Last year, Rovanperä took a short break from rallying, competing in only selected WRC events. During his increased free time, he focused on circuit racing and drifting. The sabbatical did him good, and the Finnish driver has emphasised many times that the break was necessary.
This year, Rovanperä is chasing the third world title of his career – but what about next year? The Finn has a contract for the 2025 season, but the future beyond that remains open. Will Rovanperä continue as a full-time driver in the WRC, compete in selected rallies again, or retire altogether? These are the questions that rally fans are eager to have answered, but Rovanperä remained tight-lipped about his future when RallyJournal.com asked him about it during Rally Sardinia.
When will you start thinking about next year?
“I don’t know yet. Once we start discussing it with the team.”
There haven’t been any talks yet?
“Nothing major so far.”
What is the team’s stance then? Surely Toyota would like to see Rovanperä doing a full season again next year.
From team principal Jari-Matti Latvala’s comments, it seems that some feelers have already been put out regarding Rovanperä’s wishes.
“Well, it depends a bit on what he wants to do in the future. He hasn’t fully expressed what he wants to do yet. We still have to wait a little,” Latvala commented.
Rovanperä’s decision will likely also be influenced by what Hyundai plans for next year. If competition in the WRC becomes even thinner, committing to a full calendar and racing solely against his own teammates might feel artificial. Next season will be the final one under the current technical regulations in the World Rally Championship, as a major reform is set for 2027. The FIA outlined the key changes earlier this week.
In 2027, manufacturers will have greater freedom to design their rally cars, both in terms of body and powertrain. The cost of the new generation of rally cars will also drop significantly. The price cap for 2027 has been set at €345,000, compared to nearly one million euros for the current Rally1 cars.
Read more: Major reform expected for the World Rally Championship
The WRC season continues in Greece on the last weekend of June. Rovanperä has celebrated victory in Greece twice during his career. In the championship standings, Rovanperä currently sits third, behind his teammates Sébastien Ogier and Elfyn Evans. He trails championship leader Evans by 20 points.
