However, the 24-year-old banished those memories by delivering a fine drive to defeat team-mate and friend Takamoto Katsuta by 39.2s, despite not feeling 100% comfortable behind the wheel. The win was the fastest in WRC history as Rovanpera clocked an average speed of 129.9km/h (80.7mph).

Kalle Rovanpera and co-driver Jonne Halttunen ended an eight-year wait for a home winner at Rally Finland, claiming victory in record-breaking fashion after a near-flawless performance in their Toyota GR Yaris Rally1.

Elfyn Evans reclaimed the World Rally Championship lead as he finished fourth at Rally Finland in a race won by home driver Kalle Rovanpera. The Welshman could not keep up with Rovanpera's record-breaking pace as Toyota became the first manufacturer to fill the top five places in a race since Lancia did so at Rally de Portugal in 1990.