Kalle Rovanpera and his co-driver Jonne Halttunen demonstrated a flawless performance, triumphing over the WRC’s most arduous challenge with finesse.
Despite participating in only a partial season this year, the two-time world champions showcased their prowess by clinching victory on seven out of the 19 demanding gravel stages. Crucially, they emerged as the sole Rally1 pairing to evade any punctures, accidents, or mechanical setbacks.
Rovanpera adeptly gauged his pace amidst challenging conditions, enabling the Finnish duo to amass a lead exceeding two minutes before easing off on Sunday. Ultimately, they secured victory with a comfortable margin of 1 minute and 37.8 seconds over Toyota teammate Takamoto Katsuta.
Reflecting on their achievement, Rovanpera remarked, “It is always special; this event is so tough, and it holds legendary status for Toyota. We have consistently performed well here, and this victory underscores that legacy. As they say in Africa, ‘The car in front is always a Toyota.'”
He expressed gratitude to the team, acknowledging their collective effort in optimizing the car’s performance. Rovanpera praised their flawless execution throughout the weekend, emphasizing the significance of astute driving in navigating the challenges of the Safari Rally. He credited their victory to a combination of speed and strategic utilization of their strengths.
The triumph marked Rovanpera’s 12th career WRC win and Toyota’s first victory of the 2024 season. It further solidified Toyota’s dominance in Kenya, extending its winning streak to four consecutive victories since the event’s reintroduction to the WRC in 2021.
Toyota team principal Jari-Matti Latvala commended Rovanpera’s commanding performance, noting his mastery of the rally from start to finish. He attributed their success to Rovanpera’s skillful navigation of the course, aided by the team’s exceptional car and strategic planning.
