WRC, Sportrik Media - Kalle Rovanpera ended Saturday at the 2025 Paraguay Rally with the fastest time in stage 15 (SS15), Cantera 2. However, this achievement offered little consolation after a tire puncture in SS14 dropped him to sixth place. Meanwhile, Sebastien Ogier of Toyota holds a narrow lead over Adrien Fourmaux of Hyundai.
Rovanpera’s Recovery Marred by Disappointment
Despite setting the fastest time in SS15, beating Ott Tanak (Hyundai) by 0.8 seconds, Rovanpera remained disheartened. The tire puncture in SS14 cost him the lead, leaving him sixth overall, 2 minutes 21.2 seconds behind Ogier. “It doesn’t matter anymore. The disappointment from the last stage was huge. I’m used to setbacks this season; there have been so many,” Rovanpera said dejectedly.
His pace in SS15 showcased his potential, but the earlier time loss shifted his focus to securing Power Stage points on Sunday.
Tight Battle at the Top
Ogier leads the rally with a 10.3-second advantage over Fourmaux, who has been consistently strong in second. Elfyn Evans (Toyota) holds third, trailing by 36.6 seconds, followed by Tanak in fourth, 39.1 seconds back. Thierry Neuville (Hyundai) is fifth, 46.8 seconds off the lead. Indonesian driver Sami Pajari (Toyota) sits seventh, 3 minutes 16.2 seconds behind.
In the WRC2 class, Oliver Solberg (Toyota) delivered a strong SS15, overtaking Yohan Rossel (Citroen), though Robert Virves (Skoda) continues to lead the category.
Weather and Track Challenges
Sunday’s forecast predicts rain, which could dramatically alter the rally. Ogier cautioned, “Rain could change everything. Paraguay’s roads under rain are like the Safari Rally, extremely tough.” Slippery, muddy conditions will test tire strategies and driver adaptability, potentially shaking up the leaderboard.
Incidents like Rovanpera’s puncture and other challenges on Paraguay’s tracks highlight the unpredictable nature of WRC. Technical reliability and quick decisions are critical in these demanding conditions.
With four stages remaining on Sunday, including the Mision Jesuitica Trinidad 2 Power Stage, the rally remains open. Ogier is well-positioned to maintain his lead, but Fourmaux and Evans are ready to capitalize on any mistakes. Rovanpera, despite his deficit, will target Power Stage points to bolster his championship hopes. Sportrik’s analysis underscores Ogier’s experience as a key advantage, with potential rain adding an extra layer of unpredictability.
The 2025 Paraguay Rally continues to deliver drama and intensity, with a fierce Toyota-Hyundai battle. The final day will test the drivers’ resilience and strategic prowess on challenging terrain.
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