World Rally Champion Kalle Rovanperä Leaves WRC: The Goal – Formula 1.

Kalle Rovanperä Leaves Rally for Formula 1

According to The Sun: Kalle Rovanperä, a two-time world rally champion, shocked everyone by announcing his intention to switch to single-seater cars and take the first steps towards Formula 1.

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The 25-year-old driver, son of the 2001 Rally Sweden winner and long-time WRC driver Harri Rovanperä, plans to start a new chapter in his career in the Japanese Super Formula next year after six years in the WRC.

Toyota, his current employer, is supporting this bold move aimed at achieving 'the highest levels of track racing.'

“This decision wasn't easy, but I have been thinking about it for a while. Having already achieved so much in rallying at such a young age, I started to wonder what other opportunities there are and what challenges I want to tackle.”

Rovanperä became the youngest driver to finish on the podium, as well as the youngest winner and world champion in the WRC, achieving all of these successes before turning 22.

Last year he debuted in circuit racing, competing in the Porsche Carrera Cup Benelux and Italy, winning three races in the Benelux series.

In the future, Rovanperä plans to move to Formula 2, which is a starting platform for Formula 1, after participating in Super Formula.

“Time is running out, but it is still on my side, so the decision had to be made now.”

Rovanperä, who also represents Red Bull, remains in the fight for his third rally championship title, trailing just 21 points behind championship leader Sébastien Ogier.

Among Formula 1 drivers, there are several who have transitioned from rallying, including former champions Kimi Räikkönen, Robert Kubica, and ex-teammate of Lewis Hamilton Heikki Kovalainen.

Rovanperä's move to Formula 1 marks a significant milestone in his career, as after a successful stint in the WRC, he seeks new challenges in a different format of motorsport. Potentially, his transition could pave the way for new achievements and draw attention to the promising career of the young driver, while also raising questions about the future paths of athletes in professional motorsport.