finn Kalle Rovanperä (Toyota Yaris) claimed the overall victory in Rally Croatiathird round of the World Championship, after snatching the lead in the last section from Estonian Ott Täkan (Hyundai 120), and consolidating his first place in the championship overall.
Tänak’s 4.3 seconds in the final period was enough to give the title to Rovanperä, who underlined the difficulties he experienced: “Undoubtedly this was the hardest success of my career.“, Finn admits,”but we worked hard throughout the weekend and we deserved this win“.
Rovanperä, who won on Friday in the first round, he started the final day with just 19.9 seconds ahead of Tänak, world champion in 2019, then lost 54 due to a puncture, and ended up winning by just 4.3 seconds. Before the final stage, the 14km Power Stage, the two were separated by just 1.4 seconds.
It was the fourth win-and second in a row-for Rovanperä at the World Rally Championship.
Belgian Thierry Neuville completed the Croatian podiumwho despite leaving the track in the final special, finished third, 2: 21.0 behind the winner.
All in all, Rovanperä strengthened its lead with 76 points, followed by Neuville (47)Irishman Craig Breen (30), Frenchman Sebastien Loeb (27) and Tänak (27).
Rally Croatia Final Classification
1. Kalle Rovanpera (FIN/Toyota) 2h48: 21.5
2. Ott Tanak (EST/Hyundai) at 4.3
3. Thierry Neuville (BEL/Hyundai) in 2: 21.0
4. Craig Breen (IRL/M-Sport Ford) in 3: 07.3
5. Elfyn Evans (GBR/Toyota) in 3: 46.0
World Cup rankings
1. Kalle Rovanperä (FIN) 76 points
2. Thierry Neuville (BEL) 47
3. Craig Breen (IRL) 30
4. Sebastien Loeb (FRA) 27*
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*Not participating in all races
Source: La Verdad
I’m Wayne Wickman, a professional journalist and author for Today Times Live. My specialty is covering global news and current events, offering readers a unique perspective on the world’s most pressing issues. I’m passionate about storytelling and helping people stay informed on the goings-on of our planet.
