Rovanpera states that Toyota is supporting his Formula 1 aspiration.
"This choice has not been a simple one."
Two-time world rally champion Kalle Rovanpera has taken the motorsport community by surprise with his announcement of leaving the World Rally Championship to embark on a Toyota-supported journey focused on Formula 1. The 25-year-old Finn, often referred to as the 'Max Verstappen of rallying,' has confirmed that he will transition to Japan’s Super Formula series next year as the initial phase of what he describes as "a journey of new dreams." Toyota, which currently fields Rovanpera in WRC and collaborates with Haas, has officially backed the initiative.
"This choice has not been a simple one, but it’s something I have been contemplating for some time," Rovanpera stated. "Having accomplished so much in rallying at my age, I began to consider what other opportunities I might explore and what challenges I would like to pursue."
Later speaking to Finland’s MTV Urheilu, Rovanpera clarified the ultimate aim of the project. "Certainly, it’s always challenging to discuss being realistic, but we’re striving for a higher level," he mentioned. "I'm approaching this project with the intention that if I perform well enough, Toyota will support me all the way to the end, and possibly even to Formula 1."
Rovanpera’s long-time manager, Timo Jouhki, disclosed that the new agreement encompasses a testing program at the F2 level, emphasizing that the focus is clearly directed towards F1. "We will pursue this with the objective of opening every possible door and evaluating our options," Rovanpera added. The youngest champion in WRC history will wrap up the current rally season still in contention for the title before fully transitioning to single-seaters early next year.
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Rovanpera states that Toyota is supporting his Formula 1 aspiration.
Formula 1 | Two-time world rally champion Kalle Rovanpera has shocked the motorsport community by revealing his exit from the World Rally Championship to (…)