WRC points leader Rovanpera "super annoyed" after Rally Croatia crash
WRC championship leader Kalle Rovanpera says he's “super annoyed” to have exited Rally Croatia on the very first stage.
The young Finn crashed out heavily around three miles into the asphalt event’s ‘Plesivica’ test – the shortest of the weekend at 4.31-miles.
As Rovanpera approached a tightening right hander, his Toyota Yaris ran wide and was sucked off the road.
Both he and co-driver Jonne Halttunen managed to walk away unhurt, although their car sustained considerable panel damage.
Just moments prior to their demise, the pair recorded a split time none of the remaining WRC crews managed to better.
Posting on Twitter, Rovanpera revealed he had been struggling with the car’s handling prior to the off.
The car itself is being recovered and being returned to service where it is hoped mechanics can repair the damage and have it ready in time for tomorrow’s stages.
“I am super annoyed,” said Rovanpera.
Kalle Rovanperä, Toyota Gazoo Racing
Photo by: McKlein / Motorsport Images
“The whole opening stage was super slippery and we were struggling with a lot of understeer. I
still tried to push, but on this fast right hander grip just completely disappeared and we understeered off the road into the trees.
“Really sorry for the team; this was my mistake and I will learn from this.
“Mechanics will check the car once we get it back to service to see if the car is fixable for tomorrow.”
Prior to the start of the Zagreb-based rally, the 20-year-old told Autosport that opening the road brought a greater element of risk as opposed to reward, with mud and gravel a common sight this morning.
“On the Friday loop, it looks as though there are not many places you can gain [time by opening the road] because after the recce many stages are already dirty and they’re not going to clean,” he said.
“I don’t know if [first place] is going to help. It is going to be really tricky because it is a new event and you need new pace notes, so there is going to be lots of challenges,” he added.
Rovanpera’s retirement opened the door to Hyundai’s Thierry Neuville, who leads the third round by 7.3 seconds from Elfyn Evans after four stages. Reigning champion Sebastien Ogier is a further five seconds off the pace in third.
Related video
Toyota doesn't feel disadvantaged relying on private WRC tests
WRC Rally Croatia: Neuville leads from Ogier after Rovanpera crashes
Ogier wants to stay in Toyota fold after full-time WRC career ends
Ogier wants to stay in Toyota fold after full-time WRC career ends Ogier wants to stay in Toyota fold after full-time WRC career ends
Tanak has "feeling of anticipation" for remainder of WRC season
Tanak has "feeling of anticipation" for remainder of WRC season Tanak has "feeling of anticipation" for remainder of WRC season
Why the success of AVB's WRC debut won't be defined on the stages
Why the success of AVB's WRC debut won't be defined on the stages Why the success of AVB's WRC debut won't be defined on the stages
Maserati GT2 racer to make competition debut at Paul Ricard
Maserati GT2 racer to make competition debut at Paul Ricard Maserati GT2 racer to make competition debut at Paul Ricard
Inside the adaptations needed to realise NASCAR's Le Mans return
Inside the adaptations needed to realise NASCAR's Le Mans return Inside the adaptations needed to realise NASCAR's Le Mans return
WRC Chile: Evans leads as Lappi, Loubet suffer high-speed rolls
WRC Chile: Evans leads as Lappi, Loubet suffer high-speed rolls WRC Chile: Evans leads as Lappi, Loubet suffer high-speed rolls
Aston Martin: 2026 gearbox “a golden opportunity” for F1 to cut costs
Aston Martin: 2026 gearbox “a golden opportunity” for F1 to cut costs Aston Martin: 2026 gearbox “a golden opportunity” for F1 to cut costs
How the WRC saw a different side to Rovanpera in his latest Acropolis triumph
How the WRC saw a different side to Rovanpera in his latest Acropolis triumph How the WRC saw a different side to Rovanpera in his latest Acropolis triumph
How iconic cars from each WRC era compare at the hands of Petter Solberg
How iconic cars from each WRC era compare at the hands of Petter Solberg How iconic cars from each WRC era compare at the hands of Petter Solberg
How the WRC title race was ignited by Evans in Finland
How the WRC title race was ignited by Evans in Finland How the WRC title race was ignited by Evans in Finland
How Rovanpera reached a Loeb-like level in Estonia WRC domination
How Rovanpera reached a Loeb-like level in Estonia WRC domination How Rovanpera reached a Loeb-like level in Estonia WRC domination
How Ogier held his nerve to repeat Toyota's Safari WRC rout
How Ogier held his nerve to repeat Toyota's Safari WRC rout How Ogier held his nerve to repeat Toyota's Safari WRC rout
The Neuville splash and grab that ends Hyundai’s WRC win drought
The Neuville splash and grab that ends Hyundai’s WRC win drought The Neuville splash and grab that ends Hyundai’s WRC win drought
How Rovanpera fired the WRC a timely reminder of his class in Portugal
How Rovanpera fired the WRC a timely reminder of his class in Portugal How Rovanpera fired the WRC a timely reminder of his class in Portugal
How Evans ended his WRC drought in sombre Croatia breakthrough
How Evans ended his WRC drought in sombre Croatia breakthrough How Evans ended his WRC drought in sombre Croatia breakthrough
Subscribe and access Autosport.com with your ad-blocker.
From Formula 1 to MotoGP we report straight from the paddock because we love our sport, just like you. In order to keep delivering our expert journalism, our website uses advertising. Still, we want to give you the opportunity to enjoy an ad-free and tracker-free website and to continue using your adblocker.