Two-time World Rally Championship titleholder Kalle Rovanpera confirms WRC exit at the end of the season for a dramatic switch to single-seater racing for 2026, with Formula 1 and WEC in his sights.
The Finnish driver is set to make a transition from the rugged terrains of WRC to the high-speed circuits of Japan’s Super Formula series in 2026.
The move which is officially endorsed and supported by his long-term employer Toyota marks a bold departure from a successful rallying career earned over six years at the pinnacle of the sport.
Rovanpera’s departure from WRC marks the culmination of a remarkable era for the young Finnish talent who, at just 25 years old, has already achieved feats that many drivers spend a lifetime chasing.
The seasoned driver was crowned as the youngest-ever WRC champion in 2022 at the age of 22 after winning five of the first seven rallies and later solidified his legacy by clinching a second consecutive world title in 2023.
Notably, despite his dominating presence and record-breaking success in rallying, Rovanperä had been quietly nurturing ambitions beyond the gravel and dirt tracks, turning his focus to circuit racing, where he believes his future lies.
It is an endeavor that Toyota fully supports, having backed Rovanpera’s rally career since 2020 and now extending their partnership into this new venture.
“This decision has not been an easy one, but itʼs one that I have been thinking about for a while,” said Rovanpera. “Having already achieved so much in rallying at this age, I started to think about what other possibilities I might have and what other challenges I would like to take on.
“It has been a tough decision, but it feels like the right one to pursue my next dreams and challenges. Itʼs special to have the support of Toyota Gazoo Racing from the start of this new challenge and to be able to race in Super Formula.
“I know that itʼs jumping straight into the deep end, coming from rallying, but Iʼm really looking forward to it and together with TGR we have a good plan to prepare in the best way possible and to try and make the most of it.
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“Since I started driving as a small kid, it was my dream to be a WRC driver, to win a rally, and to become world champion. To have achieved all that at such a young age has been an incredible feeling.
“A big thanks goes to TGR-WRT: we have done some really great things together and it has been a pleasure to work with such an amazing team. I also canʼt thank Jonne enough for his help since our first days working together.
“Very big thanks too to all the fans who have been supporting us through all the ups and downs. We still have three rallies to go and we will give it everything and keep pushing until the end.”
The career pivot to Super Formula which is a highly competitive and technologically advanced single-seater series widely regarded as a stepping stone towards Formula 1, especially given Toyota now has a partnership with Haas.
On the other hand, Rovanpera could ultimately transition to the World Endurance Championship where Toyota’s main racing programme has dominated for many years.
Before confirming his Super Formula switch, Rovanpera had already dipped his toes in the world of circuit racing.
Last year, he participated in Porsche Carrera Cups in the Benelux and Italy regions, winning three races amidst balancing a partial WRC campaign.
He also tested his mettle in formula cars, including an opportunity to drive Formula 4 and Formula Renault 3.5 cars at the Red Bull Ring, alongside testing an older-generation Red Bull Formula 1 car.
These experiences have evidently been instrumental in solidifying his ambition to transition fully into single-seater racing, fueling his desire to chase new heights in motorsport.
While Kalle Rovanpera confirms WRC exit, Toyota is yet to announce who will replace him next year but it already seems certain that Elfyn Evans, Takamoto Katsuta and Sami Pajari will remain for 2026 season.
Meanwhile, Sebastien Ogier has not revealed if he will be racing part-time which logically places 2025 WRC2 champion Oliver Solberg as the frontrunner to replace Rovanpera.
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