Rovanperä was already known to be leaving the rally special stages after last weekend’s Rally Saudi Arabia, as he is instead moving to Japan’s Super Formula series with the ultimate goal of one day rising all the way to Formula One.
Already in October, however, there were rumours that Rovanperä’s single-seater career might begin earlier than stated, in New Zealand – and that is indeed what will happen. Rovanperä revealed that he will contest a four-round mini-series in January and February before the start of the Japanese Super Formula season.
“New chapter starts here! I will be starting my single seater journey in January with Hiteck Grand Prix in the New Zealand’s Castrol Toyota Formula Regional Oceania Trophy. The 2026 championship will race over four consecutive weekends with two rounds in New Zealand’s North Island and two in the South Island,” Rovanperä writes.
“The upcoming years will be the biggest challenge I have faced so far. I will be stepping into the unknown and very far from my comfort zone which has been rallying for so long. But that’s also why I wanted to make this change. I want to learn new things, push my limits and I’m ready to give my all for this project!”
From the New Zealand single-seater series, Rovanperä can collect Super Licence points for his F1 dream, as well as gain experience before the start of Japan’s Super Formula season. The series begins as early as 9–11 January at the Hampton Downs circuit, meaning Rovanperä’s winter holiday will not be a long one.
In Japan’s Super Formula series, Rovanperä has 12 rounds on his programme. The next step in the Finn’s plan is the F2 series, which serves as a springboard to Formula One.
