Kalle Rovanperä, the two-time World Rally Champion, is set to make his Irish rallying debut at the Killarney Historic Rally this weekend. The Finnish driver will take the wheel of Jason Black’s Toyota Starlet, marking his journey from the glitz of Las Vegas and Formula 1 to one of the most celebrated historic rallies in Ireland.
Killarney is abuzz with excitement as fans and competitors prepare for the arrival of rallying royalty. Local hero and former WRC competitor Paul Nagle emphasized the significance of Rovanperä’s participation:
“The town is absolutely jumping. To have a World Rally champion competing in Ireland and in Killarney is something very special.”
With 240 entries received and a record-breaking 165 cars set to start on Saturday, the rally promises to be an unforgettable event.
Challenges Await on Legendary Irish Stages
Killarney’s iconic stages, including Moll’s Gap and Caragh Lake, are renowned for their difficulty. Nagle highlighted the complexity of these roads, especially with weather conditions expected to add an extra layer of challenge.
“Even in the dry, these roads can be difficult to learn and read,” Nagle explained. “Kalle and Jonne [Halttunen, co-driver] will have their work cut out on the recce and videos.”
Adding to the challenge, Rovanperä will drive a right-hand drive Toyota Starlet, a departure from his usual setup. The car boasts a 2.5-liter engine producing 380bhp, making it a powerful contender in the two-wheel drive class.
Tough Competition on the Horizon
Rovanperä’s debut will see him compete against an array of seasoned Irish drivers and top-tier machinery. Last year’s winner, Jonny Greer, returns in a Ford Sierra RS Cosworth 4×4, while the entry list features a plethora of BMW M3s, Subaru Legacy RSs, and a fleet of Escorts in both original and modified classes.
Nagle noted the locals’ advantage, saying, “The locals will take some beating around there. Many have done this event 10 or more times, so Kalle will be up against some serious competition.”
A Historic Rally With a Modern Twist
Rovanperä isn’t the only big name attending the Killarney Historic Rally. His Toyota teammate, Aaron Johnston, fresh from co-driving Takamoto Katsuta to fourth overall in Japan, will also be in town.
Johnston expressed his excitement, saying, “It’s going to be something special to have Kalle in Killarney. He loves vintage and historic cars, and the low-grip nature of the rally suits his drifting skills.”
The rally is set to begin early on Saturday, with two loops of three stages, culminating in two runs through Kilcummin, including a dramatic final stage in the dark.
An Event for the Ages
As fans gather to witness Kalle Rovanperä take on the best drivers Ireland has to offer, the Killarney Historic Rally promises to deliver a spectacle. With its mix of historic cars, challenging stages, and world-class competitors, this year’s event is shaping up to be one for the history books.
Whether Rovanperä can master the unique Irish roads and outpace the local talent remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: his presence has elevated the rally to new heights, and the competition will be fierce.
For rally enthusiasts, Killarney this weekend is the place to be, as the world champion steps back in time to test his skills on one of the sport’s most cherished stages.
