Rovanpera left “surprised” by WRC Acropolis retirement

Kalle Rovanpera has explained the circumstances that led to a retirement from Acropolis Rally Greece, which halted his momentum in the World Rally Championship title race.

The two-time world champion was sitting in seventh, having struggled to find the sweet spot driving his GR Yaris throughout the rally, when drama struck on Stage 11 [Pavliani , 24.58km].

Rovanpera revealed that a combination of both driver error and a mechanical issue was behind an exit that “surprised” the Finn.

The Toyota driver braked too late heading into a tight right hander that left his GR Yaris beached until spectators were able to push the car back onto the road. Rovanpera continued but at a slower pace before stopping again with terminal damage.

“I braked a bit too late for this one place and I couldn’t get the car stopped. We didn’t really hit anything but we were just stuck,” Rovanpera told Motorsport.com. 

“We had an issue with the drivetrain so I don’t know if it broke under braking or something happened during that. I was on the limit on the braking for sure but I also feel like I couldn’t get the car stopped, so I don’t know if they are combined or not.

“I was surprised that I couldn’t get the car stopped or turned in. But anyway, we continued but the driveshaft was broken and we couldn’t fix the car and that’s it.”

Rovanpera has previously won the Acropolis Rally in 2021 and 2023, but has been unable to unlock a similar pace to challenge for victory this week. 

The exit cost Rovanpera six potential championship points. However, the 24-year-old will have an opportunity to salvage a maximum of 10 Super Sunday points. 

Reflecting on the impact of his championship hopes, Rovanpera, who is third in the standings, added: ”In a way at least it was not huge points we are losing, but of course it has not been the best weekend. 

“We will try to get what we can from our starting place. It is not going to be easy but we will try our best. 

“It is not the easiest moment but the next few rallies are normally better for us so I hope for something good from them.”