Rally Champion Kalle Rovanperä to Pursue Formula 1 Dream, Starting with Super Formula
TOYOTA, JAPAN – Rallying superstar Kalle Rovanperä, the 2022 and 2023 World Rally Champion, will leave the World Rally Championship (WRC) to compete in Japan’s super Formula series, a notable step towards a potential future in formula 1. The surprising announcement signals a dramatic career shift for the 24-year-old finnish driver, backed by Toyota, who will receive comprehensive preparation for the transition.
Rovanperä’s move is unusual for a reigning WRC champion, representing a high-risk, high-reward gamble as he enters the world of single-seater racing for the frist time. The decision, described by rovanperä as “not easy,” comes after extensive consideration and a desire to embrace new challenges. “I achieved a lot in rallying very early on. Now I want to tackle new challenges. I know it’s a jump into the deep end, but I’m looking forward to it,” he stated. Toyota’s commitment includes technical, driving, and cultural training to facilitate his adaptation.
This move is strategically aligned with Toyota’s growing Formula 1 presence. Since 2025, Toyota has been collaborating with the Haas F1 team and has established a dedicated test team. Super Formula champion Sho Tsuboi recently tested with the Haas team in Fuji, and a 2026 test for rovanperä with Haas is now considered a likely possibility. Success in Super formula could pave the way for Rovanperä to compete in Formula 2 in 2027, ultimately aiming for a Formula 1 seat.
