Reigning two-time FIA World Rally Champion, Kalle Rovanperä, is set to venture into the world of endurance sportscar racing. He will be making his debut at the highly anticipated Super Taikyu Series Fuji Super TEC 24 Hour Race. This announcement was made by Toyota Motor Corporation Chairman, Akio 'Morizo' Toyoda, during a talk show at the Tokyo Auto Salon. Rovanperä will be joining the Toyota works team ROOKIE Racing and will be driving the #28 Toyota GR86 CNF Concept in the ST-Q class. This exhibition category showcases manufacturer-developed special concept vehicles. Known for his remarkable achievements in the World Rally Championship, Rovanperä became the youngest driver to win a WRC event in 2021 and the youngest World Rally Champion in 2022. After securing his second consecutive title in 2023 at the age of 23, Rovanperä has decided to participate in other forms of motorsport before returning to full-time WRC competition in 2025. This move highlights his versatility and desire to explore new challenges. Last year, Rovanperä made waves when he won a Formula Drift Japan event on his debut in the discipline. For the Fuji 24 Hours, Rovanperä will be behind the wheel of the Toyota GR86 CNF Concept, a modified version of Toyota's lightweight sports coupe. This special vehicle runs on carbon-neutral racing fuel and features a three-cylinder turbocharged engine from the Toyota GR Yaris. Joining Rovanperä in the cockpit will be the team's four full-time drivers, including Toyota works drivers Kazuya Oshima and Sho Tsuboi. Oshima, who also serves as the Team Principal of the #28 car, won the GT500 title in 2019. Tsuboi, on the other hand, is the two-time and defending SUPER GT Series GT500 Champion with TOM'S Racing. Completing the lineup are Eisuke Sasaki, a Toyota Advanced Technical Skills Institute test driver, and Daisuke Toyoda, an experienced Super Taikyu driver and the son of Akio Toyoda. Jari-Matti Latvala, the Team Principal of Toyota Gazoo Racing WRT, will also be joining ROOKIE Racing at the Fuji 24 Hours, alongside Akio Toyoda, in the liquid-hydrogen fuelled #32 Toyota GR Corolla H2 Concept. Latvala has participated in the Fuji 24 Hours for the past two years, adding his expertise and experience to the team. This exciting collaboration between Rovanperä and the Toyota works team ROOKIE Racing promises to be a thrilling event for motorsport enthusiasts. Stay tuned for updates on Rovanperä's endurance sportscar racing debut at the Super Taikyu Series Fuji Super TEC 24 Hour Race.
Kalle Rovanperä's Debut in Endurance Sportscar Racing
Kalle Rovanperä, the two-time FIA World Rally Champion, is set to embark on a new adventure in the world of endurance sportscar racing. This move showcases his versatility and determination to explore new challenges beyond the rally stage.
After achieving remarkable milestones in the World Rally Championship, including becoming the youngest driver to win a WRC event and the youngest World Rally Champion, Rovanperä has decided to temporarily shift his focus to other forms of motorsport. This strategic decision allows him to broaden his skills and experiences before returning to full-time WRC competition in the future.
One of the most significant milestones in Rovanperä's motorsport journey is his upcoming debut at the Super Taikyu Series Fuji Super TEC 24 Hour Race. This endurance race will test his abilities and provide an opportunity to showcase his talent in a different racing discipline.
Toyota Works Team ROOKIE Racing
Discover the collaboration between Kalle Rovanperä and the Toyota works team ROOKIE Racing for the Fuji Super TEC 24 Hour Race.
Kalle Rovanperä will be joining forces with the prestigious Toyota works team ROOKIE Racing for his debut in endurance sportscar racing. This collaboration brings together Rovanperä's exceptional driving skills and the expertise of the Toyota team, creating a formidable combination.
Driving the #28 Toyota GR86 CNF Concept in the ST-Q class, Rovanperä will be part of an exhibition category that showcases manufacturer-developed special concept vehicles. This provides an exciting platform for Rovanperä to demonstrate his adaptability and prowess behind the wheel.
