The 2-time world champion has penned a brand new multi-year cope with Toyota however is set to drive only half the WRC rallies next year alongside co-driver Jonne Halttunen.
The announcement arrives off the again of efficiently defending his world title this yr after changing into the youngest-ever world champion in 2022.
The 23-year-old says the explanation for the choice is to permit him to “recharge his batteries” forward of a return to full-time WRC competitors in 2025. Rovanpera began driving rally automobiles when he was eight and has quickly risen up the decrease classes earlier than becoming a member of the WRC’s prime flight with Toyota in 2020.
Nonetheless, the calls for of the previous couple of years have prompted the decision to cut back his commitments for a season.
“First of all, I’m actually joyful to signal once more for Toyota Gazoo Racing. The previous few years have been actually good and we’ve got been actually profitable so I’m actually joyful to proceed with the workforce,” mentioned Rovanpera.
“Subsequent yr goes to be a bit completely different for me and Jonne as we are going to see a couple of modifications. It’s going to be fascinating as we will likely be driving a half-season with Jonne and there are a couple of causes behind that.
“However the largest purpose in fact is that I’ve been driving in rallies for a actually very long time and I simply felt that now was a very good second to have a little bit of a break to recharge the batteries and have a little bit of time of let’s say to have extra vitality and push for the following coming years.
Picture by: Crimson Bull Content material Pool
Kalle Rovanpera, Jonne Halttunen, Toyota Gazoo Racing WRT Toyota GR Yaris Rally1
“After all, I perceive that plainly we’re actually younger and it hasn’t been so lengthy for us within the WRC class.
“However I’ve been driving a very long time let’s say six or seven full seasons within the smaller classes and when you find yourself younger and more often than not you are rallying it feels rather a lot. I believe it’s a good second to have a little bit of a relaxation from that.
“It takes numerous time and numerous vitality to do these seasons, so that’s undoubtedly the most important purpose. We’re going around the globe all the time and when you find yourself pushing for the championships and for wins on a regular basis, let’s say mentally you’re in competitors mode all through the season, and it takes numerous effort and power to do it.”
Whereas Rovanpera’s WRC schedule is but to be outlined, it’s anticipated that he’ll compete in different motorsport occasions subsequent yr and can proceed taking part in drifting.
“Let’s see what comes subsequent yr and what else I’ll do however I believe all people is aware of I like all types of motorsport,” he added.
“I simply hope we may have some enjoyable occasions to do in drifting and rallying and what else I don’t know but, however I’m positive we are going to drive one thing good.
“The contract is multi-year so for positive it’s only one season of this after which again preventing for the championships full-time.
“It’s going to be undoubtedly a distinct strategy subsequent yr. It’s not absolutely determined which races we are going to do however some races which are actually good and Positive for us. I’m actually trying ahead to be beginning in some good beginning positions on the rallies, so I’m positive we’re going to get pleasure from it.”