In an intriguing twist that has stunned motorsport pundits and fans alike, Kalle Rovanperä, the youngest World Rally champion in history, has revealed that he will be trading gravel and tarmac stages for slick tyres and open cockpits from 2026.
The 25-year-old Finn confirmed that he will leave the WRC at the end of the 2025 season to begin a bold transition toward single-seater racing – with the ultimate goal of competing in Formula 2 by 2027.
Rovanperä, a two-time WRC title winner with Toyota Gazoo Racing, has built his reputation as one of the most fearless and precise drivers of his generation.
But in a move few anticipated, he will be joining Japan’s Super Formula championship in 2026 – the same proving ground where several of Formula 1’s talents have honed their craft in the past – as preparation for a full assault on F2 the following year.
From Special Stages to Starting Grids
In a video message posted on social media, Rovanperä laid out his daring roadmap, while admitting that his decision was not made lightly.
“This decision has not been an easy one, but it’s one that I have been thinking about for a while,” he said.
“Having already achieved so much in rallying at this age, I started to think about what other possibilities I might have and what other challenges I would like to take on.
“It has been a tough decision, but it feels like the right one to pursue my next dreams and challenges.”
The Finnish phenom, known for his calm composure behind the wheel, will remain under the Toyota Gazoo Racing banner for this new adventure.
“It’s special to have the support of Toyota Gazoo Racing from the start of this new challenge and to be able to race in Super Formula,” he added.
“I know that it’s jumping straight into the deep end, coming from rallying, but I’m really looking forward to it and together with TGR we have a good plan to prepare in the best way possible and to try and make the most of it.”
A Radical Reinvention
For a driver whose career has been defined by sideways slides through forests and snowbanks, Rovanperä’s pivot to single-seaters is as radical as it is intriguing.
Though he has dabbled in circuit racing – including outings in the Porsche Carrera Cup and the GT3 class at the Dubai 24 Hours – he has never competed in a single-seater car.
Currently third in the WRC standings with two wins this season in Spain and Finland, Rovanperä insists his focus remains on finishing his rally career strongly before embarking on what may be the most challenging chapter yet.
Toyota’s continued backing is expected to smooth his transition. The manufacturer already fields Ritomo Miyata, the 2023 Super Formula champion, in Formula 2, where he has enjoyed modest success.
That pathway suggests Rovanperä’s move is part of a broader Toyota strategy to deepen its footprint in global single-seater racing.
If the Finn’s rally career has taught fans anything, it’s that Rovanperä doesn’t do half measures. His next journey – from champion to challenger – may just become one of motorsport’s most fascinating transformations.
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