere throughout the weekend.
“It was a nice feeling and the condition was actually quite nice. Almost dry condition and the car feeling was good and I felt good, so I really enjoyed it,” Kovalainen commented.
This was Kovalainen’s first rally victory in Europe. Previously, he had only managed to claim wins in Japan’s rally series.
Kovalainen plans to compete more in Europe next year.
“It would be fun to drive in the ERC, but I also went in the Rally Legend in Italy and I really enjoyed the roads there. Italian Tarmac Championship is very tough and very nice,” Kovalainen told RallyJournal.com in November after Rally Japan.
“We’ve had a sort little chat with my sponsor Secto (the title sponsor of Rally Finland) about next year, and they sort of have some interest to go to Italy, so that could be a possibility.”
Kovalainen also competed in last weekend’s event with the support of Secto Automotive.