The Toyota driver was chasing team-mate and rally chief Sebastien Ogier however fell away from the lead battle after dropping 10.3s on Saturday’s penultimate El Montmell stage (24.18km).
A good portion of the time loss was attributed to an uncommon startline subject, which severely dented his victory hopes.
Rovanpera then misplaced second total to Hyundai’s Thierry Neuville on the day’s remaining stage, and will now head into tomorrow’s final day 22.1s adrift of leader Ogier in third.
Talking in the long run of day media zone, Rovanpera defined that some settings related to the hybrid system on his GR Yaris have been improper firstly of Stage 14, which triggered a frantic effort to repair the problem.
“There was some sittings on the automobile which went improper on the startline and I couldn’t get them proper, so we have been dropping time with the hybrid system,” stated Rovanpera.
“It was a giant mess contained in the cockpit as we tried to repair it on the stage, and I additionally suppose I overheated the brakes on the nice and cozy up, so on the final downhill part I misplaced the brakes a bit.”
Toyota technical director Tom Fowler says the crew are investigating the issue he described as a “minor glitch”, which ought to be rectified heading into Sunday.
“The fellows are analysing the information as we converse and we’re fairly positive it’s only a minor glitch,” stated Fowler.
“After all the automobile was working with comparatively excessive efficiency through the stage, it was simply lacking a number of seconds in comparison with everybody else. It’s nothing main and it will likely be prepared for tomorrow.”
Kalle Rovanpera, Jonne Halttunen, Toyota Gazoo Racing WRT Toyota GR Yaris Rally1
Picture by: McKlein / Motorsport Images
Regardless of the problem, Toyota nonetheless stays heading in the right direction to safe back-to-back WRC producers’ titles, with Ogier main the rally and Rovanpera sitting third.
“The producers title is clearly an enormous aim for us and actually vital, but additionally it’s very nice to see what Seb is doing right here,” Fowler added.
“He has had some tough rallies this yr. To see him come right here and be a brand new Ogier for us, he’s wanting actually sturdy and is de facto motivated on this rally, and that’s nice for the crew.
“Seb is aware of what he must do and we’ve a few automobiles in again up positions. We simply wish to see a pleasant race between our drivers and with Thierry within the combine as nicely.”
Reflecting on a day that cemented the rally lead, Ogier declared his Saturday as “very pleasing”, however believes there’s loads of work forward earlier than the eight-time world champion can have a good time a primary WRC win since Rally Monza final November.
“I’m delighted, for positive it has been a really pleasing day for us,” stated Ogier.
“We had good enjoyable within the automobile and the time was following, so it’s what you dream for while you come to a rally, to be as quick as that.
“I feel this yr within the appearances I’ve had I’ve been fairly unfortunate. In Monte, I did the job however didn’t fairly end it sadly. Portugal I had a puncture and Kenya we have been within the lead and I had a puncture, and New Zealand was a very good lead to second.
“Truthfully, thus far I’m proud of my season, however after all it might be good to lastly clinch a win. We’re in a very good place, however for positive there are nonetheless some kilometres to go.”
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