Kalle Rovanpera has tested the Toyota Yaris World Rally Car overnight in preparation for his first season at the sport’s top level.
Rovanpera, who is still only 19 years old, won the WRC 2 Pro championship this season before being signed to the Japanese manufacturer alongside Sebastien Ogier and Elfyn Evans.
The Finn tested the Yaris overnight in dry tarmac conditions as he looks towards the Monte Carlo Rally in January.
The test in the French Alps was not his first time driving the Toyota – he famously had a test for the team prior to their entry into the WRC in 2016.
Despite his clear talent behind the wheel, his team leader, Ogier has urged patience in his debut season.
“For sure, we need to leave him,” said Ogier.
“The best thing we can do for Kalle is give him time to learn, but for sure we have seen already that he is a really exciting talent.”
Fellow Toyota teammate, Evans echoed those comments.
“I’m really looking forward to working with Kalle. He’s young in terms of his experience, but we’ve already seen some fairly incredible things from him.
“He won WRC 2 Pro this year and managed some remarkable results in there. He’s an obvious talent and one to watch for the future. I’ll do whatever I can to help,” Evans explained.
Former Toyota driver, Ott Tanak will also test his new car for the first time this week, when he jumps in the Hyundai i20 WRC.
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