Rovanpera on the verge of winning the WRC title

The 22-year-old could beat the record set by the late Colin McRae, then 27, in 1995 to become the youngest ever World Champion in WRC history.

Rovanpera could win the title if he beat Hyundai’s score. Ott Tanak at 8 points.

Then the odds of winning the championship increased dominant performance He led team-mate Sébastien Ogier by 29 seconds, while Tänak was third, 46.4 seconds behind.

Tänak, who was leading the rally at the end of Friday, received a five-second hybrid boost penalty, followed by another ten-second sanction for a similar offense.

With four stages left on Sunday, Rovanpera could seal the championship if the positions remain unchanged by setting the third fastest time on the rally-ending Power Stage.

Despite being on the brink of history, Rovanpera says the excitement of potentially winning the championship hasn’t changed his mindset.

“Of course I’m not that excited yet,” Rovanpera said.

“I’ll try to stay focused tomorrow as usual. It’s not a long day, but there are four very tricky short stages.”

When asked if he was really calm inside, he said, “At least it has been so far. Certainly, when you approach that moment tomorrow, it won’t be so calm anymore. There is no need to stress at this time. ”

Looking back on Saturday, which started with a five-second hybrid boost time penalty and now 12.2 seconds clear of the lead, Rovanpera admitted dangerous wet weather had gotten his hands on it.

“It was a really tricky day, but a lot of fun,” he said.

“I always enjoy it when I’m having a good time. It was a really big challenge, but I saw it [the weather] As an opportunity above all else, we made good use of it.

“I always seem to enjoy tricky weather and of course our car is very fun in those conditions. I think

“I always know that in a situation like this, if I do a perfect stage, I can take some time off.

Rovanpera’s three stage wins were highly praised by eight-time world champion Ogier.

“This afternoon the gap was a little bigger and I can only say good job to him who has managed the conditions better than anyone else,” said Ogier.

“For our part, we must say after Elfin [Evans] Retirement This afternoon my heart was completely unattended as it wasn’t good at all for the team to lose another car, but there is no excuse.

“I have to take my hat off to Kalle for recording such a time in these conditions.

“At the end of the day times have changed and a new generation is pushing, but this is normal in everyday life. It’s not over yet”

Rovanpera and Ogier are the only Toyota players left in the rally after Evans and Ogier. Takamoto Katsuta I have retired from Saturday activities.