"Relaxed" Rovanpera to enjoy Rally Sweden victory tilt without WRC title pressure

The reigning two-time world champion is expected to be the overwhelming favourite for victory on Sweden’s snow-covered roads.

A previous event winner in 2022, Rovanpera also has the advantage of a favourable starting position after sitting out last month’s Monte Carlo season as part of his wish to contest a part-time programme this year.

The Finn returned to the stages at the Arctic Lapland Rally earlier this month, where a technical fault robbed him of a likely win over Toyota team-mate Elfyn Evans.

Looking ahead to this week’s rally, the 23-year-old says he feels much more relaxed heading into his first of six likely WRC rounds this year, and has only one target in his mind.

“It is really nice to be back and I hav