Kalle Rovanpera Shifts to Circuit Racing, F1 Stars Take Notice

Kalle Rovanpera, the promising Finnish driver, is poised to make headlines as he transitions from rally driving to circuit racing. The 25-year-old, who could become a triple world champion in the World Rally Championship (WRC) by the end of this season, announced plans to compete in the Japanese Super Formula in 2024. This bold move has captured the attention of prominent Formula One drivers, who are keen to see how he adapts to this new racing environment.

The announcement comes after Rovanpera has had a stellar season, securing victories in three rallies and currently sitting second in the WRC standings. He trails his teammate Elfyn Evans by 13 points, with two rounds remaining. With his impressive track record and backing from Toyota, Rovanpera is now setting his sights on potentially competing in Formula Two, Formula One, and the prestigious 24 Hours of Le Mans endurance race.

Rallying to Circuit Racing: A Unique Challenge

Transitioning from the unpredictable terrain of rally racing to the precision of circuit racing presents significant challenges. Formula One veteran Fernando Alonso, a two-time world champion, shared his insights on this transition, stating, “Definitely he will face some challenges.” Alonso, who has experience in various racing formats, highlighted the differences in driving styles, mentioning that rally driving requires constant adjustment of throttle and brake.

He noted, “The limits of the car and what you can do is shockingly different.” This sentiment was echoed by Esteban Ocon, who noted that Rovanpera’s move is an exciting opportunity. Ocon, whose Haas F1 team has a technical partnership with Toyota, remarked, “It’s going to be a story that I really follow closely.” He acknowledged Rovanpera’s success in the WRC and his desire to explore new challenges.

Circuit racing demands a different skill set, as drivers must adapt to the consistent track conditions and focus on car setup rather than memorizing stages, as is the case in rallying. Ocon pointed out the competitive nature of the Super Formula, which features experienced local drivers and engineers who may not speak English fluently. This could add an additional layer of complexity to Rovanpera’s transition.

Support and Skepticism from F1 Peers

Max Verstappen, a four-time Formula One world champion, also weighed in on Rovanpera’s decision. He expressed curiosity about how Rovanpera will fare, stating, “To go straight into a Super Formula car is a big jump.” Verstappen emphasized the importance of commitment and hard work in facing such a challenge, saying, “If you are fully committed, you believe in yourself, and you work hard for it, then who knows?”

Despite the hurdles ahead, Verstappen believes that Rovanpera’s achievements in the WRC have already solidified his place in motorsport history. “At the end of the day, he won two championships already,” he noted. “This is a different challenge, and maybe he already wanted that when he was younger as well.”

While Rovanpera’s peers show interest in his journey, Verstappen ruled out making a similar switch to rallying himself, despite his father Jos’s dabbling in the sport for enjoyment. “Personally, I don’t think rallying is for me,” he concluded.

As Rovanpera prepares for this new chapter, the motorsport community will be watching closely, eager to see how the rally star adapts to a fundamentally different racing landscape. With his talent and determination, he aims to forge a new path in his already illustrious career.