KALLE ROVANPERÄ CLEARED TO RETURN TO MOTORSPORT AFTER HEALTH SETBACK

RalliTurk TV
4 days ago
2 min read

Kalle Rovanperä during a Toyota Gazoo Racing event as the two-time world rally champion prepares for a return to motorsport.

TWO-TIME WRC CHAMPION TARGETS COMPETITIVE RACING COMEBACK IN 2027

Two-time FIA World Rally Champion Kalle Rovanperä has been cleared to resume his motorsport career following a recovery period that forced him to postpone plans for a full-time move into Japan’s Super Formula Championship.

The Finnish driver had been preparing for a major career change in 2026, partnering with Toyota for a full-season Super Formula campaign. However, an undisclosed health issue led to his withdrawal from the programme in March.

Rovanperä’s transition to single-seater racing had already faced difficulties after he was forced to miss a post-season Super Formula test in December due to Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV), a condition affecting balance and vision through the inner ear.

Since then, the 25-year-old has focused on rehabilitation while working closely with KHU, Finland’s Institute of High Performance Sport in Jyväskylä. Following recent assessments, he has now been medically cleared to return to driving activities.

Toyota confirmed that Rovanperä has resumed physical training and will begin a phased return to driving, with the long-term objective of returning to competitive racing in 2027.

“Two-time FIA World Rally Champion Kalle Rovanperä is ready to continue chasing his racing dreams in partnership with Toyota Gazoo Racing after making strong progress in his recovery over recent weeks.”

The announcement marks a significant step forward for one of rallying’s biggest stars as he works towards returning to top-level motorsport competition.

KEY POINTS

• Kalle Rovanperä has been medically cleared to resume his motorsport career.

• The Finn withdrew from a planned 2026 Super Formula campaign due to health issues.

• Rovanperä previously suffered from Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV).

• He has been working on recovery with Finland’s Institute of High Performance Sport.

• Toyota confirmed he has resumed physical training.

• A phased return to driving is now planned.

• The target is a competitive racing comeback in 2027.