The preparation tests for the 2026 season began on Wednesday at the iconic Suzuka circuit. Rovanperä took part in the morning session, but he had to skip the afternoon running.
Local media reported that Rovanperä had felt unwell, which prevented him from driving later in the day. Now the Finn has shared more details on social media.
Rovanperä had unpleasant news to report, as he will miss both the Thursday and Friday test days.
“During the midday break I got symptoms of benign paroxysmal positional vertigo, which affects balance and vision through the inner ear. I was given a driving ban for the week by the doctor,” Rovanperä said.
In the morning session, Rovanperä managed 32 laps in the Super Formula car. The Finn was not yet up to speed, finishing just over seven seconds off the pace of the session’s fastest time.
“I’m really disappointed as we didn’t have the chance to do any proper driving other than our aero test this morning,” he said.
“Bad luck to have this in our first outing. Now it’s time to heal up, and I can only wait for the next opportunity.”
Before the season begins in April, there will be one more Super Formula test. Rovanperä should, however, return to action already in January when he takes part in the Formula Regional Oceania series in New Zealand.
Rovanperä stepped away from the World Rally Championship after the 2025 season. Next year he will race in Japan’s Super Formula, but his aim for 2027 is to compete in Formula 2 and eventually work his way towards Formula One.
