Rally Estonia might not have produced the home win that so many of Ott Tänak’s fans had been craving, but there was no shortage of action across three busy days between the trees and in the fields.
Ready to record that drama was McKlein’s Colin McMaster, who as is tradition has chosen his favorite 10 images from the World Rally Championship’s second visit to the Baltic state.
As well as the stunning scenic shots you’d expect, McKlein also captured the human side of the event – with the before and after of Kalle Rovanperä’s run to becoming the youngest ever winner of a round of the WRC.
01. Kalle Rovanperä, Toyota Yaris WRC 2021.
History maker. This study of a calm, relaxed 20-year-old was captured three days before he became the youngest ever winner of a WRC rally.
02. Ott Tänak & Martin Järveoja, Hyundai i20 Coupe WRC 2021.
To me, Ott Tänak is somewhat reminiscent of Colin McRae; arguably the fastest driver amongst his peers. Like McRae, Tänak is a slightly misunderstood individual who, without trying, has the devoted support of a nation. As with the 1995 champion, since reaching the pinnacle of the sport results have not gone his way.
03. Craig Breen & Paul Nagle, Hyundai i20 Coupe WRC 2021.
One cannot fail to be impressed with Craig Breen’s performance in Estonia. Second place was all the more remarkable considering his last outing in a WRC car on gravel was in Estonia in September 2020.
04. Thierry Neuville & Martijn Wydaeghe, Hyundai i20 Coupe WRC 2021.
The opening stage of Rally Estonia is a short run round through gravel roads in a picturesque park at dusk.
05. Kalle Rovanperä & Jonne Halttunen, Toyota Yaris WRC 2021.
Kalle Rovanperä ‘Visited Estonia’ and dominated.
06. Sébastien Ogier & Julien Ingrassia, Toyota Yaris WRC 2021.
Leaving Estonia with an increased championship lead of 37 points ahead of Elfyn Evans, Sébastien Ogier could consider this a job well done.
07. Thierry Neuville & Martijn Wydaeghe, Hyundai i20 Coupe WRC 2021.
Rally Estonia presents many different photo opportunities and angles. This image was taken from a ski-bridge crossing over the stage.
08. Gus Greensmith & Chris Patterson, M-Sport Ford Fiesta WRC 2021.
Much of the action in Estonia takes place in dense forests. This image was taken amid silver birch trees that provide great contrasts when light shines through the forest’s canopy.
09. Mads Østberg & Torstein Eriksen, Citroën C3 Rally2.
No stranger to heat-of-the-moment stage-end F-bombs, Mads Østberg endured another frustrating outing in Citroën’s C3 Rally2 car. His speed was offset by a series of technical issues, so this time round the charismatic Norwegian chose his language [native and content] more wisely.
10. Kalle Rovanperä, Toyota Yaris WRC 2021.
The exuberance of youth. No words needed, simply the best.
