Kalle Rovanpera is once again turning heads in the WRC paddock. After a brief foray into circuit racing, the two-time WRC champion is increasingly seen testing rally cars. Yesterday, he took over testing duties of Toyota's car for next season in Spain, a day after Ott Tanak did the same.
Rovanpera's decision to switch to circuit racing was short-lived. He competed in New Zealand and Japan before his season was cut short in late winter due to positional vertigo and other health issues. Now, the Finn's Formula racing dream appears to be taking a back seat. Instead, he is increasingly seen behind the wheel of a rally car, fueling strong rumors of a return to the World Rally Championship.
The rumors gained further momentum after he tested Toyota's WRC27 car in Spain. According to paddock sources cited by RallyJournal.com, Toyota could run as many as six cars in the WRC next season. The official factory team would feature Sami Pajari, Elfyn Evans, and Oliver Solberg. Meanwhile, a second team run by Printsport would include Rovanpera, Ott Tanak, and Takamoto Katsuta.
Printsport is a rally team based in Lievestuore, Laukaa, Central Finland. The team was acquired by Jari-Matti Latvala from Eero Raikkonen earlier this year. This move appears to be part of Toyota's strategy to expand its presence in the WRC and provide opportunities for more talented drivers.
In addition to the two teams, Toyota is also reported to be building WRC27 cars for at least one private team. This demonstrates the Japanese manufacturer's commitment to continuing its dominance in the World Rally Championship. With the potential for six cars, Toyota could become an unstoppable force.
Meanwhile, the final round of this year's WRC season will take place in Sardinia this weekend. Evans leads the championship with a 17-point advantage over Pajari, while Solberg is 21 points adrift. Rovanpera's presence in this test certainly adds intrigue ahead of next season, and rally fans around the world are eagerly awaiting whether the star will truly return to the rally stage.
If the rumor materializes, Rovanpera's return to the WRC would be one of the biggest stories of next season. After all, he has shown brilliant form in winning the world title in 2022 and 2023. His return to rallying would not only benefit Toyota but also enhance the championship's overall appeal.
However, there are still big questions about Rovanpera's health. The positional vertigo he experienced could recur at any time, and that is a risk that must be considered. Nevertheless, this test is a positive signal that he is ready to return to top-level competition.
Baca Juga
Rumor kembalinya Kalle Rovanpera ke WRC semakin kuat setelah ia menguji mobil Toyota WRC27 di Spanyol. Simak analisis dan dampaknya bagi persaingan musim depan.
Bos Hyundai, Cyril Abiteboul, 100% yakin timnya bisa menantang Toyota di Rally Sardinia 2025. Simak prediksi dan persiapan Hyundai jelang penentuan gelar WRC.
Oliver Solberg siap all-out di Rally Sardinia meski tertinggal 21 poin dari Elfyn Evans. Peluang juara WRC 2025 masih terbuka.
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