In a surprising twist, Toyota’s World Rally Championship (WRC) title defense will move forward without reigning world champion Kalle Rovanperä, as the Finnish driver will not participate in the season-ending Rally Japan. This decision has raised eyebrows across the motorsport community, especially as the Japanese manufacturer is locked in a fierce battle with Hyundai for the manufacturers’ championship, with just 15 points separating the two.
Toyota team principal Jari-Matti Latvala confirmed the news, explaining that Rovanperä had already completed his season, which was designed to be a part-time schedule focused on balancing personal interests alongside racing. “Kalle is not running in Japan. He had half a season, and that half a season is already done from his side,” Latvala revealed. Despite skipping last week’s Central European Rally, Rovanperä’s 2024 campaign included seven of the 13 rounds, four of which he won, with his last victory coming in Rally Chile.
For Toyota, having Rovanperä absent from their home event presents a significant challenge. Rally Japan, where Toyota scored a dominant 1-2-3 finish last year, is now set to proceed without one of its star drivers, leaving the team to rely on its remaining lineup to defend the manufacturers’ crown. Latvala acknowledged the uphill battle ahead but remained hopeful: “It’s not the easiest job, but we are still in the game.”
Rival Hyundai team principal Cyril Abiteboul expressed surprise at the decision but refrained from detailed comments. “It’s difficult to read the dynamics going on inside the team, so I would not comment on that. I just simply know, obviously, that it makes our life a bit easier,” he remarked.
With Rovanperä stepping away and Toyota facing increased pressure, the final round in Japan promises to be a thrilling showdown for the WRC manufacturers’ title. Toyota will need to pull off a stellar performance in front of its home crowd to overcome Hyundai and secure a fourth consecutive championship.
