Kalle Rovanpera Set to Quit WRC for Super Formula in 2026

Kalle Rovanperä confirms he will leave WRC after 2025 and switch to Japan’s Super Formula in 2026, setting up a rare rally-to-single-seater transition.

The move follows six seasons in the top class with Toyota Gazoo Racing, where he debuts in 2020 and becomes a team linchpin.

Rovanperä, 25, wins titles in 2022 and 2023, amassing 17 victories and setting benchmarks as the youngest WRC winner, podium finisher, and champion.

He remains in the 2025 title fight, 21 points behind Toyota teammate Sébastien Ogier with three rallies left, keeping pressure on the championship leaders.

The decision arrives with Toyota’s backing. Rovanperä says the timing aligns with a long-held ambition to focus on circuit racing at top national level.

He builds circuit mileage this year in Porsche Carrera Cup Benelux and Italy, winning three races. He also secures four WRC wins while testing F4 and FR3.5 at the Red Bull Ring.

Further exposure comes via a run in an older Red Bull F1 car, offering insight into high-grip, high-downforce driving demands.

Super Formula’s spec chassis, powerful aero, and control tyres demand precision, tyre management, and qualifying execution. That contrasts with rallying’s pace-note reliance and stage variability.

Within the broader types of motorsports, few rally specialists pivot to frontline single-seaters. The learning curve typically centers on race craft and aerodynamic sensitivity.

Team principal Jari-Matti Latvala praises Rovanperä’s impact and frames the switch as unusual but credible. He expresses confidence Toyota can remain competitive in 2026.

The vacancy reshapes Toyota’s planning for the next rules cycle. The team must balance experience, speed, and consistency across its rally line-up.

Rovanperä thanks co-driver Jonne Halttunen, Toyota staff, and fans. He commits to maximizing the final events of 2025 before beginning the single-seater transition.

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Zane Muniz

Zane Muniz writes across NASCAR, IndyCar, F1, IMSA, NHRA, and dirt-racing news. His breaking-news alerts and event previews ensure motorsport fans never miss a lap, drift, or drag-strip showdown.