Why did Kalle Rovanpera struggle to contend for the win despite being champion?

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Kalle Rovanpera struggled to contend because he lost ground early in heavy rain and fog.

Rovanpera, who had already secured his second straight world title at last month’s Central European rally, was never really in contention at Rally Japan. He came unstuck early in the race in heavy rain and fog, and that left him too far behind Elfyn Evans to challenge for victory.
His title was already sealed before Rally Japan
Rovanpera arrived in Aichi as the newly crowned world champion after wrapping up his second straight title at last month’s Central European rally. That meant the result in Japan did not affect his championship status, with his 250 points already enough to top the final standings.
The difficult conditions hurt him early
The race was held in wild weather conditions in central Aichi Prefecture, and Rovanpera lost his chance to fight for the win after problems in heavy rain and fog early on. Once he fell back, he was never really in contention again.
Evans took control after the second stage
Elfyn Evans moved into the lead after the second stage and stayed there for the rest of the rally. He won by 1min 17.7sec over Sebastien Ogier, with Rovanpera finishing third, 1:46.5 behind the winner.
Toyota still completed a strong home result
Even with Rovanpera out of the fight for first place, Toyota finished 1-2-3 at its home rally. Evans won, Ogier was second, and Rovanpera took third, adding to Toyota’s already secured third straight manufacturers’ title.

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Why did Kalle Rovanpera struggle to contend for the win despite being champion?

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