Rowanbere has just completed his first New Zealand title

Calle Rovenpere has wrapped up his maiden World Rally Championship title by winning Saturday’s session in New Zealand.

Sunday’s 29.0 seconds in the final was a huge gift for the Finn on his 22nd birthday.

A 29.0 seconds heading into Sunday’s final was the best 22nd birthday present the Toyota Kazoo star could have asked for. Kalle Rowanbere, after six technical stretches on dirt roads north of Auckland. 46.4 seconds ahead of his main rival in the title fight. Ot Thanak, He finished the day in third place after being penalized by 15 seconds.

own Rowanbera He was penalized five seconds before the start of the day for his own hybrid rule violation, but the Finn weaved through the pack on the muddy roads to claim pole position midway through the stage before claiming two stage wins. Afternoon.

Thanak Although he wasn’t happy with the feel of his Hyundai i20 N, he initially kept his rival within striking distance, but pulled away from him when he was handed an extra 10-second penalty for a second hybrid offence.

Those in charge of the test judged that the energy released by the car Thanak During the hybrid drives on the SS7 it exceeded the maximum value allowed for that level, and the Hyundai team manager, Paul Marcuss explained that the error was due to a mistake made by engineers while adjusting the parameters of the hybrid unit.

If the top three places hold, the fourth-fastest time on Sunday afternoon’s Wolf Power Stage will be good enough for the crown. Rowanbera As the youngest WRC champion.

“A good day,” smiled Rowanbere. “I can be very happy with what we have done in this difficult situation. We have tried a lot and I am happy.”

Afternoon Ogier It’s not without drama. He picked up a 10-second penalty for being late to SS12 and wanted to be on a solid points trail for the manufacturers after his team-mate. Elfin Evans would retire with roll cage damage on a run-off on Buhoy’s first pass.Thierry Neuville was almost a minute away from the stage Along with his partner in the i20, Oliver Solberg, He also received a time penalty for violating hybrid regulations. The Belgian driver lost third gear during the morning loop but came into service 1min 53.5sec clear of the fifth-placed driver.