Particle.news
Download on the App Store

Alonso 'Curious' as Rovanperä Sets 2026 Super Formula Move With Toyota Backing

The two-time WRC champion has outlined a step-by-step shift to single-seaters with a December Super Formula test and a January run in Formula Regional Oceania.

Overview

  • Kalle Rovanperä will race in Japan’s Super Formula in 2026 with Toyota Gazoo Racing support and plans to target FIA Formula 2 the following year.
  • Fernando Alonso said he is curious to follow the switch and noted the significant challenges of moving from rallying to high-downforce single-seaters.
  • Max Verstappen called the leap into Super Formula a big jump and said he is very interested to see how the attempt develops.
  • Rovanperä’s preparation includes prior mileage in Red Bull’s 2012 F1 car, an F2 test in October, a Super Formula test in December, and a Formula Regional Oceania campaign in January.
  • The transition from WRC to top-tier single-seaters is exceptionally rare, with no rally driver having successfully reached Formula One through that route.