Kalle Rovanperä struggled during testing sessions for the Super Formula in Japan, finishing last in one session and 19th in another, largely due to wet track conditions.
Kalle Rovanperä, a Finnish rally driver who recently transitioned to racing in Super Formula, faced significant challenges during his test runs in Japan. Competing under tough conditions, he finished as the slowest in the first session and placed 19th in the second session among 24 participants. The heavy rain made the track difficult, leading Rovanperä to prioritize safety over speed, as he aimed to gain valuable track experience rather than risk his performance amid the weather hazards.
Despite his lack of pace compared to the front runners, Rovanperä remains optimistic about his performance in dry conditions, stating that they could achieve reasonable speeds under better weather. His approach reflects a cautious mindset, especially after experiencing several accidents during the wet sessions. At just 25, the former two-time world rally champion is adapting to this new motorsport horizon after his remarkable stint in rallying, and this experience in Super Formula is crucial for his development as a driver in this high-speed racing environment.
Rovanperä previously gained experience in single-seater racing during the Formula Regional series in Oceania and now aims to translate that into success in the Super Formula. The insights he is gaining from these tests indicate a learning curve as he adjusts to the distinctions between rally and formula racing. The next steps will be essential for him to gauge his competitiveness within the series as he continues to adapt to the demands of formula racing and the strategies for success in varied conditions.
