Two-time World Rally Champion Kalle Rovanperä is gearing up for his full-time return to the WRC in 2025.
After spending 2024 diversifying his skills on the racetrack, he hopes this experience will significantly impact his performance, especially on tarmac rallies. So, what happened this year for the Finnish prodigy, and why could this off-the-beaten-path adventure change the game?
Read more:
- The end of the greatest F1 driver of all time? His team finally reveals why he fell from undisputed master to 7th in the championship
- The British supercar master unveils a key component of its latest model, 3D-printed using Formula 1 technology adapted for the road
A champion taking the road less traveled
2024 marked a turning point in Rovanperä’s career. Instead of sticking solely to the WRC, he decided to broaden his horizons by competing in the Porsche Carrera Cup Benelux, a renowned circuit racing championship. And he didn’t just participate: with victories at Imola, Red Bull Ring, and Zolder, he finished fourth in the overall standings. But that’s not all—he also raced in the Porsche Carrera Cup Italy and, as the icing on the cake, tested an old Red Bull Formula 1 car at the Red Bull Ring. When asked why he chose to pivot to circuit racing, Rovanperä explained that the experience taught him a lot about himself, both personally and professionally. “I discovered the types of challenges I enjoy tackling and what I truly want to achieve in my career,” he revealed. For him, this unique experience not only made him a more well-rounded driver but could also give him a decisive edge in rallying.
From the track to rally: transferable skills?
Rovanperä believes his adventures on the racetrack will prove useful, particularly for tarmac stages in the WRC. According to him, circuit driving enhanced his precision in clean and controlled conditions, similar to the roads of the Rally Islas Canarias. However, he acknowledges that rallying presents a different challenge when conditions get “dirty,” with gravel or debris covering the racing line. Nevertheless, his return to tarmac rallies in 2024 already showed promising results. At the Rallye National Hivernal du Dévoluy, he finished second behind the wheel of the all-new GR Yaris Rally1, equipped with Hankook tires developed for 2025. This event provided Toyota with valuable data and allowed Rovanperä to test a non-hybrid car, which was lighter and, according to him, “more enjoyable to drive.” This methodical preparation is already paving the way for a strong comeback.
2025: A pivotal year
To kick off 2025 at full throttle, Rovanperä plans to participate in the 24 Hours of Dubai before heading to the iconic Rallye Monte-Carlo in January. This starting lineup reflects his versatility and hunger for new challenges. Could this blend of disciplines give him the tools to master the often unpredictable tarmac rallies? Rovanperä seems more motivated than ever. With intensive testing and meticulous preparation, he is approaching 2025 with a clear vision: to seize every opportunity and cement his status as a WRC legend.
This article explores Kalle Rovanperä’s unconventional journey in 2024 and how his circuit racing experiences could transform his rallying approach. From track victories to technical tests, the Finnish star is gearing up for a spectacular return to the WRC.
Images: © Jaanus Ree – Red Bull Content pool
