Rovanpera's initial shortfall is 'not unexpected.'

      "It's nearly impossible to predict the kind of outcome you should expect."

      Kalle Rovanpera's first full weekend racing in formula cars concluded abruptly in New Zealand, but key figures close to the Finnish talent are downplaying any early issues. Rovanpera's time in the Oceanian Formula Regional at Hampton Downs ended with a retirement on the first lap on Sunday due to contact in a multi-car collision, which sent his Hitech-run vehicle into the barriers. Although the crash appeared severe, none of the drivers were injured, and the race was temporarily halted with a red flag.

      This incident capped a weekend rich with learning for the two-time world rally champion, who is aiming for a future in Formula 1. After qualifying more than a second slower than the leaders early on, Rovanpera managed to improve to ninth in qualifying on Sunday, having finished 17th, 11th, and 15th in the previous races, as reported by Ilta-Sanomat in Finland.

      His outing in New Zealand followed a challenging lead-up, with Rovanpera recently missing Super Formula testing in Japan due to reported dizziness, which has sparked speculation about his adaptation to circuit racing. Former Ferrari GT driver Toni Vilander brushed off worries regarding the timing differences, stating to Iltalehti, "A time difference of one second is not unexpected. It aligns perfectly with what we anticipated."

      He explained, "If you accelerate on the straights and brake correctly in the corners, you can achieve a specific time difference. You could easily find another half-second from that, but as you work to eliminate those last few tenths, it becomes challenging." Vilander mentioned he had briefly reached out to Rovanpera but was cautious not to put added pressure on him. "I sent him a message wishing him good luck for the race," he added.

      Rovanpera's manager, Timo Jouhki, echoed a similar sentiment, emphasizing that the Oceania series serves as preparation rather than a results-focused effort. "It’s nearly impossible to predict what results to expect. This is strictly training for Kalle. He isn't familiar with any of the tracks beforehand," Jouhki told Iltalehti. "There will certainly be no wins or pole positions from this. If he finishes in the top ten, that's quite reasonable."

      Jouhki highlighted that the main objective remains Japan's Super Formula championship, which starts in April. "The New Zealand series is excellent training," he said. "After this, it will be much easier to transition to Super Formula than to enter there without any prior experience," he added, noting that the "trend is definitely positive."

      Rovanpera's Oceania campaign is set to continue in Taupo.