Two-time world champions Rovanpera and co-driver Jonne Halttunen claimed 10 stage wins to defeat Toyota team-mate Takamoto Katsuta by 39.2s in the fastest rally in WRC history, as the pair took the win with an average speed of 129.9km/h.

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.