Rovanpera wins the Estonian Rally on course to the world championship

Rovanpera took the lead on the gravel tracks around Tartu at the end of Friday's opening stage and never left the top spot. He confirmed his triumph with the fastest time in the final points-scoring power stage, giving his British teammate Elfyn Evans a minute.

"It was great again," praised Rovanperä, who has not won this year except in Monte Carlo in January and Sardinia in June. "It was a tough weekend but we rode well. I'm grateful to the team and everyone who made the car fast," added the Finnish youngster.

Third place went to home driver Ott Tanak in the Huyndai, who lost 1:55 minutes to leave Evans third in the World Championship. The second man in the standings, Belgian driver Thierry Neuville in a Hyundai, finished fourth almost four minutes behind.

The 13-round championship continues with the eighth rally on the first weekend of August in Finland on leader Rovanperä's home tracks around his hometown of Jyväskylä.