Kalle Rovanperä improved significantly - the results list is still harsh reading
Kalle Rovanperä showed notable improvement in his performance during Super Formula testing in Suzuka, but still finished at the bottom of the results list.
During the Super Formula testing at the Suzuka circuit, Finnish driver Kalle Rovanperä registered significant improvement, although he still ended the day in the last position. His best time placed him 2.422 seconds behind the leader, Nirei Fukuzumi. The morning session was particularly tough for Rovanperä, as he fell behind by 3.702 seconds from the top time and was 0.750 seconds slower than the second-to-last driver. However, in the afternoon session, he managed to close the gap considerably, finishing only 0.163 seconds behind the second-to-last position.
Rovanperä completed 27 laps during the afternoon session after managing 22 in the morning, indicating that he is actively working on improving his performance. The Super Formula series is set to kick off in Motegi on April 4-5, and includes 12 races, concluding with the final event in Suzuka on November 22, 2026. This testing round is vital as Rovanperä seeks to regain his competitive edge and adapt quickly to the new series following his success in rallying, where he is a two-time world champion.
The results of the testing sessions provide insight into the challenges Rovanperä faces as he transitions to new racing formats, emphasizing the level of competition he will encounter in the Super Formula series. As the season approaches, his performance in testing may significantly influence team strategies and expectations for the upcoming races, highlighting the importance of continual improvement and adaptation in motorsports.