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KING KALLE BECOMES YOUNGEST EVER WRC CHAMPION

By Timothy Neal

Date posted: 2 October 2022

Kalle Rovanpera has become the youngest ever champion in WRC history by winning the title at 22 years old, in only his third season, and 30th WRC start.

The record was previously held by rally legend Colin McRae at 27 years old when he won the 1995 WRC title.

Rovanpera came from behind after entering Saturday behind championship title contender Ott Tanak, taking advantage of the Estonian’s Hybrid power breach penalties to sweep up Saturday and Sunday to claim the prestigious rally championship.

The Finnish pairing of Rovanpera and Jonne Halttunen stormed home by 34.6s over eight-time world champion Sébastien Ogier, with Tanak, the 2019 champion rounding out the podium.

the Finnish pairing of Kalle Rovanpera (FIN) and Jonne Halttunen (FIN) of team Toyota Gazoo Racing celebrate on top of their spiritual podium after winning their maiden FIA World Rally Championship title in Auckland, New Zealand. Photo: Red Bull Content Pool

Rovanpera dominated the Sunday, winning the last four gravel stages, including the double point Wolf Power stage, which sealed the championship before the proceedings were done.

“It’s quite a big relief after such a good season and finally we are here,” said the sport’s newest champion, holding an unassailable 64-point lead with two rounds to spare.

“It was a small wait after a few difficult rallies, but the biggest thanks goes to the team – they made this rocket this year. Even after all the difficult rallies they were believing in us and giving us all the support.”

Rovanpera gets some serious air during the Wolf Power stage that ensured him the 2022 title. Photo: Red Bull Content Pool

Toyota Gazoo team principal, Jari-Matti Latvala, was emotional in seeing Rovanpera become the first Finn since Marcus Grönholm’s victory in 2002.

“In a way I would like to cry, but I can’t cry here, It’s really important what Kalle has done,” said Latvala.

“First of all, it’s amazing for a 22-year-old to be breaking all the records and taking the championship title. 

“At the same time, it is so important for Finland because it has been 20 years and that’s a very long time.  I am so grateful that Kalle did it…he is a superhero.”

German Hyundai pilot Thierry Neuville took out P4, who recovered from a faulty gearbox on Saturday to finish +1:10.3s behind Tanak, but comfortably ahead of P5 getter Oliver Solberg, who faced his own misfire issues on Saturday’s leg.

A big NZ rally crowd watches on as Sebastien Ogier closed out P2 in the final stages. Photo: Red Bull Content Pool

It was an unfortunate weekend all round for the Yaris driver Elfyn Evans, and Ford Puma youngster Gus Greensmith, with both bowing out on Saturday due to extensive damage, with the other M-sport Ford driver in Irishman Craig Breen also not recovering from Fridays accident to finish in P19 outright.

New Zealand superstar Hayden Paddon finished in sixth outright after taking out the WRC2 class victory, with compatriot Shane van Gisbergen and Aussie Harry Bates (P3 and P4 in the WRC2) also finishing inside the outright top-10.

The WRC returns to asphalt for the penultimate round at RallyRACC – Rally de España on October 20-23 in Salou, Spain.

For more of the latest motorsport news pick up the latest edition of AUTO ACTION.

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