Rovanpera, disturbed by losing the visor from his windscreen, was 3.7s faster than the reigning champion on his way to winning stage 12 (Västilä 1, 18.94 km), which resulted in the Finn’s lead increasing to 12.0s.

Rovanpera moved into the lead on stage three and remained at the head of the field to end Friday 4.9s ahead of Hyundai’s Thierry Neuville. Interestingly Rovanpera’s speed has come despite the Finn admitting that he hasn’t been comfortable behind the wheel, and at times felt he was “all over the place.” in tricky wet conditions.

Kalle Rovanpera made a major breakthrough by leading a gravel round of the FIA WRC in his Toyota GR Yaris Rally1 for the first time this season.