Finland’s Kalle Rovanpera in his Toyota claimed his second FIA World Rally Championship in succession on Sunday by finishing second overall in the Central European Rally.
Hyundai Motorsports Thierry Neuville took victory in the event while Rovanpera came home in second place which was enough to victory in the championship over his teammate Elfyn Evans while M-Sport Ford’s Ott Tanak overcame a hydraulic issue to claim a podium finish for the UK-based team.
Terenzio Testoni, Pirelli Rally activity manager:
“The Cinturato Wet tires once again demonstrated their reliability even in such difficult conditions, with asphalts on which grip was really very poor, not only because of the rain, but also because of the many debris on the surface, despite the many anti-cutting devices. The 12 wet tires available to each crew ensured not only grip but also great reliability, durability and performance. In Japan we expect less challenging conditions than these, but not too much at the end: rain is a constant in that rally as well. Congratulations to Kalle, who always shows his class in difficult conditions, and to all of Toyota for the drivers’ title, which comes just one race after the constructors’ title achieved in Chile.”
