Formula 2 to WRC - Rovanpera’s unusual build up to Rally Japan

It is not every day a driver goes from piloting a Formula 2 car one minute to driving a World Rally Championship car the next. But that is the situation playing out for WRC title contender Kalle Rovanpera.

The two-time world rally champion heads into this weekend’s Rally Japan after spending two days testing a Formula 2 car in Spain as the Finn prepares to make the switch to single-seater racing next year, with the ultimate goal of racing in Formula 1.

Rovanpera will begin his switch to circuit racing by competing in Japan’s Super Formula series next year, and hopes to then graduate to Formula 2 in 2027. To prepare for the huge transition, Rovanpera climbed aboard a Hitech Grand Prix F2 car for some valuable seat time.

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The 25-year-old’s only previous single-seater experience arrived last year when he tested Formula 4 and Formula Renault 3.5 machinery, before driving a Red Bull RB8 F1 car at the Red Bull Ring.

“First F2 test done. Happy with the test days. Driving is physically quite tough as we knew. There are a lot of G-forces which are hard to replicate and will take some time to get used to, so I’m happy I managed to get this seat and can’t wait for more," said Rovanpera.

While preparations for his 2026 plans are in full swing, Rovanpera remains firmly in the hunt to end his WRC career as a three-time world champion. Rovanpera claimed an impressive third win of the season at the Central European Rally last month to close the gap to championship leader and Toyota team-mate Elfyn Evans to 13 points, with two rounds remaining.

Japan however hasn’t proved to be happy hunting ground for Rovanpera scoring best result of third in 2023, but after taking victory in Germany, the hunger for another world title remains stronger than ever.

“For sure [we are super hungry], when you get closer and closer you get hungrier for the title,” said Rovanpera.

“The rally itself is a tricky one. There are a few wider and faster sections which are really enjoyable, and a lot of narrow and more technical roads which have maybe not suited me so well in the past.

“At the moment though I have a really good feeling with this car and tyre on asphalt, so let’s see what we can do this time. The championship is close and I hope that we can keep pushing hard and score another good result.”

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