Kalle Rovanpera has sparked intense World Rally Championship paddock speculation after being spotted testing Toyota's 2027 WRC test mule in Spain. His appearance behind the wheel of the next-generation rally machine coincided with the dramatic three-way title decider in Sardinia featuring Elfyn Evans, Oliver Solberg, and Sami Pajari.
Questions immediately arose regarding whether the two-time world champion from 2022 and 2023 is gearing up for a full-time comeback to the discipline with the Japanese manufacturer. Following a brief exploratory stint in circuit racing disciplines, the Finnish star appears to have rediscovered his passion for rallying.
Toyota team principal Jari-Matti Latvala openly conceded that ongoing discussions are currently taking place with Rovanpera regarding a potential return to the championship next season. Latvala noted that the driver likely realized the steep learning curve required for single-seater formula racing.
"He has shown now interest for rallying," Latvala told DirtFish. "I think he understood that the racing side, going to the Formula 1, is a bit too big a hill to climb. Of course, there’s different series that he could do, but now he’s been interested in rallying. We are having some discussions with him, but we have to see what the idea is. Is he ready to drive the full championship and so on? So yeah, we have started some discussions."
Toyota has successfully fielded five cars since April's round in the Canary Islands, demonstrating immense operational depth. Even with Sebastien Ogier scaling back his competitive appearances for 2027, securing a definitive slot for Rovanpera within the powerhouse lineup remains a logistical puzzle for team management.
Latvala emphasized that retaining Rovanpera within the Toyota ecosystem is paramount, ensuring the marquee talent does not defect to a direct competitor despite their existing roster of elite young talents.
"We have a great driver line-up but we have to remember that he’s also a world champion with Toyota," Latvala concluded. "And, of course, he’s an important driver, so we wouldn’t want to lose him."
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