Such was Kalle Rovanpera's pace advantage in RallyPortugal that his nearest WRC rival Dani Sordo felt that he was driving an R5 car in a lower category.
Rovanpera claimed a ninth career WRC victory in Portugal and his first of the season after dominating the rough gravel rally to defeat Hyundai’s Sordo by 54.7s.
After converting a difficult road position into 10.8s lead at the end of Friday, Rovanpera won five of seven stages on Saturday, including a stunning effort on stage nine where he was 12.8s faster than anyone else.“You feel like you're driving an R5 car, in a different category,” said Sordo when asked for this thoughts upon seeing the time.“We know he can always go a little bit more and he can go ‘ciao bang’ [and there is the time].
Podium: Winner Kalle Rovanperä, Jonne Halttunen, Toyota Gazoo Racing WRT Toyota GR Yaris Rally1, second place Dani Sordo, Candido Carrera, Hyundai World Rally Team Hyundai i20 N Rally1, third place Esapekka Lappi, Janne Ferm, Hyundai World Rally Team Hyundai i20 N Rally1“We could see that the gap was huge. But it’s always these type of things happen.
Reflecting on his best result to date driving a Rally1 car, Sordo was pleased with the podium which he dedicated to his late team-mate“The feeling is very well,” he added. “Saturday morning, I was losing a little bit of time and I make a small mistake at a hairpin and lose time there. But, in the afternoon, we pushed more and it was much better. I can be happy for the weekend.
Brasil Últimas Notícias, Brasil Manchetes
Similar News:Você também pode ler notícias semelhantes a esta que coletamos de outras fontes de notícias.
Sordo: Rovanpera's Portugal WRC pace like I was in another category🗣️'You feel like you're driving an R5 car.' WRC veteran Dani Sordo admitted he felt like he was driving in different category when looking at the times set by Rally Portugal winner Kalle Rovanpera ⬇️
Consulte Mais informação »
WRC Portugal: Relentless Rovanpera in control after Saturday dominationToyota\u2019s Kalle Rovanpera dominated Saturday\u2019s stages to extend his World Rally Championship Rally Portugal lead over Hyundai\u2019s Dani Sordo heading into the final day.
Consulte Mais informação »
WRC Portugal: Relentless Rovanpera in control after Saturday dominationToyota\u2019s Kalle Rovanpera dominated Saturday\u2019s stages to extend his World Rally Championship Rally Portugal lead over Hyundai\u2019s Dani Sordo heading into the final day.
Consulte Mais informação »
WRC Portugal: Rovanpera maintains lead, Neuville loses podiumKalle Rovanpera edged closer to a first World Rally Championship win of the season after maintaining his Rally Portugal lead on Sunday morning, while Hyundai\u2019s Thierry Neuville hit trouble.
Consulte Mais informação »
WRC Portugal: Rovanpera maintains lead, Neuville loses podiumKalle Rovanpera edged closer to a first World Rally Championship win of the season after maintaining his Rally Portugal lead on Sunday morning, while Hyundai\u2019s Thierry Neuville hit trouble.
Consulte Mais informação »
WRC Portugal: Rovanpera kickstarts title defence with dominant winKalle Rovanpera kickstarted his World Rally Championship title defence after scoring a dominant first victory of the season at Rally Portugal.
Consulte Mais informação »