In a statement released by Toyota on Monday, double world rally champion Kalle Rovanpera announced that he will be taking a break next season after reaching a multi-year agreement with the Japanese manufacturer. The 25-year-old Finnish driver became the youngest world champion at the age of 22 and won his second consecutive crown this season.
Rovanpera expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to drive for Toyota and stated that he has been driving rally cars for 15 years. He explained that the previous seasons have been demanding both mentally and physically and that it is time for him to take a break to recharge and come back stronger than ever. During his break, Rovanpera plans to explore other forms of motorsport, including drifting.
Sebastien Ogier, an eight-time world champion from France, will also continue part-time with Toyota in 2024. The full-time drivers for the upcoming season are Welshman Elfyn Evans and Japan’s Takamoto Katsuta. Evans has been a runner-up three times in the last four years and is eager to build on his progress and be even better in the next season.
According to a report by Alan Baldwin in London, edited by Ken Ferris, Toyota is excited about its lineup for 2024 and believes that its drivers have what it takes to compete at the highest level in rallying.