Kalle Rovanperä, the 24-year-old Finnish rally star, has once again shown why he is considered one of the brightest talents in the WRC series. After the opening day of the Rally Islas Canarias on Friday 25 April 2025, Rovanperä not only led the race, but also won all six special stages, leaving his rivals far behind. His performance on the winding and technical asphalt roads of Gran Canaria was so convincing that WRC circles have begun to stir – some drivers have openly expressed their envy of his superiority. At the same time, a surprising announcement from Rovanperä’s family has sparked widespread interest among fans and the media.
Rovanperä, the man of two world championships, built a 26.8-second lead over teammate Sébastien Ogier on Friday, and Toyota’s dominance was overwhelming: the team took the entire top five, with Elfyn Evans, Sami Pajar and Takamoto Katsuta completing the places. This historic 1-2-3-4-5 finish was the perfect start for Toyota on its WRC debut in the Canary Islands. Rovanperä’s ability to adapt to Hankook’s new hard asphalt tyres and to utilise his experience from last year’s track driving was second to none. “It feels surprisingly good. These roads are unique, and we’ve found the right balance,” he commented at the end of the day.
Rovanperä’s performance was met with admiration, but also envy, among the competitors. Hyundai’s Thierry Neuville, who was more than a minute behind in sixth, complained about the imbalance of his car and admitted to being frustrated: “It’s hard to watch when Kalle drives like that. They seem to have all the pieces in place.” Similarly, Ott Tänak, in seventh, criticized his team’s inability to match Toyota’s pace. M-Sport Ford’s Grégoire Munster, in ninth, joked: “Should I ask Kalle for driving lessons?” On social media, fans and pundits praised Rovanperä’s performance, but some drivers are clearly annoyed by how far they are from the Finn’s pace.
Meanwhile, a surprising announcement from the Rovanperä family added drama to the day. His parents, Harri and Kirsi Rovanperä, revealed that a new member had been born to the family – Kalle’s sister Hanna had given birth to a baby. The announcement came as a surprise, as the Rovanperä family has generally kept their private lives out of the limelight. Harri, himself a former WRC driver, commented with a smile: “We were excited, but a little surprised by the timing. Now it’s time to celebrate!” The happy news brought a warm contrast to the rally’s fierce competitive atmosphere, and fans have been flooding the X with congratulations, calling the little newcomer “the heir to a future rally star.”
Rovanperä’s success in the Canary Islands is not just a personal victory, but also strengthens his position at the top of the championship. He had a challenging start to the season, and before the rally he was 57 points behind series leader Evans. However, with his dominance on Friday, he has shown that the championship battle is not over yet. Toyota team principal Jari-Matti Latvala praised Rovanperä’s ability to drive “cleanly and with a perfect line”, and fans in Finland are excited. On X, one user wrote: “Kalle is like a machine! The others can only watch from behind.”
The rally atmosphere in Gran Canaria was electric as thousands of spectators watched special stages such as Valsequillo–Teldea and La Aldea–Mogán, enjoying the island’s stunning scenery. On Saturday, the rally continues with seven special stages, including the unique Las Palmas public special stage. The question is, can anyone challenge Rovanperä, or will he continue to reign supreme? Meanwhile, fans await further news about the happy news from the Rovanperä family, which has brought a smile to many faces. Rovanperä’s achievements and the family’s warm-hearted announcement have made Rally Islas Canarias an unforgettable event that combines the excitement of sport with human joy.
