Finland's Kalle Rovanpera took the overall world championship lead with a dominant win in the Rally Sweden on Sunday.
The Toyota driver finished 22 seconds clear of Hyundai rival Thierry Neuville, who inherited second place after Rovanpera's Toyota team mate Elfyn Evans crashed into a snow bank on Sunday morning while trying to make up for a 10-second penalty.
Esapekka Lappi, also in a Toyota, was third.
"I didn't think we could be this good, especially starting first on the road on Friday," Rovanpera said after the win that put him 14 points ahead of Belgian Neuville after two of this season's 13 rounds.
"It was quite a big job but the team did a great job also and the car was great all the time. I feel so much more confident now."
The win was Rovanpera's third in the World Rally Championship and came 21 years after his father Harri took his sole victory at the same event.
However, the 21-year-old, who took six stage wins, said he was not in the mood to celebrate after the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
"I didn't feel like celebrating too much," he said.
"It has been a really difficult weekend for the people in Ukraine and I hope they have trength and hope in these difficult times."
The double podium moved Toyota into the lead of the manufacturers' standings, with the Japanese team 24 points clear of Ford.
The next round of the championship is in Croatia from April 21 to 24.
Toyota’s Rovanpera clinches comfortable Rally Sweden win
Image: Massimo Bettiol/Getty Image
Finland's Kalle Rovanpera took the overall world championship lead with a dominant win in the Rally Sweden on Sunday.
The Toyota driver finished 22 seconds clear of Hyundai rival Thierry Neuville, who inherited second place after Rovanpera's Toyota team mate Elfyn Evans crashed into a snow bank on Sunday morning while trying to make up for a 10-second penalty.
Esapekka Lappi, also in a Toyota, was third.
"I didn't think we could be this good, especially starting first on the road on Friday," Rovanpera said after the win that put him 14 points ahead of Belgian Neuville after two of this season's 13 rounds.
"It was quite a big job but the team did a great job also and the car was great all the time. I feel so much more confident now."
The win was Rovanpera's third in the World Rally Championship and came 21 years after his father Harri took his sole victory at the same event.
However, the 21-year-old, who took six stage wins, said he was not in the mood to celebrate after the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
"I didn't feel like celebrating too much," he said.
"It has been a really difficult weekend for the people in Ukraine and I hope they have trength and hope in these difficult times."
The double podium moved Toyota into the lead of the manufacturers' standings, with the Japanese team 24 points clear of Ford.
The next round of the championship is in Croatia from April 21 to 24.
Alfa Romeo's Zhou says he isn't in F1 to make up the numbers
Hamilton leads Mercedes team mate Russell on final day of Barcelona test
F1 cancels 2022 Russian Grand Prix
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Most read
Latest Videos