Toyota Presents Rovanperä with Two Options for a Grand Return to Motorsport

Automotive giant Toyota and Gazoo Racing are reportedly offering two programs for Kalle Rovanperä for the 2027 season, according to anonymous company sources. The two-time World Rally Champion recently visited his former teammates before the start of Rally Estonia, reiterating that doctors have confirmed he is fit to compete again.

Due to Kalle's serious illness earlier this year, the Finn withdrew from his Super Formula Japan program. It is believed that Toyota now considers Rovanperä's prospects in single-seater formulas to be limited, and therefore not worth the time and resources.

Toyota's top boss, Akio Toyoda, has already stated that Kalle remains a company driver, and these new proposals now give that statement concrete form.

Naturally, one of the programs Toyota is offering Rovanperä is a return to the World Rally Championship in 2027. This is a logical step given his past successes and the anticipated retirement of Sébastien Ogier. Next year, the WRC will introduce new technical regulations, making any experienced and fast driver crucial for teams in the championship.

The other option for Kalle is the World Endurance Championship (WEC). However, this path is more complex. Toyota already boasts strong and balanced crews in the Hypercar category. This means that if Kalle wishes to compete in this championship, he would likely need to join Lexus's GT3 program. Years ago, Ogier made a similar move, testing Toyota's LMP1 prototype and competing for half a season in the LMP2 class with Rebellion, but ultimately abandoned his dream of winning Le Mans.