Daring Rovanpera swaps slides for speed in first F2 run

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Two-time World Rally Champion Kalle Rovanperä traded gravel for grip this week, taking his first laps in a Formula 2 car at Spain’s Jerez de la Frontera circuit.

The 25-year-old Finn, long hailed as a rally prodigy, is now steering his career into uncharted territory and into the world of single-seater racing.

Behind the wheel of a Toyota Gazoo Racing-backed Hitech F2 machine, Rovanperä’s debut marks the first tangible step in his bold transition from sideways slides to apex-perfect precision.

With plans to race in Japan’s Super Formula next year and ambitions to climb toward Formula 2 – and eventually Formula 1 – the move signals one of motorsport’s most audacious career pivots in years.

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“First F2 test done! Can be quite happy with the test days. We got some valuable seat time and finally a real feeling with the car. Next week it's time for Rally Japan," Rovanperä posted on social media.

For a driver who’s mastered the art of control on chaos, the smooth tarmac of Jerez was perhaps the beginning of an equally thrilling new chapter.

Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.