Rovanpera shocked to be leading WRC Rally Portugal

The World Rally Championship leader will head into Sunday’s five stages with a 5.7-second advantage after overhauling Toyota team-mate Elfyn Evans across Saturday afternoon’s rain-affected four tests.

Facing the task of being first to tackle Portugal’s tricky dusty roads heading into the first gravel rally of the season, expectations to be leading the event were low.

However, Rovanpera benefited from problems that afflicted several of his rivals during a brutal Friday before a fighting drive on Saturday propelled him to the front, taking the lead in the day's penultimate stage.

Rovanpera produced a flawless drive in heavy rain to take 13.4s out of his rival and 2021 Rally Portugal winner, Evans, and move into the lead, setting up a tense duel for the win on Sunday.

Asked he if he could believe he was in this position, he told Autosport: “No, not really - I was not expecting it.

“I have had quite a comfortable feeling in the car and I’m not pushing the limits all of the time but, when I knew it was good conditions, I went for it. I just tried to have a good pace all of the time.

“For sure, we have pushed to get there as Elfyn has not had any issues. We have been fighting by driving so I can be happy with that.

“We have to be well prepared for tomorrow, it will be tough.”

Elfyn Evans, Scott Martin, Toyota Gazoo Racing WRT Toyota GR Yaris Rally1

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