Teaming up with Toyota works drivers Kazuya Oshima and Sho Tsuboi, Rovanperä will have the opportunity to learn from their extensive experience and tap into their knowledge of endurance racing. This collaboration not only enhances Rovanperä's racing skills but also strengthens the overall performance of the team.
The Toyota GR86 CNF Concept: A Carbon-Neutral Racing Machine
Explore the features of the Toyota GR86 CNF Concept, the car that Kalle Rovanperä will be driving at the Fuji Super TEC 24 Hour Race.
The Toyota GR86 CNF Concept is a modified version of Toyota's lightweight sports coupe, designed specifically for endurance racing. What sets this car apart is its use of carbon-neutral racing fuel, aligning with Toyota's commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility.
Under the hood, the GR86 CNF Concept is powered by a three-cylinder turbocharged engine sourced from the Toyota GR Yaris. This engine delivers impressive performance while maintaining fuel efficiency, showcasing the technological advancements and engineering prowess of Toyota.
With Rovanperä behind the wheel of the Toyota GR86 CNF Concept, the team aims to demonstrate the capabilities of this innovative racing machine and its potential to excel in endurance racing events.
A Stellar Lineup of Drivers
Get to know the talented drivers who will be sharing the cockpit with Kalle Rovanperä at the Fuji Super TEC 24 Hour Race.
Kalle Rovanperä will be joined by a stellar lineup of drivers at the Fuji Super TEC 24 Hour Race. This includes Toyota works drivers Kazuya Oshima and Sho Tsuboi, who bring a wealth of experience and success in the world of motorsport.
Kazuya Oshima:
Kazuya Oshima, the Team Principal of the #28 car, is not only an accomplished Toyota works driver but also the winner of the GT500 title in 2019. His expertise and leadership will be invaluable in guiding the team towards success.
Sho Tsuboi:
Sho Tsuboi, a two-time and defending SUPER GT Series GT500 Champion with TOM'S Racing, is known for his exceptional driving skills and consistency on the track. His presence in the team adds another layer of strength and competitiveness.
Completing the lineup are Eisuke Sasaki, a Toyota Advanced Technical Skills Institute test driver who played a crucial role in developing the current GR86 road car, and Daisuke Toyoda, an experienced Super Taikyu driver and the son of Akio Toyoda. Together, this talented group of drivers forms a cohesive team ready to take on the challenges of the Fuji Super TEC 24 Hour Race.
Jari-Matti Latvala and Akio Toyoda: A Powerful Duo
Joining Kalle Rovanperä and the ROOKIE Racing team at the Fuji Super TEC 24 Hour Race is Jari-Matti Latvala, the Team Principal of Toyota Gazoo Racing WRT. Latvala brings with him a wealth of experience and knowledge gained from his extensive motorsport career.
Latvala will be driving alongside Akio Toyoda, the Chairman of Toyota Motor Corporation, in the #32 Toyota GR Corolla H2 Concept. This unique car runs on liquid-hydrogen fuel, showcasing Toyota's commitment to exploring alternative energy sources and pushing the boundaries of innovation.
The collaboration between Latvala and Toyoda adds an exciting dynamic to the team, combining their passion for motorsport and their shared vision for the future of racing. Their presence at the Fuji Super TEC 24 Hour Race further elevates the event's significance and highlights the commitment of Toyota to pushing the limits of performance and sustainability.
An Exciting Debut to Look Forward To
Stay tuned for updates on Kalle Rovanperä's debut in endurance sportscar racing at the Super Taikyu Series Fuji Super TEC 24 Hour Race.
The Super Taikyu Series Fuji Super TEC 24 Hour Race promises to be an exhilarating event for motorsport enthusiasts, with Kalle Rovanperä making his debut in endurance sportscar racing. This highly anticipated race will test Rovanperä's skills and provide a platform for him to showcase his talent in a new racing discipline.
Stay tuned for updates on Rovanperä's performance and the overall progress of the ROOKIE Racing team as they navigate the challenges of the race. This exciting debut marks a significant milestone in Rovanperä's motorsport journey and sets the stage for future successes in the world of endurance racing.