Despite promising tests and clear progress, Kalle Rovanperä will not be competing in Super Formula for the time being: The reasons lie in his health
The switch to formula racing was supposed to be the next big chapter in his career. But now it is clear: Kalle Rovanperä will have to take a break for the time being.
As Toyota confirmed on Sunday, the two-time World Rally Champion will not be competing in the Japanese Super Formula as planned. This is due to health problems which, according to medical examinations, make it impossible to continue at present.
Rovanperä had shown promising progress in recent months. In private tests, he impressed with his speed and development in the formula car. This makes the decision all the more difficult.
Complaints as early as the test in December
“Kalle has worked passionately to prove himself in the formula car,” reads an official statement from Toyota. “However, his body is currently unable to keep up with the demands of the competition.”
The Finn had already had to abandon a post-season test in December. The cause was benign positional vertigo – a condition that can affect balance and vision.
In January 2026, Rovanperä nevertheless returned to the cockpit and competed in the New Zealand Formula Regional. With five top 10 results and a podium, he showed that his pace was right. However, the ailments returned – and ultimately forced him to skip the season finale.
Rovanperä wants to be in Formula 1
His potential was also evident at the pre-test in Suzuka. Rovanperä improved by more than a second over the course of the sessions. Nevertheless, in the end it was only enough for 24th place – and a little later for the next forced break.
Toyota Chairman Akio Toyoda made it clear how difficult the decision was. “He put his whole heart into this challenge,” he said. “But after medical assessment, it is clear that continuing would not be the right choice at the moment.”
Rovanperä had only announced last year that he would be retiring from his WRC career in order to concentrate on formula racing. Formula 1 is his long-term goal.
The Toyota-supported program was to begin with a season in Super Formula with the KCMG team. Instead, substitute driver Seita Nonaka will now take over the cockpit at the season opener in Motegi.
Toyota emphasizes, however, that Rovanperä’s path in circuit racing is not over. As soon as his health allows, he will be back in action.
