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Toyota reveals dramatic reasons behind Kalle Rovanpera’s Super Formula withdrawal amid health concerns

Publisher by Publisher
March 31, 2026
in Motorsports
Reading Time: 3 mins read
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Kalle Rovanperä (FIN) of team TOYOTA GAZOO RACING WRT seen during stop 14 of the World Rally Championship in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia on November 27, 2025. // Jaanus Ree / Red Bull Content Pool // SI202511270564 // Usage for editorial use only //

Shocking Withdrawal: Kalle Rovanpera's Super Formula Dreams Crushed by Health Concerns!

In a stunning turn of events that has sent shockwaves through the motorsport community, Toyota has officially announced the withdrawal of Finnish racing sensation Kalle Rovanpera from the highly competitive Super Formula series this season. This drastic decision comes in the wake of ongoing health issues that have plagued the two-time World Rally Champion, raising questions about his future in single-seater racing.

Announced earlier this month, Rovanpera was initially set to compete with the KCMG team, aiming to establish himself at the pinnacle of single-seater racing. However, a recent medical evaluation revealed that the young driver was not fit to race, prompting this unexpected exit from the series. Rovanpera has been battling Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo, a debilitating inner ear disorder that forced him to forgo most of last December’s critical pre-season testing at Suzuka.

Despite his struggle, Rovanpera managed to participate in the Formula Regional Oceania championship in January and completed Super Formula’s pre-season test at Suzuka in late February. Yet, he finished at the very bottom of the timesheets, a clear indication that he was not at his best. Speaking candidly about this tough decision, Masaya Kaji, Toyota's global motorsport director, revealed that the call to withdraw Rovanpera was heavily influenced by medical advice as well as the compromised nature of his preparations.

“The decision was strongly led by Morizo-san [Toyota chairman Akio Toyoda], who took responsibility for making the call,” Kaji stated. “It was a difficult decision for everyone involved, but ultimately it was made under his leadership with a clear sense of accountability. At this level, there is no sense in taking part in the races without the proper preparation.” Kaji emphasized that the team is committed to ensuring Rovanpera is fully ready, both physically and mentally, before he returns to the track.

When pressed about why the entire season was scrapped instead of just the initial round at Motegi, Kaji elaborated, “We planned many different scenarios, but the biggest problem is that if he is resting, then he can’t prepare himself. For now, we have to respect what the doctors say and give him plenty of time to rest and recover.” This proactive approach highlights the seriousness of Rovanpera’s condition and the team’s commitment to his well-being.

The future remains uncertain for Rovanpera, as Kaji hinted that his return to single-seater competition could manifest either as a second chance in Super Formula or in an alternative category. “There are various possibilities for the next step,” he noted. “We’ll see how things progress and then we will make that decision together at a later stage.”

Rovanpera is not alone in his absence from this year’s Super Formula grid. Former Formula 1 driver Jack Doohan also made headlines by pulling out of a deal with Kondo Racing at the last minute. Initially, he was set to join the Toyota-powered team for the season. However, after experiencing a series of crashes during a post-season test at Suzuka, Doohan opted to redirect his focus back to F1, where he is now a reserve driver for Haas.

Kaji downplayed the significance of Doohan’s crashes, suggesting that his priorities have always leaned towards F1 rather than the Japanese series. “His target was always F1,” Kaji explained. “Becoming a Toyota [works] driver may have been an option for us, but my feeling was that Super Formula was not a major priority for him.”

As the motorsport world watches closely, the ripple effects of Rovanpera and Doohan's decisions are sure to be felt throughout the racing community. With Rovanpera’s future hanging in the balance, fans eagerly await what comes next for this talented driver. Will he make a triumphant return? Only time will tell, but for now, the racing landscape is left in a state of uncertainty and anticipation.

Tags: formula-1-enHaasKalle RovanperäkcmgMotoGPSuper Fórmula
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