The weight of expectation from a rally-mad nation had been increasing on Kalle Rovanpera’s shoulders. The mercurial Finn has obliterated records, becoming the youngest-ever winner, world champion, back-to-back champion, and produced jaw-dropping drives. The 24-year-old and co-driver Jonne Halttunen, have seemingly rewritten what is possible in the WRC, but until last weekend Rally Finland had proved to be a ‘white whale’.
Rallying is a national obsession in Finland. Thousands of fervent supporters like nothing more than heading into the forests to cheer a home hero battling through the frighteningly-fast stages known as the “gravel grand prix”. It creates a mountain of pressure for any Finn that crosses the start ramp. But if a driver is lucky enough to conquer it they are immortal in the eyes of the fans.
