WRC throws a curveball as Kalle Rovanperä jumps in to replace Sébastien Ogier at Rally Poland. Ogier's withdrawal comes after a road traffic accident during pacenote preparation. Thankfully, everyone involved, including those in the other car and two bystanders, escaped serious injury after the collision. While Ogier's co-driver Vincent Landais recovered quickly, Ogier remains under observation and will miss the rally.
Toyota wasted no time requesting FIA stewards to allow their reigning champion, Kalle Rovanperä, to take the wheel. The request was approved, with Rovanperä's co-driver Jonne Halttunen joining him in the third GR Yaris.
This last-minute switch presents a challenge for Rovanperä. He'll be granted additional time to complete reconnaissance of the rally stages, a critical step for success on the gravel tracks of Poland.
Despite competing part-time this season, Rovanperä is no stranger to victory. He secured a win at the grueling Safari Rally Kenya in March, proving his talent and potential.
“The Stewards authorise Crew of Car No. 69 Kalle Rovanpera/Jonne Halttunen two passages of Reconnaissance as follows:
• On Wednesday 26 June 2024
• 8:00 to 18:00: SS 10/14, SS11/15, SS2/5, SS3/6, SS4/7 and SS9/13
• 18:00 to 19:15: SS 17/19 19:15 to 20:00: Shakedown
• On Thursday 27 June 2024: 13:30 to 15:30: SS 16/18 and SS1/8/12"
Embracing the opportunity, Rovanperä declared on Instagram, "Duty calls. Rally Poland here we come." Toyota echoed this enthusiasm, expressing their pleasure at Rovanperä and Haltt tuntunen stepping up for their teammates. This incident highlights the strong team spirit within Toyota Gazoo Racing.
With Rovanperä behind the wheel, Rally Poland promises an exciting turn of events. Can the young champion adapt quickly and challenge for another win? All eyes will be on him as he tackles the Polish gravel roads.
