Rovanperä and co-driver Jonne Halttunen are set to compete in the traditional Killarney Historic Rally in Ireland on Saturday. The duo will be driving quite the “beast,” unlike anything they’ve handled before.
Although Rovanperä began his career in a Toyota Starlet, he’ll be piloting a unique car prepared by the BMV Rally Team in Ireland. This Starlet packs an impressive 364 horsepower.
In the WRC, Rovanperä is accustomed to racing in Toyota’s Rally1 powerhouse with 4-wheel drive. However, this weekend he’ll experience something different – a rear-wheel-drive car with an added challenge for the Finn: the steering wheel is on the right-hand side, as is customary in Ireland.
The BMV Rally Team has showcased the livery of Rovanperä’s car for the weekend on social media.
Rovanperä mentioned earlier that he’s never driven a competition car with the steering wheel on the right. This shouldn’t pose an issue, as he has proven himself a natural talent in virtually any vehicle.
Before the rally, Rovanperä had the chance to get some practice driving on the right-hand side. Brothers Jason and Gareth Black, the owners of the car, offered the rally champion a test drive ahead of the tarmac rally.
The Killarney Historic Rally consists of eight special stages, totalling approximately 110 kilometres, and will take place on Saturday.
Rovanperä’s racing season doesn’t end in Ireland, as he’ll participate in the Monza Rally Show in Italy next week, driving a Toyota GR Yaris Rally1.
