Out of respect for the situation of the people in Ukraine, Toyota driver Kalle Rovanperä celebrates his victory at the Rally Sweden rather quietly
After his convincing victory in Rally Sweden, round two of the 2022 World Rally Championship (WRC), Toyota driver Kalle Rovanperä should have had every reason to celebrate exuberantly on Sunday. The Finn, who is only 21 years old, demonstrated a special sensitivity in the hour of his triumph and celebrated the success rather quietly.
“I don’t feel like celebrating now, because these have been really difficult days for the people in Ukraine,” Rovanperä recalls of the Russian war of aggression against the neighbouring country. “I just hope that they have strength and hope in these difficult times. “
Due to current world events, to which motorsport has also reacted by cancelling various races planned in Russia, Rovanperä’s sporting success was pushed into the background to some extent.
The Finn had shown a convincing performance in Sweden and won the winter rally 21 years after his father Harri’s triumph as the second from the Rovanperä family. While some of his rivals showed nerves and made mistakes in the gripping battle for the lead, Rovanperä showed a flawless performance and now clearly leads the WRC with 46 points.
“Of course I am very happy because I didn’t think we could do so well, especially because we started first on Friday,” said Rovanperä.
“It was quite a big task, but I have to say that I am really happy. I have to thank the team, they did a great job, the car was great and I am much more confident now,” the young Finn continued.
