The Toyota driver clinched his third career WRC victory with a margin of 22s over Hyundai’s Thierry Neuville, while Esapekka Lappi on his return to the factory Toyota team claimed the final podium in third.
Opening the road, Rovanpera grabbed the lead of the rally after Stage 3 but became embroiled in at times a six-way tussle for the lead on Friday, as only 8.9s separated the cars after stage 5.
The Finn managed to overturn Neuville’s 4.3s overnight lead on Saturday’s first stage to mark the fifth change of lead with Lappi, Evans and Ott Tanak all enjoying a brief spells in front.
Once ahead, Rovanpera was pushed hard by Evans through Saturday as the fight for victory developed into a two-horse race. However, the latter made an error at the final corner of Saturday night’s spectator stage that resulted in a wild finish over a snowbank.
The unorthodox finish resulted in a 10s penalty that effectively put the Welshman out of the fight before he then crashed on…
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