Toyota has announced the "painful" news that following a "medical evaluation", a decison has been made for Kalle Rovanperä to withdraw from the Super Formula season.
In a remarkable feat, the two-time world rally champion swapped rallying for single seaters in 2026 with Toyota, embarking on a campaign in Japan's Super Formula series.
However, following a medical check, the Finn has been forced to pause his time in single seaters due to his body "struggling to keep up".
As a result, he has been replaced for the Super Formula season-opener in Motegi.
Rovanperä shared a statement on social media, which read: "Hey everyone. I have difficult news to share. I will be stepping back from the upcoming races and my participation in this year’s Super Formula season.
"I’ve been working with medical issues for already a longer period, which have gotten worse this year. My health doesn’t allow me to continue safely at the moment. Now my first priority is to fix that.
"Feedback and progress this year shows that there’s good potential in this project. My chapter in circuit racing isn’t finished. I’m more than sorry for those who hoped to see me on track. I’m looking forward to see you all soon as possible!
"I’m grateful to Morizo, TGR and my partners for their care and for standing by me, and I’ll keep working hard to come back stronger. Thank you for your understanding and your continued support."
His preparation for Super Formula saw him compete in the Formula Regional Oceania Trophy during the winter, but as for his time in single seaters, it appears to have come to a possible compete end.
A statement from Toyota chairman Akio Toyoda (Morizo) said: "I would like to share some difficult news: Kalle Rovanperä will be stepping back from the upcoming races.
"He has poured his heart into challenging himself in formula cars, driven by a deep and unwavering desire to grow. Every time he got on track in private tests, his speed was clear to see. I watched him push harder, find something new within himself, and trim his lap times again and again.
"Yet despite that passion and progress, his body was struggling to keep up. After receiving a medical evaluation, we reached the painful conclusion that continuing to compete would not be the right choice for him.
"As Morizo, this decision weighed heavily on me. I asked myself what it truly means to let him chase speed, and what it means to protect someone you believe in. In the end, balancing those responsibilities led me to pause his participation in this year’s Super Formula season.
"To everyone involved, and to all the fans who have supported him with such warmth, I am truly sorry that we could not meet your hopes. But please believe this: his circuit racing challenge is far from over. His love for cars and his drive to become faster will not fade.
"As Morizo, I will continue to stay by his side — not only as a fellow driver, but as a teammate who believes in him with all my heart.
"Thank you for your continued and heartfelt support."
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