World Rally convert Kalle Rovanpera has been forced to suspend his fledgling open-wheel career on medical advice.
Rovanpera set a string of ‘youngest ever’ records in the World Rally Championship, winning the 2022 and 2023 titles, and last October announced his retirement from the scene in order to pursuit a circuit career, supported by long-term backers Toyota.
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Rovanpera, 25, tested Formula 2 machinery, and committed to a campaign in the Japan-based Super Formula category, having outlined that his ambition was to eventually reach Formula 1.
The Finn contested the Formula Regional Oceania Trophy during the winter months, scoring a podium in wet conditions, but had to withdraw from a Super Formula test due to suffering from vertigo.
His condition has not improved and Toyota has made the decision to hit pause on his career.
“He has poured his heart into challenging himself in formula cars, driven by a deep and unwavering desire to grow,” said Toyota Chairman Akio Toyoda in a statement. “Every time he got on track in private tests, his speed was clear to see. I watched him push harder, find something new within himself, and trim his lap times again and again.
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“Yet despite that passion and progress, his body was struggling to keep up. After receiving a medical evaluation, we reached the painful conclusion that continuing to compete would not be the right choice for him. I asked myself what it truly means to let him chase speed, and what it means to protect someone you believe in.
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“In the end, balancing those responsibilities led me to pause his participation in this year’s Super Formula season. To everyone involved, and to all the fans who have supported him with such warmth, I am truly sorry that we could not meet your hopes.
“But please believe this: his circuit racing challenge is far from over. His love for cars and his drive to become faster will not fade.”
Rovanpera added that “I’ve been working with medical issues for already a longer period, which have gotten worse this year. My health doesn’t allow me to continue safely at the moment. Now my first priority is to fix that.
“Feedback and progress this year shows that there’s good potential in this project. My chapter in circuit racing isn’t finished.”