Rovanperä’s Red Bull street filming draws attention in Jyväskylä

Two-time world rally champion Kalle Rovanperä’s drifting in central Jyväskylä on Tuesday evening was part of a filming project for energy drink company Red Bull, Yle reports.

Sections of several streets were closed for the production. Rovanperä drove at the intersection of Kalevankatu and Hannikaisenkatu, among other locations, prompting discussion on social media about the loud car and the activity in the city centre.

Jyväskylä’s streets manager Tuula Smolander confirmed the project and said the city, Red Bull and police had communicated extensively before the filming permit was granted. Red Bull applied for the permit in early summer.

The city focused particularly on safety during the permit process. Red Bull was required to increase the number of traffic controllers along the streets before receiving approval.

The filming had a noise permit until 1 a.m. on Tuesday night. The engine noise and drifting continued from 10 p.m. until midnight, irritating and concerning many residents. Some questioned why they had not been warned in advance.

Smolander said the permit made the permit holder responsible for informing residents. She regretted that Red Bull had not provided advance information.

According to information received by Smolander, the production is a story-driven video set in Jyväskylä and its surroundings. Filming is also taking place on public roads. Red Bull has produced similar videos with other athletes it sponsors.

“As I understand it, the idea that his video would be set in Jyväskylä came from Kalle,” Smolander said.

Rovanperä’s manager, Timo Jouhki, told Iltalehti that the filming was a show made for a partner.

Smolander said the video would give the Jyväskylä region international visibility and attention.

Filming will continue on Wednesday at Kuokkala Bridge, a bridge in Jyväskylä, from approximately 5.30 p.m. to 7 p.m.