Kalle Rovanpera Shifts to Circuit Racing, F1 Drivers Take Note

Kalle Rovanpera, a rising star in rallying, is poised to transition to circuit racing next year, starting with Japan’s Super Formula. The Finnish driver, who could become a triple World Rally Champion by the end of the season, has sparked interest among Formula One drivers as they watch his next steps. Rovanpera’s announcement earlier this month marks a significant shift in his racing career, opening the door to possibilities in Formula Two, Formula One, and even the prestigious 24 Hours of Le Mans endurance race.

Fernando Alonso, a two-time Formula One champion, expressed curiosity about Rovanpera’s upcoming challenges. “Definitely he will face some challenges,” Alonso stated during a press event in Mexico last weekend. He noted that the dynamics between rallying and circuit racing are vastly different. “Rally was always playing with the two feet, brake and throttle for the whole time in a stage. And then the limits of the car and the limits of what you can do is shockingly different.”

Esteban Ocon, a driver for the Haas F1 team with a technical partnership with Toyota, recognized Rovanpera’s desire for new challenges. “I think, first of all, it’s awesome,” Ocon remarked. He has followed Rovanpera’s progress closely, especially during his participation in Porsche Cup races. “If I was him, winning already two titles in WRC and being so young and having Toyota in support, definitely you want to try something else.”

Rovanpera has had a remarkable year in the World Rally Championship (WRC), winning three rallies and currently holding second place in the standings. He trails teammate Elfyn Evans by 13 points and is tied with eight-time champion Sébastien Ogier with two rounds remaining.

Transitioning to circuit racing presents a distinct set of challenges. Unlike rallying, where drivers navigate through varied terrains such as muddy corners, fog-shrouded forests, and snowbanks, circuit racing emphasizes precision and car setup without the support of a co-driver. Ocon highlighted the competitive nature of Super Formula, which features skilled local drivers and engineers who may have limited English proficiency.

Four-time Formula One champion Max Verstappen offered his perspective on Rovanpera’s transition. “To go straight into a Super Formula car is a big jump,” he told Reuters. However, he noted that with full commitment and hard work, success is possible. “I’m very interested to see how it’s going to turn out because it’s great; it’s not really been done before like that.”

Despite his enthusiasm for Rovanpera’s journey, Verstappen ruled out the possibility of making a similar switch to rallying, even though his father, Jos Verstappen, has taken a personal interest in the sport. “I’ve sat next to him. It’s pretty insane to sit next to someone being so committed,” Verstappen remarked. “Personally, I don’t think rallying is for me.”

As Kalle Rovanpera prepares for this exciting new chapter in his career, the motorsport world eagerly anticipates how his skills will translate to the circuit racing arena. The upcoming season promises to unveil whether the young Finnish driver can navigate this new landscape and carve out a successful path in a sport that demands different skills and approaches.