Rovanpera stopped by dizziness, Doohan associated with Haas.
"The doctor instructed me to cease driving."
Kalle Rovanpera's highly anticipated debut test in Super Formula at Suzuka was abruptly halted after the Finnish driver was diagnosed with benign positional vertigo. The 25-year-old former world rally champion managed to complete 32 laps in the morning session before he had to withdraw. "During my lunch break, I started experiencing symptoms of benign positional vertigo, which impacts my balance," he stated. "The doctor instructed me to cease driving," Rovanpera told Iltalehti. He later added, "Doctors have prohibited me from driving for the remainder of the week. I’m really disappointed that we didn’t get to engage in any significant driving apart from our aerodynamic test this morning." His best lap time left him seven seconds behind the leader, Igor Fraga, placing him at the bottom of the test standings. Toyota announced that Rovanpera would now take some time off before starting his single-seater transition in January with Hitech in New Zealand’s Formula Regional Oceania series. Jack Doohan also made an appearance on the Suzuka timesheet, finishing 21st fastest after receiving last-minute clearance from Alpine’s Formula 1 team. Sources indicate that Flavio Briatore approved Doohan's release less than a day before his flight, allowing him to test with Kondo Racing. Doohan, who was replaced by Franco Colapinto earlier this year, is currently in discussions for a reserve role at Haas for 2026. With Toyota Gazoo Racing set to be Haas’ new title sponsor, the team is expected to expand its FP1, simulator, and TPC activities.
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Rovanpera stopped by dizziness, Doohan associated with Haas.
Formula 1 | Kalle Rovanpera's highly awaited Super Formula debut test at Suzuka was abruptly halted after the Finnish driver was diagnosed with benign positional vertigo. (…)