Rovanperä finished seventh in the season-ending Rally Saudi Arabia, which was marked by multiple punctures. The title was once again claimed by his team-mate Sébastien Ogier, whom the Finn ultimately trailed by 37 points.
After the concluded season, Rovanperä will head to Japan’s Super Formula series as he begins his pursuit of his dream of reaching Formula 1. As he reached the finish, co-driver Jonne Halttunen was seen wiping away tears.
It was Halttunen to whom Rovanperä directed his first words of thanks.
“It has been quite amazing. First I have to say a big thank you to Jonne of course. We’ve had some good time together, good results. But mostly I will remember all the fun times,” Rovanperä said at the finish of Rally Saudi Arabia.
“Thank you to every single person who has been on the journey with me and Jonne. There are so many people since the beginning. “
Rovanperä and Halttunen won two World Championship titles together. Throughout their entire WRC career, the pair competed as part of the Japanese Toyota team.
“Especially thanks to Toyota for all these great years and thanks to everybody in the team and of course, all the supporters since the first day. There are so many people to thank. I cannot thank you all, but you know, if you have been on the journey, thank you for that.”
Finally, Rovanperä offered his thanks to his good friend Jasse, who, according to the Finn, has witnessed every single special stage Rovanperä has ever driven.
“I just want to say special thank you to one guy. There has been probably nobody in my life who has seen every single stage or competition live. He has been following everything. So thank you, Jasse. I know you are the only person since the day one, so thank you.” Rovanperä said emotionally.
Rovanperä also gave honest recognition to champion Ogier.
“Congrats to Seb if he takes the title. He will fully deserve it. He has been good this year.”
