How the WRC saw a different side to Rovanpera in his latest Acropolis triumph
In a gruelling event that almost didn’t happen, reigning WRC champion Kalle Rovanpera showed he has more than just speed in his locker to strengthen his grip on the 2023 title race. Here's how the Toyota star prevailed in a true endurance test, despite starting first on the road, as two experienced heads fell by the wayside
Acropolis Rally king Colin McRae turned mastering the brutal Greek gravel roads into an art form thanks to a perfect blend of speed and mechanical sympathy. It was these very attributes that Kalle Rovanpera showed in abundance to survive and conquer one of the toughest World Rally Championship events in recent memory last weekend. His second Acropolis win from three attempts once again outlined the 22-year-old's remarkable talent as Rovanpera took another step not only towards McRae’s Acropolis undisputed benchmark of five wins, but a second world title.
Rovanpera’s Acropolis success in the blazing sunshine on Sunday afternoon seemed hard to believe after an unprecedented build-up to the rally. An extreme weather event in the form of Storm Daniel unloaded a torrent of water, the likes of which Greece has rarely witnessed, causing flash floods and devastation to communities. Thoughts turned to ensuring people’s safety rather than competing in a rally as the Greek government sent out a series of emergency notifications to mobile phones warning against travelling.
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