Kalle Rovanpera admits that prioritising his health was the right decision and says he is excited to return with Toyota, aiming to achieve strong results and enjoy driving rally cars again.
Rovanpera’s relationship with the World Rally Championship has entered an unexpected new chapter, with the Finnish driver preparing to return to the stages in 2027 after stepping away from the series at the end of 2025. Having achieved two world titles and established himself as one of the most talented drivers of his generation, Rovanpera initially decided to pursue a completely different motorsport challenge before circumstances brought him back towards rallying.
The 2025 season marked the final chapter of Rovanpera’s full-time WRC career, as he announced in October that he would leave the championship at the end of the year to explore new opportunities in circuit racing. Despite his decision, he remained fully committed to Toyota’s campaign, fighting for a third drivers’ championship. His season included impressive victories at Rally Islas Canarias and Rally Finland, where he secured his first-ever home victory in front of his fans. His triumph in Finland was particularly remarkable, as he also set a new record for the fastest average speed in WRC history. Rovanpera ultimately brought his full-time WRC chapter to a close after five seasons with Toyota, having won back-to-back drivers’ titles in 2022 and 2023.
For 2026, Rovanpera was initially expected to make a major career transition by competing in the Japanese Super Formula Championship, with Toyota supporting his ambition to move towards the highest levels of single-seater racing. However, his plans were interrupted by health problems, which forced him to abandon the programme before making his competitive debut. The Finn subsequently focused on his recovery and stepped away from competition for the majority of the year. Although his original intention had been to move away from rallying, he admitted that he gradually began missing the sport and the feeling of driving a rally car. Toyota eventually offered him the opportunity to return behind the wheel by taking part in the development of its new 2027 Rally1 car, allowing him to regain his confidence and prepare for a possible comeback.
The 2027 season will therefore mark Rovanpera’s return to the WRC, as he joins Toyota Gazoo Racing alongside Ott Tanak and Takamoto Katsuta. The Finnish driver and co-driver Jonne Halttunen will compete in a partial programme, taking part in selected events rather than contesting the entire championship. His comeback will also coincide with the introduction of the new WRC27 technical regulations, bringing an entirely different generation of Rally1 machinery. Rovanpera will drive the new Toyota GR Yaris Rally1, facing the challenge of adapting to a completely new car after spending a year away from competitive rallying.
"Really, really excited to go back into rallying", Rovanpera said.
"As everybody knows, the plan was not to be here in this moment to go back to driving rally cars.
"But yeah, life happens and, and you need to go forward whatever happens.
"And the decision was anyway right beginning of the year to take some time for myself and my health.
"And then now really glad that Toyota is wanting to have me back in the team.
So yeah, I just want to go back, do some good results for the team and, and enjoy the driving again".
Photo Credits: Toyota
Post a Comment