Kalle Rovanperä retired from the 2025 Safari Rally Kenya on the final day after facing mechanical issues, ending his hopes for valuable championship points. His performance was impacted by punctures, a damaged suspension, and a battery failure. This season has been difficult for the two-time champion, who must regroup ahead of the next rally in Croatia to avoid further losses in the championship standings.
Kalle Rovanperä faced disappointment at the 2025 Safari Rally Kenya, retiring from fifth place on the final day. The Finnish driver, a two-time World Rally Champion, aimed to earn critical points but suffered a mechanical failure, resulting in an empty-handed conclusion to his efforts.
Initially, Rovanperä exhibited potential by closing to within 7.7 seconds of the lead. However, his progress stalled after two punctures on Saturday left him over a minute behind Welsh teammate Elfyn Evans. His challenges multiplied when he damaged his rear-left suspension against a rock, ultimately forcing him into fifth.
On Sunday, after a failed effort to replace an alternator belt, Rovanperä and co-driver Jonne Halttunen’s hopes for a strong recovery ended when their car lost battery power. “It’s definitely not a good weekend,” Rovanperä acknowledged, expressing frustration over missing the chance to gain points.
This season has been tough for the 23-year-old, who has struggled with new Hankook tires. Previously dominating the WRC, he now finds himself behind rivals Sébastien Ogier and Elfyn Evans, who have gained a significant points advantage after three rounds.
Toyota Gazoo Racing is witnessing its weakest performance since the rally’s return to the WRC calendar in 2021. Despite Elfyn Evans leading the event, Rovanperä noted that previous successes had left them relying on luck, which did not hold this year.
As the WRC prepares for the next round in Croatia, Rovanperä must quickly adapt and find consistency with the new tire regulations to restore his championship hopes. A strong performance in Croatia will be crucial to mitigate further setbacks in the standings.
Kalle Rovanperä’s retirement from the 2025 Safari Rally Kenya highlights a disappointing chapter in his season. Despite early promise, a series of mechanical failures and challenges with new tires have hampered his performance, leaving him trailing in the championship race. As Toyota Gazoo Racing grapples with difficulties, Rovanperä’s ability to adapt and perform in the upcoming Croatian round will determine his potential for recovery in the title chase.
Original Source: www.tv47.digital
