Kalle Rovanperä, the two-time World Rally Champion, has announced his decision to transition from the World Rally Championship (WRC) to Japan’s Super Formula series starting in 2026. This ambitious move reflects his desire to compete at the highest levels of circuit racing and to undertake what he describes as a “really unique” challenge.
Rovanperä, who is still in contention for a third WRC title with three rounds remaining in the current season, is embarking on this journey under the support of Toyota. His announcement comes after a successful debut in circuit racing last year, which included participation in the Porsche Carrera Cup Benelux and a test drive in a Red Bull Formula 1 car at the Red Bull Ring.
The 25-year-old Finnish driver explained his motivation for the switch, citing his achievements in rallying as a significant factor. “I put on my list the things I need to achieve in WRC, and I have achieved those at quite a young age, and I’m happy with that,” Rovanperä shared.
“Next season I’m going straight into the deep end driving in Super Formula in Japan,” he continued, emphasizing his commitment to extensive testing and simulator work. The plan is to focus on formula cars for the next two years, with a vision of ultimately competing at the highest levels in the sport.
While discussing his future aspirations, Rovanperä acknowledged the challenges ahead. “There is obviously a huge amount of work to do, but I’m ready to do it and see how everything goes,” he stated. His ambitions extend beyond Super Formula, as he expressed interest in potentially navigating the path to Formula 1 and participating in prestigious races such as the Le Mans 24 Hours.
Rovanperä’s departure from rallying does not signal a complete farewell to the discipline. He confirmed that he could envision a return to rallying in the future, despite the current difficulties within the WRC and his team’s adaptation to new tire regulations.
“This year has not been the best, but we are still in the top three fighting, so it is not the worst either,” Rovanperä noted, indicating his ongoing commitment to the WRC for the remainder of the season.
He clarified that his decision to leave rallying was not influenced by the state of the WRC but rather by his personal career goals. “I still love rallying and the part of driving the car is its own kind of art as a sport,” he added.
As he sets his sights on a new racing career, Rovanperä expressed gratitude towards Toyota for their ongoing support. “This kind of plan and project wouldn’t be possible without manufacturer backing,” he remarked, highlighting the significance of having a solid partnership as he embarks on this new chapter.
The motorsport community will be watching closely as Kalle Rovanperä transitions into single-seaters, eager to see how he adapts to this different racing environment while maintaining his competitive edge.
