Kalle Rovanperä has once again asserted his dominance at the Rally Estonia shakedown, signaling a strong start to his 2025 campaign. Having won the event for the past three years, Rovanperä’s early pace suggests he is the man to beat. This year’s Rally Estonia marks the beginning of a crucial leg in the World Rally Championship’s gravel season, setting the stage for intense competition ahead of the highly anticipated Rally Finland.
The shakedown provided a glimpse into the form of key contenders, with Elfyn Evans looking to maintain his lead over Ott Tänak, who is eager to perform well on his home turf. However, it was Rovanperä who stole the spotlight, setting a blistering pace that left his rivals trailing. This article delves into the details of the shakedown, examining the performances of the top drivers and what it means for the rest of the rally. Join FYM News as we unpack the highlights and preview the challenges awaiting the drivers in Estonia.
Rovanperä Sets the Early Pace in Estonia
Kalle Rovanperä wasted no time in stamping his authority on Rally Estonia, setting the fastest time in the shakedown stage. His benchmark of 1m56.3s was a clear 0.9 seconds ahead of Takamoto Katsuta, demonstrating his comfort and confidence on the high-speed gravel roads. This performance underscores Rovanperä’s affinity for the event, where he has consistently excelled in recent years.
‘It’s so nice to be back here, my favorite race of the year,’ Rovanperä said. ‘Obviously this year we’ve not had as good a feeling as it has been always before, but for sure this weekend we try to do something well. The feeling at the moment is not so bad, so obviously we will go for it and see what happens.’ His words reflect a blend of determination and cautious optimism, acknowledging the challenges of the season while expressing his ambition to perform well.
Tänak Seeks Home Advantage
Ott Tänak, the local hero, arrives at his home event in excellent form and eager to capitalize on his knowledge of the Estonian roads. Despite going fastest on the first run, Tänak couldn’t maintain the pace set by Rovanperä. The initial run, unusually scheduled after the Rally2 cars, provided more grip than anticipated, catching some drivers off guard. Tänak will be looking to use his familiarity with the terrain to his advantage as the rally progresses.
Elfyn Evans currently holds a slender lead in the championship standings, just 12 points ahead of Tänak. With Tänak’s strong form and home advantage, the Estonian rally presents a golden opportunity for him to close the gap and potentially take the lead in the title race. The competition between Evans and Tänak is set to be one of the key narratives of the rally.
Neuville Leads Hyundai’s Charge
Thierry Neuville, often considered a driver who doesn’t favor the fast rallies, showcased a strong performance in the shakedown, finishing as the fastest Hyundai driver. Neuville has a remarkable record in Estonia, never finishing lower than fourth in the past three editions. His third-best time in the shakedown, just 0.5s ahead of teammate Tänak, indicates that he is well-prepared for the challenges ahead.
Hyundai’s overall performance will be crucial in their quest to challenge Toyota’s dominance. With Neuville leading the charge and Tänak eager to impress, the Korean manufacturer has a strong lineup capable of competing for top honors. The rally will test the resilience and speed of the Hyundai i20 N Rally1 cars, as they navigate the demanding Estonian stages.
Solberg’s Impressive Toyota Debut
Oliver Solberg made an impressive debut in a Rally1 car for Toyota, marking his first event since 2022. Solberg’s fifth-fastest time, just 0.3s behind Tänak, highlights his adaptability and skill behind the wheel. His positive feedback about the car suggests a promising partnership with Toyota.
‘It’s just absolutely incredible,’ Solberg beamed. ‘I mean what a car first of all. It’s just so nice to drive. Big smile!’ Solberg’s enthusiasm and performance add an exciting element to the rally, as he aims to make a significant impact in his return to the top tier of rallying. His progress will be closely watched as the rally unfolds.
M-Sport Ford Battles for Position
Mãrtiņš Sesks emerged as the fastest M-Sport Ford driver, finishing sixth overall, just 0.1s behind Solberg and 0.4s ahead of Sami Pajari. This result indicates a competitive showing for the M-Sport team, as they strive to improve their position in the championship standings. The challenging conditions of Rally Estonia will test the reliability and performance of their Ford Puma Rally1 cars.
Evans, the championship leader, finished in eighth position, a tenth behind Pajari, while Adrien Fourmaux, recently married, was a further 0.3s back. These results underscore the intense competition and the small margins that separate the drivers. M-Sport Ford will be looking to capitalize on any opportunities to gain ground and secure valuable points.
WRC2 Heats Up
In the WRC2 category, Fabrizio Zaldivar’s Škoda was the fastest Rally2 car overall, but it was Robert Virves who led the WRC2 registered drivers in his Fabia RS Rally2. The competition in WRC2 is fierce, with numerous talented drivers vying for victory. Rally Estonia provides a platform for these drivers to showcase their skills and fight for valuable championship points.
The WRC2 category is known for its close battles and unpredictable outcomes, adding an extra layer of excitement to the rally. As the drivers tackle the demanding Estonian stages, consistency and strategy will be key to success. The performance of the WRC2 drivers will undoubtedly influence the overall narrative of the rally.
Estonia Sets the Stage for High-Speed Drama
The shakedown at Rally Estonia has provided a tantalizing preview of the high-speed action to come. Kalle Rovanperä’s early dominance signals his intent to continue his winning streak, while Ott Tänak aims to leverage his home advantage. Thierry Neuville leads Hyundai’s charge, and Oliver Solberg makes a promising debut with Toyota. The stage is set for an enthralling battle as the World Rally Championship continues its gravel season.
With intense competition across all categories, Rally Estonia promises to deliver drama, excitement, and unpredictable moments. As the drivers prepare to tackle the challenging stages, fans can expect a thrilling spectacle of skill, speed, and determination. Stay tuned to FYM News for comprehensive coverage, expert analysis, and the latest updates from Rally Estonia 2025.
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