Two-time World Rally Champion Kalle Rovanperä will pause his Super Formula effort on health grounds
Kalle Rovanperä is stepping back from his Super Formula program due to a worsening medical issue.
The 25-year-old Finn departed rallying bound for a full-time assault on circuit racing at the end of last season. Those plans have now been put on hold while following a decision made by Rovanperä, Toyota Gazoo Racing and his partners.
The two-time world champion’s first foray into Super Formula came at last year’s post-season series test, when he was forced out after suffering an inner-ear balance problem caused by Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo.
He returned to racing for the New Zealand-based Formula Regional Oceania Trophy series earlier this year. After demonstrating improving pace and a maiden podium with Hitech, illness forced him out of the fourth and final race weekend at the end of January.
Rovanperä, who completed last month’s pre-season Super Formula test in Suzuka in 24th position, delivered his decision to pause his program via his social media channels on Saturday.
Rovanperä signed off from the World Rally Championship in Saudi Arabia last year
His statement read: “I have difficult news to share I will be stepping back from the upcoming races and my participation in this year’s Super Formula season.
“I’ve been working with medical issues for already a longer period, which have gotten worse this year. My health doesn’t allow me to continue safely at the moment. Now my first priority is to fix that.
“Feedback and progress this year shows that there’s good potential in this project.
“My chapter in circuit racing isn’t finished.
“I’m more than sorry for those who hoped to see me on track. I’m looking forward to see you all soon as possible!
Toyoda's commitment to Rovanperä and his circuit racing ambitions is unwavering
“I’m grateful to Morizo (Toyota chairman Akio Toyoda), TGR and my partners for their care and for standing by me, and I’ll keep working hard to come back stronger. Thank you for your understanding and your continued support.”
Toyoda issued his own statement, to confirm Toyota’s complete commitment to Rovanperä’s racing project as well as an understanding of his health concerns.
Toyoda statement reads: “I would like to share some difficult news: Kalle Rovanperä will be stepping back from the upcoming races,”
“He 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.
“Yet 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.
As Morizo, I will continue to stay by his side — not only as a fellow driver, but as a team-mate who believes in him with all my heart. Akio Toyoda - Morizo
“As 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’s Super Formula season.
“To 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.
“But please believe this: his circuit racing challenge is far from over. His love for cars and his drive to become faster will not fade.
“As Morizo, I will continue to stay by his side — 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.”
Words:David Evans
Tags: Akio Toyoda, Kalle Rovanperä, Morizo, Super Formula
Publish Date March 21, 2026 DirtFish 
https://dirtfish-editorial.s3-accelerate.amazonaws.com/2025/11/toLYzCKl-rovanpera-780x439.png March 21, 2026
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Context:
Two-time rally champion Rovanperä pauses Super Formula due to worsening inner-ear balance issues affecting safety.
Context:
Health problems in high-speed motorsport can end careers, making early intervention crucial for long-term racing futures
Context:
Rovanperä previously won back-to-back WRC titles in 2022-2023 before switching to circuit racing this year.
