The reigning two-time world champion is expected to be the overwhelming favourite for victory on Sweden’s snow-covered roads.
A previous event winner in 2022, Rovanpera also has the advantage of a favourable starting position after sitting out last month’s Monte Carlo season as part of his wish to contest a part-time programme this year.
The Finn returned to the stages at the Arctic Lapland Rally earlier this month, where a technical fault robbed him of a likely win over Toyota team-mate Elfyn Evans.
Looking ahead to this week’s rally, the 23-year-old says he feels much more relaxed heading into his first of six likely WRC rounds this year, and has only one target in his mind.
“It is really nice to be back and I have a bit more of a relaxed feeling, so it should be more enjoyable,” Rovanpera told Motorsport.com.
“I don’t think it is more about what I have been doing [in the break that has made me more relaxed] but a different approach to the rally and a different pressure for the championship.
“Definitely, the plan is to push more for wins, and of course it doesn’t mean that you will get more of them, but that is the goal.
“I know I don’t need to stress about the risks so much so you can just try to enjoy it and push for it. Usually when you are enjoying it more you are hopefully faster.”
Kalle Rovanperä, Jonne Halttunen, Toyota Gazoo Racing WRT Toyota GR Yaris Rally1
Photo by: Red Bull Content Pool
Going all out to score a win is the goal that Toyota team principal Jari-Matti Latvala has effectively issued Rovanpera ahead of the rally, knowing road position will likely hamper Evans, Toyota’s best hope for the drivers’ title. Famously, Toyota has let its drivers fight without the deployment of team orders.
“We want to win the event and if Elfyn is at the front with a difficult [starting] position then we went Kalle to go out there and really try to win the event,” Latvala told Motorsport.com.
“Of course, this is an event we really want to win as it is a bit like a home event for us and especially after Monte Carlo, we were not able to win there, so for sure we want to be back in the winning game.”
Toyota has left no stone unturned in its preparations for Sweden after missing out on scoring a podium on the snow last year. Rovanpera was Toyota’s best performer, finishing fourth in 2023 after struggling as the road opener and with the feeling of the car during the second passes of…
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