Rovanperä claimed his second consecutive championship in the 2023 season. At the end of that year, he revealed his desire to take a more relaxed approach in 2024, competing in only half of the WRC events.
Sticking to his plan, Rovanperä ultimately participated in seven WRC rallies this year, aiming to recharge and return to the stages with even greater intensity in 2025.
Toyota team principal Jari-Matti Latvala has full confidence that Rovanperä’s motivation is now at its peak.
“I’m absolutely certain that when Kalle comes back, he’ll want to compete for wins and the championship. I don’t doubt it for a second,” Latvala told RallyJournal.com.
Speculation about Rovanperä’s future in the WRC has been ongoing, with some suggesting that his rally career could wrap up sooner rather than later. Latvala shared his own thoughts about Rovanperä’s post-2025 plans.
“This year, Kalle has been able to try circuit racing and other different things, and he clearly enjoys it. I can’t say what will happen in 2026, but what I can say – and I see it in Kalle – is that he probably won’t be driving in the WRC until he’s 30,” Latvala stated.
Rovanperä is currently 24 years old.
“I’ve always had a huge passion for rallying, whereas Kalle’s passion lies in competing and driving—but not exclusively in rallying. He wants to try different things and enjoys them. He could drive a Le Mans car, a circuit racer, or even a Formula car. He gets a thrill from any kind of race car,” Latvala explained.
