Toyota explains reasons behind Rovanpera’s Super Formula withdrawal

Motorsport photo Toyota has shed further light on the decision to withdraw Kalle Rovanpera from Super Formula this season amid ongoing medical issues for the two-time World Rally champion. It was announced earlier this month that Rovanpera will not participate in the Japanese series for the KCMG team as originally planned , as part of a bid to reach the highest level of single-seater racing, following a recent medical evaluation. The Finnish driver’s preparations for Super Formula were disrupted by the onset of Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo, a disorder of the inner ear, that forced him to miss most of last December’s pre-season test at Suzuka.

However, he raced in the Formula Regional Oceania championship in January and completed Super Formula’s pre-season test at Suzuka in late February without issues, albeit finishing bottom of the timesheets. Speaking to Motorsport. com ahead of this weekend’s opening round of the season at Motegi, Toyota’s global motorsport director Masaya Kaji said the decision was made not only in light of medical advice but also the compromised nature of Rovanpera’s preparations.

“The decision was strongly led by Morizo-san [Toyota chairman Akio Toyoda], who took responsibility for making the call,” Kaji told Motorsport. com. “It was a difficult decision for everyone involved, but ultimately it was made under his leadership with a clear sense of accountability.

But at this level, there is no sense in taking part in the races without the proper preparation. “Once Kalle is fully prepared, both physically and mentally, then we will take on the next challenge together. It’s true that his preparation time was shorter than ideal this time, but I think he’ll be able to prepare properly for the next chance.