Rovanperä returns to WRC in 2027 on partial programme, says single-seater plan failed

Kalle Rovanperä will return to the World Rally Championship in 2027, but only for a partial season, with other projects still to be confirmed. The 26-year-old had planned a move into single-seaters after stepping away from rallying at the end of 2025, but illness disrupted that plan.

Rovanperä said that rallying was never part of the plan, so he had "failed" on that front, but he added that he was completely fine with the decision given the health reasons. He described vertigo in high G corners as something he could not control, and said he accepts it and that life gives unexpected turns.

Rovanperä said his quiet 2026 season acted as a great reset, and that he is unlikely to challenge for the title in 2027 given his schedule. He has also tried Toyota's new car for next year, which he expects to be a good machine despite the step down from Rally1.