Finnish driver Kalle Rovanperä has celebrated his 22nd birthday, but he's on the cusp of an even bigger milestone, and could become the youngest-ever World Rally champion.
Rovanperä has taken charge at Rally NZ, and was flying through the Kaipara Hills on day three of the action on Saturday.
Overnight leader Ott Tanak was fired up, but the Estonian was demoted to third after receiving a 10-second penalty due to illegal boosts in his hybrid engine.
That saw Elfyn Evans in the lead after the day's opening test, but on the very next stage he threw it away by crashing.
The Welshman managed to get to the end but the damage was done, with roadside repairs made to a leaking radiator needing refilling. He was forced to retire, and all of a sudden there was a new leader.
Rovanperä was fast through the morning's opening stage, with the final stage cancelled after Gus Greensmith crashed out.
The cars were then diverted back to Auckland for service, including the championship hopeful.
"Yeah, it's a bit more technical in places, but still, it seems to be good," Rovanperä said.
Rovanperä celebrated his 22nd birthday in the Toyota garage, with teammate Sebastian Ogier the only one looking like catching the birthday boy, 29 seconds off the lead.
"It is still possible, but obviously we have to try hard this afternoon," he said.
Meanwhile in the WRC 2 category, Kiwi Shane Van Gisbergen was in the fight for second until a puncture on stage 12, with compatriot Hayden Paddon leading going into the final day.
