![\"Kalle](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/kalle-rovanpera-kids-com-team-.jpg\")
<\/p>\nToyota has announced that Kalle Rovanpera’s plans to compete in this year\u2019s Super Formula Championship have been suspended following advice and medical evaluations.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Last year, Rovanpera announced bold plans to leave the World Rally Championship to pursue a career in single seaters, with the ultimate goal to compete at the highest level.<\/p>\n
In a programme backed by Toyota, Rovanpera\u2019s single seater journey was set to begin with a season in Japan\u2019s Super Formula, driving for the KCMG team. After completing last month\u2019s pre-season Super Formula test at Suzuka, and following advice and medical evaluations, a mutual decision between Toyota and Rovanpera has been made to withdraw from the current season.<\/p>\n
“I have difficult news to share. I will be stepping back from the upcoming races and my participation in this year\u2019s Super Formula season,” Rovanpera said on X (formerly Twitter).<\/p>\n
“I\u2019ve been working with medical issues for already a longer period, which have gotten worse this year.<\/p>\n
“My health doesn\u2019t allow me to continue safely at the moment. Now my first priority is to fix that. Feedback and progress this year shows that there\u2019s good potential in this project. My chapter in circuit racing isn\u2019t finished. I\u2019m more than sorry for those who hoped to see\u00a0me on track.<\/p>\n
“I\u2019m looking forward to see you all soon as possible! I\u2019m grateful to Morizo, TGR and my partners for their care and for standing by me, and I\u2019ll keep working hard to come back stronger. Thank you for your understanding and your continued support.”<\/p>\n
Rovanpera endured a challenging start to his switch to single-seater racing having had to pull out of December\u2019s post-season Super Formula test after suffering from Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo, which affects balance and vision through [the] inner ear.<\/p>\n
However, in January, the 25-year-old stepped up his preparations for the new Super Formula season by competing in New Zealand\u2019s Formula Regional Oceania Trophy with Hitech. The Finn scored five top 10 results, including an impressive first podium at Teretonga Park in race nine, on his way to 16th in the championship, before illness forced the two-time WRC champion to sit out the final meeting at Highlands Motorsport Park.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Kalle Rovanpera, Kids com Team KCMG<\/p>\n
Photo by: Masahide Kamio<\/p>\n
Rovanpera was back behind the wheel in Super Formula\u2019s pre-season test at Suzuka last month, finishing 24th fastest. The Finn did improve his time by over a second through the test.\u00a0 \u00a0<\/p>\n
Toyota has confirmed that Rovanpera maintains a desire to come\u00a0back stronger and continue competing in circuit racing, challenging himself at the highest level, but only when he is ready to do so. Toyota will offer its full support in helping Rovanpera return to the track in the future.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cI would like to share some difficult news: Kalle Rovanper\u00e4 will be stepping back from the upcoming races,\u201d read a statement from Toyota chairman Akio Toyoda (Morizo).<\/p>\n
\u201cHe has poured his heart into challenging himself in formula cars, driven by a deep and unwavering desire to grow. 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.<\/p>\n
\u201cYet 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.<\/p>\n
\u201cAs Morizo, this decision weighed heavily on me. I asked myself what it truly means to let him chase speed, and what it means to protect someone you believe in. In the end, balancing those responsibilities led me to pause his participation in this year\u2019s Super Formula season.<\/p>\n
\u201cTo 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.<\/p>\n
\u201cBut please believe this: his circuit racing challenge is far from over. His love for cars and his drive to become faster will not fade.<\/p>\n
\u201cAs Morizo, I will continue to stay by his side \u2014 not only as a fellow driver, but as a team-mate who believes in him with all my heart. Thank you for your continued and heartfelt support.”<\/p>\n
KCMG\u2019s reserve driver Seita Nonaka will take over the seat vacated by Rovanpera for the opening two races at Motegi from 4-5 April.\u00a0<\/p>\n
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