Kalle Rovanperä, the 25-year-old double world champion rally driver, has transitioned to full-time circuit racing this season with support from the Japanese manufacturer Toyota. Having competed in the Oceania Formula series earlier this year as a preparation for the upcoming Super Formula season starting in Japan this spring, Rovanperä secured a noteworthy third-place finish in a rain-affected race, which might have exceeded expectations for his initial performances in this new discipline.

Former co-driver Jonne Halttunen praises Rovanperä's start to the season, noting that achieving a podium finish was more than was anticipated at this stage. Halttunen, however, urges patience as fans follow Rovanperä's adjustment to a new racing style. He draws an analogy to the challenges of converting a proficient runner into a successful skier, emphasizing that Rovanperä's background is rooted in rally racing while his competitors in circuit racing have been training in that discipline from a young age.

The early reactions to Rovanperä's performance signal a mix of optimism and reality check regarding his transition from rallying to circuit racing. While a podium finish augurs well for the future, the competitive landscape in circuit racing presents unique challenges that Rovanperä will need to navigate as he adapts to his new environment, making his upcoming races crucial for establishing his credibility in this different arena of motorsport.