Harri Rovanpera crashes his Fabia during test

Red Bull Skoda's Harri Rovanpera suffered an accident during pre-event testing Monday on his Fabia WRC test car. Rovanpera was nearly midway through a five-hour test session when he drove wide into a corner, touched a wall, and his wheel hit a stone, which caused him to roll his car.

"I came too close to the outside, there was plenty of loose gravel but unfortunately also a rock which destroyed the rim," Rovanpera said after the incident. "Then the car rolled rather violently, thank goodness I suffered no injuries. Risto complained about a slight headache. Except for this incident our test was very informative, too."

Rovanpera is still scheduled to compete at this weekend's Rally d'Italia Sardegna.

First gravel rally for Red Bull Skoda

For Harri Rovanpera, the Rally d'Italia Sardegna is to be his 108th FIA World Rally Championship event, but the event will be the first gravel rally for he and team-mate Andreas Aigner in a Skoda Fabia. The event will also be Aigner's first ever gravel event in a World Rally Car.

"I had quite a good feeling in the last tarmac rallies, now I need to adjust and learn to drive properly on gravel," said Aigner. "The test days will help me with that for sure. Apart from that I'm totally motivated, and I hope to at least keep the immediate competition at bay. In addition Harri will be able to give me some good advice."

The Red Bull Skoda Team is contesting only the European events in 2006, and thus far, both gravel rallies of the season have been in North and South America - Corona Rally Mexico and Rally Argentina. Rovanpera has only contested one event (Rallye de France - Tour de Corse) with the Red Bull-backed Skoda Fabia and is looking to contest a top six finish in Sardinia.

"We will certainly let Harri go for it, so he should be able to achieve a top six position," said Red Bull Team boss Armin Schwarz. "We'll have to wait and see how Andreas does on gravel, what he trusts himself to do. If he manages to complete this task in a positive fashion, we have taken a further step."

"I love this rally, it is extremely difficult and very demanding," said Rovanpera. "If we're able to test successfully, we should be able to achieve a good result in the end. In my 108th WRC start, my routine and experience will surely be of help here."

Harri Rovanpera Interview

Harri Rovanpera returned in dramatic fashion earlier this year in the Rallye de France-Tour de Corse. After the split of the Panizzi brothers, and their eventual withdrawal from the Red Bull Skoda team, Rovanpera was asked to fill the missing spot. Rovanpera had not rallied since last season's Telstra Rally Australia, and his return in Corsica was a learning experience. Rovanpera finished Corsica in 12th overall, and he was optimistic about his future events in the Skoda Fabia. Rovanpera sat down to answer questions about his return, how he is adjusting to the Fabia, and what his goals are for the remainder of the season.

How does it feel to return to a professional team?

Harri Rovanpera (HR): I'm happy to come back to business after a few months break. It's a nice feeling.

What are the major differences between the Skoda Fabia and the Mitsubishi Lancer?

HR: It's too early to say anything. Normally, I don't like to compare the old partners. Every car is different. The first tarmac event, Corsica, was so quick to say anything about the performance.

How much testing have you completed with the Fabia, and how much more testing are you planning to do?

HR: This weekend - Saturday and Sunday - and Monday we will be testing in Sardinia. Two weeks ago, we completed testing in the south of France for one day. Testing is important for the set up of the car and to get some new ideas.

Can you give some details of the discussions you held with Red Bull during the 'interview' process?

HR: I met Armin Schwarz around the time of the Uddeholm Swedish Rally, and we started talking. Armin knows me well. Red Bull Skoda is a good team to be involved with since they're starting to get involved in more sports. Everything was open, and the plan was to start, maybe, in Sardinia, but all of a sudden, I had to do Corsica on short notice. Corsica was difficult without testing - I have not sat in a rally car for a while.

What are your goals for the immediate rally?

HR: It is open. When we test this weekend, we can plan what we will try to do. We want to score good points for sure, and if testing goes well, then I can possibly push.

What do you plan to accomplish during the remainder of the season; do you believe rally victories are possible?

HR: It's too soon to say. Victories are difficult with two strong teams like Kronos [Kronos Total Citroen World Rally Team] and Ford [BP-Ford World Rally Team]. Podiums can possibly be done, and we can try in Sardinia. We will have a better idea of our goals after Italy.

What do you think your biggest challenge will be this season?

HR: I think every rally is difficult and a different set of situations. Again, after Sardinia we should know better.

Harri Rovanpera in a Skoda Fabia WRC in Corsica

Harri Rovanperä and Risto Pietiläinen has joined WRC once again in Tour de Corse (Rd 6 of WRC), this time running a Škoda Fabia WRC (car #11) of the Redbull-Škoda team. The car was prepared by BRR. Harri filled in for Gilles Panizzi, who abruptly decided not to do Corsica after personal issues with his brother and co-driver Hervé Panizzi, has lead to the split of duo. We won't see Redbull-Škoda in Argentina come the end of April because they opted out to do the long haul to South America. Harri finished 12th behind Petter Solberg of Subaru WRT.