Alonso 'Curious' About Rovanperä's Bold Single-Seater Switch

Double World Rally Champion Kalle Rovanperä is making a significant career change, moving from rallying to single-seater racing. This unusual shift has caught the attention of two-time F1 world champion Fernando Alonso, who admitted he is "curious" to see how the talented Finn adapts to his new challenge, starting with Japan's Super Formula in 2026.

Why it matters:

• Rovanperä's transition from gravel to asphalt in high-downforce single-seaters is a rare and ambitious move, testing the limits of driver adaptability.
• Fernando Alonso, a motorsport icon known for his versatility across disciplines, is keenly observing Rovanperä's progress, lending significant credibility and interest to the Finn's new venture.
• This move, backed by Toyota Gazoo Racing, could open new pathways for drivers exploring multi-disciplinary careers in motorsport.

The Details:

• Career Shift: Kalle Rovanperä, a two-time World Rally Champion, announced a pause in his rally career to pursue single-seater racing.
• New Series: He is set to join Japan's Super Formula series in 2026, with ambitions to compete in the FIA Formula 2 Championship in 2027.
• Alonso's Perspective: Fernando Alonso expressed his fascination, stating, "[I'm] curious to see how he does. He's an incredibly talented driver. Definitely, he will face some challenges."
• Challenges of Transition: Alonso highlighted the inherent difficulties of moving from rally to single-seaters, noting it's a less common path than the reverse.
• Preparation is Key: Alonso emphasized the importance of preparation, anticipating Rovanperä will undergo extensive simulator training and potentially participate in junior formula races before his Super Formula debut.

What's next:

Alonso's interest underscores the magnitude of Rovanperä's challenge. While a successful transition is far from guaranteed, if Rovanperä can adapt his immense talent for car control and speed to the precision of single-seater racing, he could inspire a new generation of versatile motorsport athletes. The motorsport world, particularly Fernando Alonso, will be closely watching his progress in 2026 and beyond.