The Central European Rally (CER) 2025 will go down as one of the most emotionally charged rounds of the WRC season — and perhaps one of the most defining moments in recent rally history. Not only did Kalle Rovanperä deliver a masterclass performance to clinch victory, but he also helped Toyota Gazoo Racing seal the Manufacturers’ Championship in a near-perfect weekend for the Japanese outfit.
A Masterclass from Kalle
Fresh off announcing his decision to step away from the World Rally Championship, Kalle Rovanperä reminded the world why he’s one of rallying’s greatest young talents. With trademark precision, calm composure, and relentless pace, Kalle mastered the tricky CER tarmac stages — combining aggression with maturity beyond his years.
His performance was the ultimate parting gift: a dominant win that echoed both gratitude and greatness.
Toyota’s Tarmac Takeover
Toyota’s strength was undeniable. With Elfyn Evans finishing second and Takamoto Katsuta securing fourth, the team’s strategy and pace were simply unmatched. The results underline Toyota’s technical excellence and collective spirit — a reflection of their consistency throughout the season.
The final top five:
- Kalle Rovanperä (Toyota GR Yaris Rally1)
- Elfyn Evans (Toyota GR Yaris Rally1)
- Ott Tänak (Hyundai i20 N Rally1)
- Takamoto Katsuta (Toyota GR Yaris Rally1)
- Adrien Fourmaux (Hyundai i20 N Rally1)
Drama in the Stages
The rally wasn’t short on chaos. Sébastien Ogier’s run ended abruptly in SS10, when he went wide and struck a tree just 17.8km into the stage — destroying his front-left wheel and ending his hopes for a podium.
Meanwhile, Thierry Neuville’s weekend also took a heartbreaking turn in SS15, when a heavy bridge impact forced the cancellation of the stage. Both he and co-driver Martijn Wydaeghe escaped unhurt, but the incident was a painful blow to Hyundai’s momentum.
Championship Standings After CER 2025
The fight for the Drivers’ Championship is now tighter than ever:
- Elfyn Evans – 247 points
- Sébastien Ogier – 234 points
- Kalle Rovanperä – 234 points
- Ott Tänak – 197 points
With just two rounds remaining —Rally japan and Saudi Arabia Rally 2025 — the title race remains wide open. Tänak still has a mathematical chance to break into the top three, but all eyes will be on the final Toyota showdown between Evans and Ogier.
A Poetic Goodbye
Kalle’s CER victory wasn’t just another win — it was a statement. A fitting farewell. In his heartfelt message to the rally community, he expressed deep gratitude to his co-driver Jonne Halttunen, his family, his teams, and his fans. He promised to give his all for the remainder of the season — and in CER, he kept that promise in spectacular fashion.
As the dust settles on the European tarmac, one thing is clear: Kalle Rovanperä leaves the sport at the peak of his powers — a true champion in every sense.
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