Rovanpera does not rule out WRC return, but formula racing remains priority
Two-time world rally champion Kalle Rovanpera says his health problems are behind him and leaves open the possibility of one day returning to rallying, though his main focus remains formula racing.
Finnish driver Kalle Rovanpera, a two-time World Rally Championship title holder, left the WRC at the end of last season, initially planning to compete in Japan's Super Formula championship in 2026. Those plans did not go as intended — health issues forced him to halt his program as early as March, before the season even began.
Last weekend, Rovanpera and his longtime co-driver Jonne Halttunen took part in a demonstration run on the Harju stage of the Finland Rally. He confirmed that his health problems are no longer troubling him and that he has been feeling significantly better recently. In late summer he plans to begin detailed talks with Toyota about his future steps.
Door to a rally return remains open
While formula racing remains his top priority, Rovanpera has not completely ruled out a possible return to rallying. He admitted he hasn't thought about it much and doesn't yet know what the right decision or the right way to make such a comeback would be.
Next year the WRC will undergo major changes, as the current Rally1 cars will be replaced by next-generation machinery based on Rally2 vehicles under the new WRC27 regulations. Among the existing manufacturer teams, only Toyota is actively developing a car for the new rules, and Rovanpera did not hide his view on the upcoming changes, saying the new regulations don't look particularly exciting, though he added that this isn't really his concern right now.
Toyota has carried out an extensive testing program with its new WRC car, with Estonian driver Ott Tanak also involved in its development after he too temporarily left the WRC at the end of last year. Rovanpera said he has spoken with Tanak a few times and seen footage from some of the tests, which suggests the new car is not as thrilling, though he has not driven it himself and cannot judge firsthand.
