The rally world was abuzz when legendary Sébastien Loeb, a nine-time world champion, gave a glowing review of young Finnish driver Kalle Rovanperä. Loeb, who has redefined rally history with his winning streak and technical brilliance, did not mince his words when speaking about Rovanperä’s performance in the 2025 season. According to him, Rovanperä has shown such maturity, speed and tactical intelligence that he deserves the world championship this year more than anyone else. This statement is not only a tribute to the young Finn, but also a testament to how high Rovanperä has risen in the rally hierarchy.
Rovanperä, already a two-time world champion, has once again impressed in the 2025 season. His performance in the Sardinian Rally, where he finished third and won both the Super Sunday classification and the Power Stage, demonstrated his ability to maximize points even in challenging conditions. Loeb, who followed the race closely, highlighted Rovanperä’s ability to drive smartly and avoid mistakes that are often fatal in a sport like rallying. “Kalle not only drives fast, he thinks. He knows when to take risks and when to play it safe. That’s a rare skill for a young driver,” Loeb said.
Loeb’s comments came in an interview after the Rally of Sardinia. The French legend, who has raced against Rovanperä before and knows the demands of the sport better than anyone, had no hesitation in naming the Finn as the number one favorite this season. “I’ve seen many drivers, but Kalle’s ability to combine raw speed with strategic thinking is something special. He’s already won two championships, but this year he looks hungrier than ever,” Loeb continued. His words resonate especially because Loeb himself is known for a similar driving style – technical precision and the ability to dominate races with determination.
Rovanperä’s 2025 season has been full of highlights. Although he hasn’t won every rally, his consistency and ability to score points have kept him firmly in the championship fight. After the Rally Sardinia, he narrowed the gap to the leader of the World Championship, his teammate Elfyn Evans, to just 20 points. In addition, his teammate Sébastien Ogier, also Loeb’s old rival, passed Rovanperä in the standings by one point. This tight situation shows how tough the season has been, but Rovanperä’s calm attitude has been praised. “Kalle doesn’t flinch under pressure. He keeps his eyes on the goal, and that makes him dangerous,” said Loeb.
Loeb’s statement is not just a compliment, but reflects Rovanperä’s growing esteem in the world of rallying. The Finn has already proven at a young age that he belongs to the elite of the sport. His career began with a meteoric rise when he won his first world championship in 2022 at just 22 years old, making him the youngest champion in rally history. A second title followed in 2023, and now, in the 2025 season, he has once again shown that he is ready to fight for a third crown. The support of a legend like Loeb gives this aspiration even more weight.
Rovanperä’s strength lies in his versatility. He has shown his ability to win on fast gravel roads, such as his home event Rally Finland, as well as on technical and demanding routes, such as Sardinia. His driving style, which combines aggression and consideration, has made him difficult to beat. Loeb particularly highlighted Rovanperä’s ability to adapt to different conditions. “Rally is a sport where you have to be ready for anything – rain, mud, snow, heat. Kalle seems to be at home everywhere. That’s the sign of a true champion,” he said.
Rovanperä’s season has not been all about success. He has faced challenges such as technical problems and difficult track conditions, but his ability to bounce back from adversity has been praised. For example, in the Rally of Sardinia, he started Friday slowly but picked up his pace by Sunday, dominating the special stages. This ability to turn things around shows his mental strength, which Loeb also praised. “Many drivers get discouraged when things don’t go according to plan. Kalle doesn’t. He keeps fighting, and that’s what sets him apart,” Loeb said.
Loeb’s statement has sparked widespread debate among rally fans. Many see it as a sign that Rovanperä has become a favorite not only of fans but also of legends of the sport. On social media, the Finnish driver has been praised not only for his driving skills but also for his personality. Rovanperä is known as a modest and down-to-earth, yet determined competitor who is not afraid of challenges. His comments after Sardinia, in which he stressed the importance of teamwork and smart driving, reinforce this image. “Our plan was to drive a clean weekend and avoid problems. We succeeded in that, and the points were really important,” he said.
The connection between Rovanperä and Loeb is not just professional. Both are known for their technical precision and ability to strategically control races. Loeb, who has also competed in other motorsport disciplines, such as the Dakar Rally, recognizes a similar versatility in Rovanperä. “Kalle could succeed in any motorsports discipline. He has that innate feel that cannot be taught,” Loeb said. This is a significant recognition, as Loeb himself has demonstrated his ability to excel in a variety of competitive environments.
The second half of the 2025 season will be crucial for Rovanperä’s championship hopes. The next challenge is the Acropolis Rally in Greece, known for its unforgiving conditions. However, Rovanperä has shown that he is ready to face the difficulties. His team-mates Ogier and Evans are strong opponents, but Loeb’s support will give him a morale boost. In addition, Hyundai’s Ott Tänak and Thierry Neuville are constantly in the lead, so the championship battle will be extremely tight.
Rovanperä’s fans in Finland and around the world are eagerly awaiting where his season will lead. Loeb’s words have ignited even greater belief that the Finn can become champion again. His ability to combine speed, strategy and mental strength makes him an exceptional driver. As the season progresses, Rovanperä will carry with him not only his own expectations but also the trust of legends like Loeb. This could be the impetus that takes him to a third world championship.
