Rovanpera halts road to F1 amid health concerns

(GMM) Takamoto Katsuta has defended close friend Kalle Rovanpera (pictured) after speculation emerged about the reasons behind the Finn’s sudden withdrawal from his Super Formula season.

Rovanpera this week confirmed he is stepping back from his fledgling road to F1 due to a worsening medical condition, understood to be a form of dizziness syndrome linked to an inner-ear issue.

However, some reports suggested the decision may be related to performance or the sheer physical demands of single-seater racing.

Katsuta, a long-time rallying teammate and close friend of Rovenpera, has strongly rejected that narrative.

“With this kind of story, all sorts of speculation comes up, but it’s not for reasons like his body not suiting formula (racing) or lacking muscle strength or anything like that,” he wrote on social media.

“As stated in Kalle’s own release, it’s the current situation where a chronic illness he’s had since long ago has unfortunately worsened at this exact timing.”

The Toyota WRC driver said the situation is particularly frustrating for 25-year-old Kalle.

“He must be the most frustrated about it,” Katsuta said.

“And I, who’s been the closest one watching this challenge, feel exactly the same way.”

Katsuta insisted Rovanpera had approached his switch to circuit racing with full commitment.

“Of course, he didn’t take racing lightly or anything – he decided to challenge the racing world with tremendous respect, even while sacrificing so many things,” he said.

He also dismissed any doubts about Rovanpera’s ability behind the wheel.

“If you knew about Kalle’s performance in the F2 test or on the simulator, you’d be blown away,” Katsuta added.

“So yeah, I really hate all the speculation and rumors flying around.”

The pair share a close bond that extends beyond motorsport, having spent years together as Toyota teammates and even living near each other in Monaco.

Katsuta made clear he expects Rovanpera to return.

“I believe Kalle will recover properly and come back stronger,” he said.

“For now, I just want him to recover as much as possible.”

March 23, 2026

(GMM) Kalle Rovanpera (pictured) has put his fledgling single-seater career on hold due to ongoing health issues, in a blow to his long-term ambition of reaching Formula 1.

The two-time world rally champion had begun a transition toward circuit racing via Japan’s Super Formula series, openly seen as a potential pathway toward F1.

However, the 25-year-old confirmed on social media that he will not continue in the 2026 season.

“My health doesn’t allow me to continue safely at the moment,” Rovanpera said.

“I’ve been working with medical issues for already a longer period, which have gotten worse this year.

“Now my first priority is to fix that.”

Rovanpera had shown promising speed in testing, with Toyota officials openly backing his development toward higher levels of circuit racing.

“Feedback and progress this year shows that there’s good potential in this project,” he said.

“My chapter in circuit racing isn’t finished.”

The Finn’s program had been strongly supported by Toyota chairman Akio Toyoda, also known by his racing alias “Morizo”, who confirmed the decision was taken following medical advice.

“His body was struggling to keep up,” Toyoda said.

“After receiving a medical evaluation, we reached the painful conclusion that continuing to compete would not be the right choice for him.”

Toyoda admitted the call to stop Rovanpera’s season had been difficult.

“I asked myself what it truly means to let him chase speed, and what it means to protect someone you believe in,” he said.

But he made clear Toyota’s support for the young driver remains unchanged.

“Please believe this – his circuit racing challenge is far from over,” Toyoda added.

“As Morizo, I will continue to stay by his side – not only as a fellow driver, but as a teammate who believes in him with all my heart.”

Rovanpera’s withdrawal is understood to be linked to a dizziness-related condition that has affected him during high-speed circuit running.