The reigning world champion delivered a dominant show to reel off the quickest occasions in all six of Friday’s phases to open up a commanding 56.9s lead over Toyota team-mate Elfyn Evans.
Rovanpera’s most spectacular drive arrived in stage 4 the place he was 11.1s quicker than nearest rival Hyundai’s Ott Tanak, who retired from the day two phases later. Tanak had managed to remain inside 18.6s of the Toyota driver earlier than crashing out on stage six.
Reflecting on his lead, Rovnapera admitted that he can not afford to calm down given the gruelling nature of the Safari Rally, and the way shortly the occasion can activate its head, particularly if rain showers arrive.
“It has not been really easy, nevertheless it has been day for certain,” mentioned Rovanpera, making the second begin of a partial WRC marketing campaign this week.
“The plan was to make use of our beginning place nicely and push when it’s clear and nonetheless have a little bit of margin to take care within the tough locations within the afternoon, and nonetheless do good occasions, so I’m completely happy.
“I wouldn’t say it [the lead] is sufficient and never even near being sufficient. If there are some large rain showers tomorrow or one thing comes, now we have seen earlier than the gaps will be enormous.
“If you happen to get any small points then they [my rivals] could make large gaps so I’m not enthusiastic about the time distinction an excessive amount of. For certain, it’s good, however we have to work the identical method tomorrow after which after tomorrow we are able to see the place we’re.
Kalle Rovanperä, Jonne Halttunen, Toyota Gazoo Racing WRT Toyota GR Yaris Rally1
Picture by: Toyota Racing
“When it rains right here it rains quite a bit so you possibly can have a whole lot of standing water and principally all of the clay and stuff on the bottom turns to essentially slippy mud and it’s like happening ice. The grip is zero and that you must struggle even on the straights to maintain the automobile on the street.”
Rovanpera’s efficiency apart, Toyota loved a robust Friday occupying the highest three positions, with Evans second and Takamoto Katsuta third. Though, Hyundai’s Thierry Neuville will start Saturday’s phases, 10.4s behind Evans.
“We’ve to be very proud of our automobiles being dependable and our drivers being affected person and having a 1-2-3 on the finish of the day is incredible,” mentioned Toyota group principal Jari-Matti Latvala. “However Thierry is shut so for certain he’s pushing and can put strain on us.
“Kalle has virtually a one-minute lead so he has some flexibility however with Elfyn and Taka the hole again to Thierry is kind of small to allow them to’t actually again off. Crucial factor tomorrow is to be affected person as a result of if the rain comes it will likely be about survival.”