Robert Virves has secured the WRC2 Challenger championship with a second-place finish in class at Rally Chile last weekend. The Estonian now stands on the brink of the main WRC2 title, with only Teemu Suninen able to stop him. Virves needs to finish fifth at Rally Sardinia in two weeks to clinch the title, even if Suninen wins the event.
Virves has been a revelation this season, taking WRC2 victories in Kenya, Greece, Estonia, and Finland—his first four points-scoring rallies. He then hit a snag in Paraguay, drawing a blank, but bounced back with second in Chile. He now leads the standings comfortably. Suninen, meanwhile, has contested only four WRC rallies this year, focusing more on ERC events.
“Looking at the bigger picture, the situation is positive. We won the Challenger championship, which is great, but the main focus is still on the most important title, WRC2. We perhaps expected a little more from South America, but sometimes that is just how it goes,” said Robert Virves. “I can’t really complain. I think our season has been very strong overall. Now we just have to finish the job in Sardinia.”
A cautious approach is on the cards for Sardinia, a rally notorious for its rough, rocky terrain. “Sardinia is perhaps a slightly rougher rally than usual. It is important to stay out of trouble there because surprises can arise regardless of the pace you are driving at. Even if you try to drive very carefully, you still have to remain alert at all times,” Virves reflected. “I therefore believe we will keep a close eye on the points situation in terms of the championship battle.”
Despite a strong second place in Chile, Virves was not entirely satisfied. “I was left with slightly mixed feelings. We were in trouble right from the start. We certainly had some difficulties with the pace notes as well, but the feeling was somehow very unusual throughout the weekend,” he summarised. “We tried to make progress in small steps, and today I made a slightly bigger change to the car. That helped me get back into the right window. In the end, the points we scored here are good. However, I am disappointed that we were unable to challenge Yohan (Rossel) at all.”
With the Challenger title wrapped up, all eyes now turn to the WRC2 fight. Suninen, his closest rival, must score maximum points in Sardinia and hope Virves falters. But Virves holds all the cards. A fifth-place finish will be enough to secure the crown. Teemu Suninen has yet to comment on his chances, but he is expected to go all-out in Sardinia.
Rally Sardinia will be the decider. Virves, who has been the model of consistency, must prove he can handle the pressure and the punishing terrain. If he does, he will end the season with two titles—a remarkable achievement for the young Estonian.
Baca Juga
Ali Turkkan juara Junior WRC 2025 setelah finis kedua di Rally Chile, plus trofi Craig Breen. Dapat hadiah empat balapan WRC2 bersama Ford.
Pembalap WRC berharap Rally Chile tetap di kalender. Event ini disebut klasik modern dengan stage menantang dan penggemar fanatik.
Esapekka Lappi mengakui Hyundai salah memilihnya untuk Rally Chile dan menyebut Hayden Paddon lebih layak tampil setelah performa impresif di Paraguay.
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