Ogier Triumphs at Dramatic Rally Finland, Rovanperä Rolls Out of the Lead
Eight-time World Rally Champion Sebastien Ogier claimed his third victory of the 2023 WRC season at the grueling Rally Finland, after long-time leader Kalle Rovanperä dramatically rolled out of the lead.
Ogier and co-driver Vincent Landais produced a strong drive throughout the demanding Finnish event, which saw changeable weather conditions challenge the crews. The veteran French driver briefly held the rally lead on Friday but was then passed by Finland’s own Rovanperä, who appeared set to become the first local driver to win the event since Jari-Matti Latvala’s triumph in 2015.
Rovanperä built a commanding lead on Saturday, winning five of the six stages, including a record-breaking run through the famous Ouninpohja stage. However, the young Toyota driver’s rally came to a sudden end on Sunday when he clipped a rock and rolled out of the lead, handing victory to Ogier.
“It was a tough rally, but we managed to keep our cool and take the win. I’m proud of the team’s efforts and grateful for the support of the Finnish fans.” – Sebastien Ogier
Hyundai’s Thierry Neuville claimed second place, extending his championship lead, while M-Sport Ford’s Adrien Fourmaux finished third to secure his fourth podium of the season. Sami Pajari, making his WRC1 debut, impressed with a fourth-place finish in the Toyota.
The dramatic events at Rally Finland have shaken up the 2023 WRC title race, with Neuville maintaining his lead, but Ogier now firmly in the hunt for a ninth world championship.
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