Kalle Rovanperä discusses future with Toyota after health setback

Finnish two‑time rally world champion Kalle Rovanperä had planned to move to Japan's Super Formula series for the 2026‑2027 season, but health problems forced him to sit out the campaign. After recovering, he returned to competition at the Finland Rally, driving a historic Toyota Corolla GT AE86 in a demonstration run alongside co‑driver Jonne Halttunen.

Rovanperä said he feels fully recovered and is open to all options for 2027, confirming he will discuss his next steps with Toyota. He expressed interest in both rally and circuit racing, noting that the upcoming WRC cars do not excite him much. His manager Timo Jouhki dismissed speculation that a diagnosed vertigo condition caused the withdrawal, stating the decision was made to protect the driver’s health. Rovanperä also mentioned staying in contact with former teammate Takamoto Katsuta, offering support during Katsuta’s successful WRC season.