How Toyota reignited its WRC title challenge in Chile's Rally GB tribute act

Dense fog in Chile threw a curveball at WRC crews, but Kalle Rovanpera dealt best with the conditions to take his fourth WRC victory of 2024. Here's how the Finn navigated the distractions to lead a 1-2 that keeps Toyota in the manufacturers' title picture

On a weekend where protests against freedom of speech and notional times grabbed the headlines, Kalle Rovanpera let his driving do the talking in Chile. The reigning two-time world champion claimed a fourth win from a partial World Rally Championship campaign, offering a lifeline for Toyota as it reignited hopes of reeling in Hyundai for a fourth consecutive manufacturers' crown.

This was not a straightforward 15th career win for Rovanpera and co-driver Jonne Halttunen. Chile's loose gravel roads initially seemed to unsettle the Finn and his driving style that has conquered the toughest of WRC rallies was unable to deliver its usual blistering speed. It appeared Toyota team-mate Elfyn Evans had the edge, as the Welshman dared to clinch a maiden win from a difficult campaign until mother nature intervened to turn the rally on its head.