Kalle Rovanperä is moving from rallying to circuit racing.

      Two-time World Rally Champion Kalle Rovanperä will end his rally career at the end of the season to compete in circuit racing. The Finnish driver for Toyota’s works team said he will make his debut in the Japanese Super Formula series in 2026 and plans to move to Formula 2 in 2027.

      "The decision wasn't easy for me, but I've been thinking about it for a long time," Kalle Rovanperä says in an official press statement. "For my age I have already achieved a lot in rallying, so I started looking into what other opportunities I might have and what challenges I'm ready to take on.

      The decision turned out to be difficult, but it seems right to me to pursue a dream and reach new goals. Toyota Gazoo Racing has supported me in this endeavor from the very beginning, and thanks to them I will compete in Super Formula.

      I know this is a very serious step for me, given my experience in rallying, but I'm looking forward to it. Together with Toyota Gazoo Racing we have developed a good preparation plan and will try to get the most out of it."

      In an interview with DirtFish, Kalle Rovanperä clarified his plans for the next two seasons and even hinted at Formula 1: "Of course, I already have plans for the next few years. I know I'll be competing in Super Formula, and then we'll work on the next step, which should be Formula 2. After that we'll see how it goes.

      I can't say right now what my ultimate goal is. But I can say that it's to compete at the highest level. Formula 1 is the highest level, but there are other great racing series and events in circuit racing."

      With three rounds remaining in the WRC season, Rovanperä sits third in the drivers' standings. This year he won the Rally Islas Canarias and Rally Finland.