The Latest Breaking News from Finland

Interview: Five minutes after fighting last week, the Finn agreed to replace Dillian Whyte on seven days’ notice

Car maker’s involvement in the management of motorsport programmes has been thrust into the spotlight by the 'football manager' style turnover of senior staff at the Alpine Formula 1 team. It doesn’t take an expert to realise that seven team principals across 10 years for the Enstone team is not…

First of all, Alex Kalinauckas takes a look at the running themes of 2023 and how they might play out between now and the end of the season. Meanwhile, Jake Boxall-Legge – that’s Mr Boxall-Legge to you! – brings you his driver reports. Who does ‘Sir’ rank as top of…

Plus: managing a former teammate, a tale of two Bulls and more

1. Rovanpera crashes out but still leaves impact on rally

The 39-year-old Finn has been confirmed as Whyte’s replacement despite having fought in Finland last weekend.

The Toyota driver came through an intense battle with Hyundai’s Teemu Suninen to claim the final podium spot at last weekend’s high-speed gravel rally, marking the Japanese driver’s best result of the season to date.

The Welshman produced his most convincing display in a Rally1 car to date on his way to a second WRC victory of the season by 39.1s over Hyundai’s Thierry Neuville.

After winning seven of Saturday’s eight stages, Evans recorded two more stage wins to extend his lead to 38.2s over Hyundai’s Thierry Neuville.

Evans spent the majority of the day fighting with world championship leader Rovanpera, after the Finn assumed the rally lead on stage two and then went on to reel off five consecutive stage wins.

The reigning world champion seemed to be in control of the rally, winning five consecutive stages to open up a 5.7s lead over Toyota team-mate Elfyn Evans, despite starting first on the road.