Rovanperä is forced to withdraw from participating in Super Formula.

      Starting from last year, the motorsport world has been closely following Finnish driver Kalle Rovanperä, a two-time world rally champion, who decided to change his professional role and move to circuit racing. We reported that this story has not developed too smoothly, including that 25-year-old Kalle has faced quite serious health issues, which forced him to interrupt his participation in tests for the Japanese Super Formula series, where he was planning to debut in 2026.

      But this morning, Rovanperä announced that he is forced to abandon these plans. Here is the text of the statement published on his social media pages:

      "I must share some unpleasant news. I am withdrawing from the upcoming races and participation in the Super Formula season in 2026. For a long time, I have been dealing with health issues that have worsened this year.

      My health does not allow me to safely continue racing, and my priority now is to address this. But the chapter of my career dedicated to circuit racing is not over: this year, certain progress has already been made – which means this project has potential.

      I sincerely apologize to everyone who hoped to see me on the track, where I very much want to return as soon as possible. I am grateful to Toyota Gazoo Racing and my partners for their care and support! I will continue to work to come back stronger!.."

      Although Rovanperä does not specify what issues he is referring to, it is known that he had to withdraw from continuing tests in Super Formula due to symptoms of benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), which affect balance and vision through the inner ear.

      Such a painful condition can last several weeks, averaging ten weeks, but the rehabilitation period can also be prolonged. In January, Kalle had to interrupt his performances in the winter Oceania Formula Regional series in New Zealand – also due to health problems.

      The season in the Japanese Super Formula was seen as preparation for a debut in Formula 2, scheduled for 2027, but apparently, that will also have to be abandoned.

      One of the first to react to the news was the factory team Toyota Gazoo Racing WRT, with whom Rovanperä achieved great success in world rallying: "We wish you a speedy recovery and hope to see you back on the racetrack soon!"