Subscribe

Sign up for free

  • Get quick access to your favorite articles

  • Manage alerts on breaking news and favorite drivers

  • Make your voice heard with article commenting.

Motorsport prime

Discover premium content
Subscribe

Edition

Global
Sébastien Ogier, Vincent Landais, Toyota Gazoo Racing WRT Toyota GR Yaris Rally1
Prime
Preview

The contenders seeking to take Rovanpera's WRC crown

As Kalle Rovanpera begins his World Rally Championship title defence in Monte Carlo, the Finn knows he has a target on his back. But who is best placed to knock the Toyota ace off his perch?

When Kalle Rovanpera takes to the start of the Monte Carlo Rally's first stage later this evening, he will do so in a Toyota GR Yaris Rally1 that carries the same number 69 he has used since he arrived at rallying's pinnacle in 2020. But even though he's elected not to use the number one that is his exclusive privilege to carry as the reigning champion, the Finn will still be the man that everybody is wanting to beat.

His tally of six wins from 2022 means it will take a brave individual to bet against Rovanpera, but he recognises that the stakes have shifted somewhat this year. Make no mistake, he's not counting his chickens. And nor is Toyota team boss Jari-Matti Latvala.

Previous article Why Rovanpera is anticipating a fight to defend his WRC title
Next article Ogier: Monte Carlo is the WRC rally I want to win the most

More from Tom Howard

WRC and Dakar winner Kenjiro Shinozuka dies aged 75

WRC and Dakar winner Kenjiro Shinozuka dies aged 75

WRC WRC
WRC and Dakar winner Kenjiro Shinozuka dies aged 75 WRC and Dakar winner Kenjiro Shinozuka dies aged 75
Fourmaux: Adjusting to hybrid-less WRC cars will be a “challenge”

Fourmaux: Adjusting to hybrid-less WRC cars will be a “challenge”

WRC WRC
Fourmaux: Adjusting to hybrid-less WRC cars will be a “challenge” Fourmaux: Adjusting to hybrid-less WRC cars will be a “challenge”
Neuville clarifies WRC future amid anger over FIA technical reforms

Neuville clarifies WRC future amid anger over FIA technical reforms

WRC WRC
Neuville clarifies WRC future amid anger over FIA technical reforms Neuville clarifies WRC future amid anger over FIA technical reforms
Toyota: More details needed for WRC Rally2 upgrade kit decision

Toyota: More details needed for WRC Rally2 upgrade kit decision

WRC WRC
Rally Kenya
Toyota: More details needed for WRC Rally2 upgrade kit decision Toyota: More details needed for WRC Rally2 upgrade kit decision
The Rally1 inspiration behind the WRC’s latest customer weapon

The Rally1 inspiration behind the WRC’s latest customer weapon

WRC WRC
The Rally1 inspiration behind the WRC’s latest customer weapon The Rally1 inspiration behind the WRC’s latest customer weapon
The other Solberg making waves behind the scenes in the WRC

The other Solberg making waves behind the scenes in the WRC

WRC WRC
The other Solberg making waves behind the scenes in the WRC The other Solberg making waves behind the scenes in the WRC
 Canary Islands to host WRC in 2025 in new two-year deal

Canary Islands to host WRC in 2025 in new two-year deal

WRC WRC
Canary Islands to host WRC in 2025 in new two-year deal Canary Islands to host WRC in 2025 in new two-year deal
How a new 'old' challenge is capturing the spirit of British rallying lore

How a new 'old' challenge is capturing the spirit of British rallying lore

Prime
Prime
NTNL National
How a new 'old' challenge is capturing the spirit of British rallying lore How a new 'old' challenge is capturing the spirit of British rallying lore

Sign up for free

  • Get quick access to your favorite articles

  • Manage alerts on breaking news and favorite drivers

  • Make your voice heard with article commenting.

Motorsport prime

Discover premium content
Subscribe

Edition

Global