Subscribe

Sign up for free

  • Get quick access to your favorite articles

  • Manage alerts on breaking news and favorite drivers

  • Make your voice heard with article commenting.

Motorsport prime

Discover premium content
Subscribe

Edition

USA
Champions Kalle Rovanpera, Jonne Halttunen, Toyota Gazoo Racing WRT Toyota GR Yaris Rally1
Prime
Special feature

The key steps on Rovanpera's romp to a history-making WRC title

With only cameo roles played by legendary Sebastiens Ogier and Loeb, Kalle Rovanpera ushered in the new hybrid era for the World Rally Championship by becoming its youngest champion. Here's how Toyota's Flying Finn crushed the competition, led by Hyundai's departing star Ott Tanak.

It was somehow appropriate that the rise of a new rallying superpower should coincide with the World Rally Championship celebrating its 50th season and ushering in a new hybrid era. For the best part of two decades, rallying’s top tier had been dominated by two Frenchmen, Sebastien Loeb and Sebastien Ogier, the duo’s stranglehold punctuated only once since 2004 when Ott Tanak marched his way to the 2019 title.

With Loeb and reigning champion Ogier taking only part-time cameo roles this year with M-Sport and Toyota respectively, the prospect of a new name on the world championship trophy seemed likely. But few would have predicted Toyota’s Kalle Rovanpera to rip up the record books and redefine the WRC winning formula so comprehensively.

Previous article WRC linked to new South Australian event
Next article Solberg: M-Sport Rally1 deal still an option for 2023

More from Tom Howard

Snorkel exhauts to make top-tier return at WRC Safari Rally

Snorkel exhauts to make top-tier return at WRC Safari Rally

WRC WRC
Rally Kenya
Snorkel exhauts to make top-tier return at WRC Safari Rally Snorkel exhauts to make top-tier return at WRC Safari Rally
WRC and Dakar winner Kenjiro Shinozuka dies aged 75

WRC and Dakar winner Kenjiro Shinozuka dies aged 75

WRC WRC
WRC and Dakar winner Kenjiro Shinozuka dies aged 75 WRC and Dakar winner Kenjiro Shinozuka dies aged 75
Fourmaux: Adjusting to hybrid-less WRC cars will be a “challenge”

Fourmaux: Adjusting to hybrid-less WRC cars will be a “challenge”

WRC WRC
Fourmaux: Adjusting to hybrid-less WRC cars will be a “challenge” Fourmaux: Adjusting to hybrid-less WRC cars will be a “challenge”
Neuville clarifies WRC future amid anger over FIA technical reforms

Neuville clarifies WRC future amid anger over FIA technical reforms

WRC WRC
Neuville clarifies WRC future amid anger over FIA technical reforms Neuville clarifies WRC future amid anger over FIA technical reforms
Toyota: More details needed for WRC Rally2 upgrade kit decision

Toyota: More details needed for WRC Rally2 upgrade kit decision

WRC WRC
Rally Kenya
Toyota: More details needed for WRC Rally2 upgrade kit decision Toyota: More details needed for WRC Rally2 upgrade kit decision
The Rally1 inspiration behind the WRC’s latest customer weapon

The Rally1 inspiration behind the WRC’s latest customer weapon

WRC WRC
The Rally1 inspiration behind the WRC’s latest customer weapon The Rally1 inspiration behind the WRC’s latest customer weapon
The other Solberg making waves behind the scenes in the WRC

The other Solberg making waves behind the scenes in the WRC

WRC WRC
The other Solberg making waves behind the scenes in the WRC The other Solberg making waves behind the scenes in the WRC
How a new 'old' challenge is capturing the spirit of British rallying lore

How a new 'old' challenge is capturing the spirit of British rallying lore

Prime
Prime
NTNL National
How a new 'old' challenge is capturing the spirit of British rallying lore How a new 'old' challenge is capturing the spirit of British rallying lore

Sign up for free

  • Get quick access to your favorite articles

  • Manage alerts on breaking news and favorite drivers

  • Make your voice heard with article commenting.

Motorsport prime

Discover premium content
Subscribe

Edition

USA