Kalle Rovanperä: Transitioning from Rallying to Super Formula with Toyota's Support
Kalle Rovanperä, the two-time world rally champion, is set to make a significant career shift from rallying to circuit racing by joining Japan's Super Formula single-seater series next year. After six successful years in the World Rally Championship with Toyota, Rovanperä will embark on a new challenge with Toyota's support in Super Formula. Despite being a seasoned rally driver, Rovanperä has already dipped his toes in circuit racing, competing in the Porsche Carrera Cup Benelux and Italy series last year, where he secured three wins. He also had a taste of single-seaters by driving Formula 4 and Formula Renault 3.5 cars and an older Red Bull Formula 1 car in 2025.
In a statement, Rovanperä expressed his excitement about the upcoming transition, acknowledging the tough decision to leave rallying but feeling ready to pursue new dreams and challenges. He highlighted the support from Toyota Gazoo Racing and his eagerness to prepare thoroughly for the Super Formula venture. Rovanperä's decision comes on the heels of a remarkable WRC career, where he clinched back-to-back world titles in 2022 and 2023, amassing 17 rally wins and setting multiple records as the youngest podium finisher, winner, and world champion in WRC history. At just 25 years old, Rovanperä remains a strong contender for a third world title this season, trailing teammate Sebastien Ogier by 21 points with three rounds to go.
As Rovanperä bids farewell to the WRC, Toyota is yet to announce his replacement for the 2026 season. Team principal Jari-Matti Latvala praised Rovanperä's contributions to the team's success and expressed confidence in Toyota's ability to field a competitive lineup moving forward. Latvala acknowledged Rovanperä's desire for a new challenge in circuit racing and commended his decision to explore a different discipline. While Rovanperä's departure marks the end of an era for Toyota's rally team, the focus now shifts to securing a strong roster of drivers for the future, building on the foundation laid by Rovanperä and his co-driver Jonne Halttunen.