The Toyota driver can efficiently defend his WRC title on the asphalt occasion if he can outscore team-mate and title rival Elfyn Evans, who trails the Finn by 31 factors.
The inaugural Central European Rally, which options phases within the Czech Republic, Germany and Austria, hosts the penultimate spherical of the season, that means solely a most of 60 factors stay on the desk.
Rovanpera has up to now been comparatively resistant to stress in his WRC profession up to now however he admits the “good stress” he’s feeling forward of this weekend’s rally will assist him carry out to the very best degree.
If he scores extra factors than Evans he’ll turn out to be solely the sixth driver to say back-to-back WRC crowns.
“The workforce title is ours so after all that’s actually nice and an enormous achievement for the entire workforce. Now we’ve got the necessary battle for myself with the drivers’ and co-drivers’ titles so there will likely be an enormous push within the final two rallies for that,” stated Rovanpera.
When requested if he was feeling stress forward of the rally, he stated: “I believe it provides us stress for example.
“It’s usually a bit higher when you will have a little bit of stress to do properly as you might be usually a bit extra sharp and can do bit a greater job.
Picture by: McKlein / Motorsport Images
Kalle Rovanperä, Jonne Halttunen, Toyota Gazoo Racing WRT Toyota GR Yaris Rally1
“So undoubtedly within the subsequent rally the method from the beginning line will likely be to do job and actually push and battle for the title.”
Final yr Rovanpera sealed his maiden title with two rounds to spare after seeing off Hyundai’s Ott Tanak, who emerged as his nearest rival.
This season, the 23-year-old is dealing with a battle along with his team-mate which he says is a distinct feeling in comparison with 2022.
“Yeah, it’s at all times a bit completely different and it’s the second time I’m combating for the title and this time it’s with a team-mate and it’s a lot nearer within the factors so undoubtedly there’s extra stress and an intense feeling for the final two rounds,” he added.
“However at all times when it’s between team-mates it’s fairly a pleasant and truthful battle at the least with the identical vehicles. It ought to be battle.”
Shakedown for the Central European Rally begins on Wednesday afternoon forward of Thursday’s opening stage in Prague.