Kalle Rovanpera may have tested a Toyota in the United States this autumn, fueling speculation of a WRC comeback for the two-time world champion. However, his single-seater dream appears to have been derailed by health issues, and a return to formula racing no longer seems likely.
Latvala: Rovanpera Positive and Enjoying the Process
Toyota team principal Jari-Matti Latvala commented on the rumors to Rallit.fi in Sardinia on Thursday. "At least I have been left with the impression that Kalle has been positive and has enjoyed it. I believe he is keen to drive. Circuit racing isn't easy when he has to start from scratch, and it would require some big steps forward," Latvala said.
Latvala added that in rallying, Rovanpera has already done that work and knows he has the pace. "After Kalle's circuit racing experience, my feeling is that rallying would be the more interesting option for him. However, no decisions have been made. We'll see how things develop."
Rovanpera's Options and Circuit Racing Challenges
Rovanpera naturally has plenty of options and could continue racing on circuits in tin-tops if he wishes. The Finn has previously tried his hand in the Porsche Cup. Latvala does not believe Rovanpera will return to single-seaters. "The amount of work required would be enormous. You have to remember the karters who start so young and invest a huge amount in it. It could be too great a challenge, but as I said, there are of course other circuit racing series," Latvala explained.
"There is still a question mark that Kalle will surely be considering himself: whether it would be a big enough challenge compared with rallying. We just have to wait and see what Kalle thinks."
Ott Tanak Also in Contention
Another former champion, Ott Tanak, is also strongly in contention for a place in the Toyota team. Tanak has also competed for Toyota in a US rally series this autumn. If Tanak and Rovanpera both returned to Toyota, Latvala would have quite a dream team on his hands. "Kalle has had more free time and we asked him to test the car. But you have to remember that he is a two-time world champion and has a great deal of knowledge of Rally2 cars, which the new cars are based on. The situation was the same with Ott. We wanted some feedback on the car and we have now received it from several different drivers. But Tanak is also interested in driving when we look ahead to next year. Everything is still open with him as well, and no decisions have been made," Latvala said.
Title Fight in Sardinia
Latvala will watch his drivers' title fight from the sidelines in Sardinia this weekend. Elfyn Evans heads into the season finale with a 17-point lead over Sami Pajari. Oliver Solberg, meanwhile, is four points behind Pajari. "Elfyn has the most experience of these situations, so in my opinion he has the ability to handle the pressure. On the other hand, Elfyn is the first car on the road, so it is certain to be very slippery. It is by no means an easy position to be in," Latvala said. "Sami and Oliver, meanwhile, have to take a few more risks because they need to fight at the front of the rally. Elfyn can play it a little safer."
With all this speculation, the futures of Rovanpera and Tanak remain big question marks. Latvala himself admits no decisions have been made, and everything will depend on developments in the coming months.
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