From conquering the icy roads of the WRC to the scorching tarmac of Dubai Autodrome, two-time World Rally Champion Kalle Rovanperä is taking his talent to new heights. The Finnish rallying superstar is set to make his 24-hour endurance racing debut at the prestigious 24h Dubai event, driving a Huber Racing Porsche 911 GT3R.
This marks a thrilling evolution for the 24-year-old, who dominated select rounds of the Porsche Carrera Cup in 2024. Now, he steps up to the GT3 category with one of the most competitive grids of the season, featuring 84 cars at the January 11–12 event.
“I’m really excited to race for the first time with a GT3 car,” said Rovanperä. “There are new things to learn, like sharing a car with other drivers, but I’m confident we’ll find speed and performance together with Huber Racing. The 24-hour race gives us a lot of track time.”
From Rally to GT3
Rovanperä, known for his icy calm under high-stakes rally conditions, is no stranger to adapting across motorsport disciplines. In 2024, he showcased his versatility by winning three Porsche Carrera Cup races, proving he’s as quick on circuits as he is on gravel and snow. The Porsche 911 GT3R he’ll pilot in Dubai offers another step up:
- Engine: 4.2-liter flat-six producing 565bhp, 55 more horsepower than the Carrera Cup car.
- Upgrades: Improved aerodynamics and reduced weight, making it a formidable machine for endurance racing.
Rovanperä will share driving duties with Finnish compatriots Jukka Honkavuori and Jani Käkelä, as well as experienced racers Mark Wallenwein and Joel Monegro.
Huber Racing Welcomes a World Champion
The addition of a two-time WRC champion to Huber Racing’s lineup has thrilled team owner Christoph Huber.
“Having a driver like Kalle join us is amazing. He’s shown incredible versatility and delivered impressive results in his first Porsche Carrera Cup season. I’m eager to see how he transitions to GT3 and how we can support him in this new challenge,” Huber said.
The Dubai 24-hour race isn’t just another endurance test; it’s a proving ground for some of the world’s finest drivers and machines. For Rovanperä, it’s also an invaluable opportunity to sharpen his on-track skills before returning to the WRC calendar for the Monte Carlo Rally just a week later.
A Season of Versatility
Rovanperä’s diverse motorsport pursuits this year highlight his drive to expand his horizons:
- Single-Seater Stint: Piloted Red Bull Racing’s RB8 Formula 1 car in a demonstration.
- Historic Rally: Thrilled fans in Jason Black’s 380bhp Toyota Starlet in the Killarney Historic Rally.
Now, the 24h Dubai presents another frontier for the Finnish phenom, who’s rapidly establishing himself as one of motorsport’s most adaptable talents.
What to Watch For
Can Kalle Rovanperä translate his rallying prowess into a winning debut in endurance racing? With his mix of raw speed, adaptability, and the support of a strong team like Huber Racing, expectations are high. Whether he secures a podium or simply learns the ropes, Rovanperä’s foray into GT3 is another chapter in his extraordinary motorsport journey.
