The two-time World Rally Champion announced on Thursday that he will leave the World Rally Championship after the current season and move to compete in Japan’s Super Formula series.
It’s a huge leap, as Japan’s formula series is extremely competitive and has served as a springboard over the years for many current Formula 1 drivers.
Rovanperä’s co-driver Jonne Halttunen did not take Rovanperä’s decision lightly. After all, he has now practically been left without a job.
Halttunen revealed that his good friend’s decision was initially a real shock to him, but then he managed to see the situation more from Kalle’s own perspective.
“I respect more how brave that lad is,” Halttunen told RallyJournal.
“You basically have everything in life just perfectly, and still you give it up and go off to do something completely new. It’s a damn brave and tough decision,” Halttunen continued.
In Halttunen’s mind, Rovanperä’s tough decision has started to feel better with each passing day.
“It doesn’t feel that bad anymore. Whenever one door closes, another opens,” Halttunen reflected.
Rovanperä and Halttunen won two world titles together in 2022 and 2023. A third is still possible, as Rovanperä remains realistically in the title fight. He is 21 points behind his teammate Sébastien Ogier with three rounds remaining in the season.
